Thinking about living in Albuquerque? Thanks to its breathtaking mountain landscape, diverse desert architecture, and innovative startup community, ABQ is one of the best places to live in New Mexico. We considered characteristics like low crime rates, affordable housing costs, and overall quality of life to come up with a list of the nicest neighborhoods in Albuquerque. Here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Burque to consider!
Is Albuquerque a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
Though ABQ isn’t particularly known for its low crime rates, the city is still safer than 3% of cities in New Mexico and 1% of cities across the U.S. While Albuquerque’s crime rate is higher than the national average, safety in the city varies by neighborhood—meaning higher crime rates tend to be concentrated in certain areas, such as Downtown Albuquerque. If you’re searching for safe areas in Albuquerque to live in, look to residential neighborhoods further away from the city center—like Bear Canyon, Taylor Ranch, Ventana Ranch, and more!
Bear Canyon
- Home Price: $249,200 median purchase price; $1,012 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 73% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Bear Canyon is an ideal Albuquerque neighborhood for those who want a small, quiet community situated close to everything they need. With affordable apartments, ranch-style houses, and plenty of nearby green space—including the beautiful Arroyo del Oso to the South—this scenic neighborhood is a perfect area to relax. Residents can get active outdoors at Sister Cities Park or visit great restaurants and shops along the intersection of Academy Rd and Wyoming Blvd. If you’re looking for employment, busy commercial spaces like Midway Business Park and Universal Business Park are only about a ten-minute commute away. And with highly-rated Albuquerque schools like Arroyo del Oso Elementary School and Albuquerque Academy nearby, Bear Canyon is a great choice for families!
Things to Do in Bear Canyon
Take a spin on thrill rides like Downdraft and Cliff Hanger or feel the rush on family rides like the Sea Dragon and Rocky Mountain Rapids at Cliff’s Amusement Park. Enjoy free family activities in Albuquerque like having a picnic or taking your kids to the playground at Arroyo del Oso Park. Hike or bike your way along the 5.45-mile Bear Canyon Arroyo Trail. Hit the 27-hole course or check out the President’s Cup Net Championship at Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course. Savor brick-oven cooking with an Italian Sausage, Santa Fe Chicken, or Wild Mushroom Albuquerque pizza from Scarpas. Try ethically raised Black Angus Beef sandwiches like the Bison Burger, Green Chile Cheeseburger, or Ultimate Patty Melt at 5 Star Burgers. Taste delectable Chinese cuisine like Orange Chicken, Chicken Fried Rice, or Xiao Long Bao at Noodle Works. Or order some of the best Indian food in Albuquerque with dishes like Tandoori Chicken, Vegetable Biryani, and Prawns Masala from Naan & Dosa.
Q: Is Santa Fe safer than Albuquerque?
A: No, living in Albuquerque is safer than living in Santa Fe. While the cost of living in Albuquerque is on par with the national average, the cost of living in Santa Fe is 12% higher than the U.S. average. Despite being the larger city with more amenities, ABQ offers lower housing and rental costs compared to Santa Fe—making it a more cost-effective choice for those looking to live in New Mexico.
Huning Castle
- Home Price: $281,800 median purchase price; $848 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located near Downtown Albuquerque and historic Old Town, Huning Castle is one of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque for people of all ages and lifestyles! Residents can choose from a variety of affordable housing options, including apartments, condos, and Spanish Revival-style ranches. Many outdoor recreation spots can be found in and around Huning Castle, particularly parks, beaches, and trails along the Rio Grande River. This safe and affordable ABQ neighborhood also offers families great education options like Manzano Day School, Washington Middle School, and the nearby Siembra Leadership High School. Plus, Huning Castle is highly bikeable, giving residents quick access to downtown amenities and attractions like Albuquerque museums, music venues, restaurants, nightlife, and more.
Things to Do in Huning Castle
Fine-tune your golf game on the putting green and driving range or watch the US Senior Open Qualifier at the members-only Albuquerque Country Club. See everything from polar bears and rhinos to orangutans and flamingos, and check out activities like Komodo Walks or Tortoise Keeper Talks at ABQ BioPark Zoo. Enjoy picnicking outdoors, boating, or fishing in Albuquerque from dawn to dusk at Tingley Beach. Catch live performances by touring artists like Briston Maroney, Bowling for Soup, and As I Lay Dying at The Historic El Rey Theater. Have a cup of ABQ coffee with freshly brewed drinks like The Cure, Red Eye, or Slow Cold from Remedy Coffee. Taste fresh, farm-to-table dishes like the Greek, La Pepita, and Eat Your Peas salads from Vinaigrette. Dig into a Footlong Chili Dog, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or Frito Pie at the popular Dog House Drive-In. Or pull out a chair for some of Albuquerque’s best New Mexican food with a Chile Relleno Plate, Tostado Plate, or Karnitas Plate from Garcia’s Kitchen.
Q: What are the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque?
A: Though many ABQ neighborhoods offer low crime rates, Bear Canyon and Ventana Ranch are known for being some of Albuquerque’s safest neighborhoods. Growing families tend to flock to these areas as they offer safety, an abundance of outdoor activities, and close proximity to schools.
Nob Hill
- Home Price: $315,800 median purchase price; $1,151 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for a lively place to live in Albuquerque? Historic Nob Hill is one of the best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals, thanks to its proximity to The University of New Mexico and wide range of affordable Albuquerque apartments, Southwest-style condos, and Spanish Revival-style townhomes. But budget-friendly housing and education aren’t all Nob Hill offers its residents! Central Avenue is home to upscale shopping, dining, and art galleries, as well as historical sites along popular road trip destination Route 66. The neighborhood also hosts family-friendly events like Route 66 Summerfest—which fills Central Ave with local bands and food trucks—and is along the parade route for Albuquerque PrideFest. Plus, the local organization Nob Hill Main Street is dedicated to helping the community with public safety initiatives, community building, business support like the annual Nob Hill Shop & Stroll, and more!
Things to Do in Nob Hill
Take your dog on a walk and stroll by commemorative statues at the scenic Bataan Memorial Park. Pick up vintage clothing at Avenger’s Vintage or find custom rings, necklaces, and more at Ooh! Aah! Jewelry. Catch indie flicks, cult classics, and documentaries at the oldest-running movie theater in ABQ, the retro-inspired Guild Cinema. Get tickets to live theatrical performances like Gruesome Playground Injuries and Silent Sky at Actors Studio 66. Wake up with some of the best breakfast in Albuquerque by ordering The Elvis, Peach Cobbler, or Fried Banana waffles from Tia B’s La Waffleria. Grab a fresh-brewed Mexican Mocha or Dirty Chai with a homemade Amaretto Truffle from Chocolate Dude. Fill up on vegan food in Albuquerque with plant-based Lucky Burgers, Chick’n Tenders and Fries, and BBQ Chick’n Fries from Lucky Goose. Or order Irish pub classics like Ploughman’s Lunch, Cottage Pie, or Guinness Beef Boxty from Two Fools Tavern.
Q: Where is the most affordable place to live in Albuquerque?
A: While there are many nice neighborhoods in Albuquerque that offer budget-friendly living, Ventana Ranch is considered one of the best areas to settle down in. A great place for young adults and families alike, this tight-knit community offers affordable housing in Albuquerque, fun local activities, lots of green space, and quick access to top-quality schools.
Taylor Ranch
- Home Price: $225,400 median purchase price; $1,288 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or settling down for retirement, Taylor Ranch is the perfect place to live! Located on the northwest side of Albuquerque, this safe, affordable neighborhood has great restaurants and breweries, family-friendly outdoor recreation, and ABQ schools like Chamiza Elementary School and Lyndon B Johnson Middle School. The whole family can get involved in community events like weekly Tai Chi, Pickleball, or Senior Basketball at the Don Newtown-Taylor Ranch Community Center, plus flea markets and craft fairs from the Taylor Ranch Neighborhood Association. You’ll also find excellent opportunities for hiking in Albuquerque at picturesque spots like the Boca Negra Canyon, Paseo del Bosque Trail, and Pueblo Montano Trailhead. And with a 15-minute commute to Downtown ABQ, young professionals and working parents alike will appreciate the convenience of living in Taylor Ranch!
Things to Do in Taylor Ranch
Soak up the warm New Mexico weather and race down the winding slides at the public Sierra Vista Pool. Hit the southern trails to witness rock carvings created hundreds of years ago at Petroglyph National Monument. Schedule an Albuquerque hot air balloon ride to get a new perspective of Duke City’s stunning skyline with World Balloon. Check out books, join a book club, or attend events like Music & Movement or Sensory-Friendly Storytime at Taylor Ranch Library. Pick up a Bento Box for lunch or bite into some of the best Albuquerque sushi—including Yellowtail Sashimi, Spicy Chirashi, and Pink Lady Rolls—at Sakura Sushi and Grill. Treat your family to Italian food in Albuquerque like Grigliata Mista, Calamari Fritti, and Potato Leek Bisque from M’tucci’s Italian. Order a Spinn Burger, Armadillo Burger, or Queso Burger from Spinn’s Burger & Beer. Or sip on craft brews like Elevated IPA, Malpais Stout, or A Slice of Hefen at La Cumbre Brewing Company.
Q: Is Albuquerque an affordable city?
A: Yes, Albuquerque is an affordable city compared to many other cities across the nation. In fact, the cost of living in Albuquerque is equal to the national average—with even lower costs for transportation and health care—making it an attractive option for those seeking a fun lifestyle on a budget.
Ventana Ranch
- Home Price: $192,820 median purchase price; $987 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
If safety is at the top of your list when looking for the best place to live in Albuquerque, consider Ventana Ranch! This master-planned community near Rio Rancho on the outskirts of town is not only a safe place to live, but one of the best neighborhoods for families seeking a suburban getaway from the hustle of Downtown Albuquerque. Residents can find affordable housing in Albuquerque with Spanish Revival and Southwest-style homes in tight-knit gated communities. Ventana Ranch is also a haven for Albuquerque family fun, with several miles of walking paths, a number of beautiful parks, and local facilities managed by the Ventana Ranch Community Association. And families with younger children can enroll them in area schools like Sunset View Elementary School, Ventana Ranch Elementary School, and James Monroe Middle School.
Things to Do in Ventana Ranch
Breathe the fresh air in a 17-acre open space while playing basketball games or having a family picnic at Ventana Ranch Park. Bring your kids to roam the children’s playground or relax in a shaded space at Terrazas Park. Watch recreational baseball games, request a practice field, or register your child for Fall Baseball or Softball at Paradise Hills Little League. Play doubles tennis, perfect your volleyball game, and go swimming on warm summer days at the Ventana Ranch Community Center. Try authentic ABQ Mexican food with sizzling specials like the Steak Asada Combo, Old Town Chile Burger, or Shrimp Diablo at Little Anita’s. Order Albuquerque Chinese food like Steamed Dumplings, Sesame Chicken, or Shrimp Fried Rice for takeout at Rose Garden. Savor gourmet pizza like The Duke City, The Kansas City, or The Napoli from an ABQ staple, Dion’s Pizza. Or sip delicious blends like the Chai Shake, Strawberry Horchata, or Ma’s Salted Chocolate from Ma’s Tea House.
Q: How safe is Albuquerque?
A: Despite the fact that Albuquerque has crime rates that are higher than the national average, the city is still safer than 3% of cities in New Mexico. Like most major cities, some areas experience higher crime rates than others—so it’s important to research specific neighborhoods before moving. Safe parts of Albuquerque that see particularly low crime rates include Bear Canyon, Ventana Ranch, and more.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
