Thinking of moving to Albuquerque? ABQ is a cultural hub in central New Mexico with quick access to Route 66, the University of New Mexico, and outdoor recreation in the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande Valley. Here are the five best neighborhoods in Albuquerque for families!
Downtown
Photo via @smpcarchitects
- Home Price: $197,950 median purchase price; $717 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of New Mexico cities
As one of the best neighborhoods for families in Albuquerque, this biker and pedestrian-friendly neighborhood has access to some of the best trendy date night options and kid-friendly entertainment in Duke City. With Escuela del Sol Montessori, Manzano Day School, Lew Wallace Elementary School, and Washington Middle School in the area, kids in Downtown Albuquerque have great opportunities for education in ABQ. Residents can find safe sidewalks lined with cactuses and shrubs, along with plenty of multi-level modern apartments and Ranch, Late Victorian, or Spanish Revival houses. Plus, the Downtown Neighborhoods Association supports local field trips and hosts community activities like National Night Out, so families living in Duke City can easily get to know their neighbors.
Things to Do in Downtown
Catch free Movies on the Plaza with the kids from June through July at the Civic Plaza. Grab books, movies, music, and more for the little ones at the Albuquerque Main Library. Jump-start some family fun in Albuquerque with science exhibits about electricity, water, air, optical illusions, designing, and more at Explora. Enjoy live entertainment with events like the Moulin Rouge SING-A-LONG—featuring a costume contest, raffle items, and more—or An Evening with Laurel & Hardy, where you can see a restored film of the classic Hollywood comedy duo at the KiMo Theatre. Stop by Remedy Coffee on your drive to school for Handheld Burritos and a Honey Lavender Latte or Matcha Mint Latte. Grab a Mediterranean Salmon Bowl for lunch at the trendy Slate Street Cafe. Meet a few of the “most outgoing restaurant owners” in town while ordering a Breakfast Croissant, Vegetarian Lunch Burrito, or Gazpacho at Roma Bakery and Deli. Try Red Chile Posole, Chile Rellenos, or a Green Chile Cheeseburger for a family-friendly dinner at Monroe’s Restaurant.
Nob Hill
Photo via @albuquerquehomes
- Home Price: $265,667 median purchase price; $685 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of New Mexico cities
Nob Hill is a century-old, neon-lit, and oddity-loving neighborhood that embodies the vintage spirit of the famous Route 66. Nearly 80% of homes in Nob Hill were built before WWII, and most maintain their character today in Adobe, Pueblo, and Bungalow-style houses. Families in Nob Hill appreciate that it’s the most walkable neighborhood in Albuquerque, often traveling by foot to local art scenes, family-friendly activities like the annual Route 66 Summerfest, and Albuquerque parks like Wellesley Park and Morningside Park. Young kids can attend schools like St. Mark’s Montessori School Preschool, Monte Vista Elementary School, and Serendipity Day School. Or older students and young professionals can take advantage of the short commute to the University of New Mexico, UNM Hospital, and more.
Things to Do in Nob Hill
Let your kids pick out comic books, action figures, or records at Astro-Zombies. Play dress-up with your family or get ready for Halloween with vintage masks, stage makeup, costumes, and wigs at Off Broadway Vintage & Costumes. Pedal through this cyclist-friendly ABQ neighborhood on road bikes or mountain bikes from Two Wheel Drive Inc. Take your date to a comedy show or independent flicks like Dashcam or Paris Is Burning at Guild Cinema. Attend a Thursday morning Coffee Read Aloud with your kids while sipping on a Chai, Cubano, or fair trade Costa Rica bulk coffee from Michael Thomas Coffee Roaster. Expand your kids’ palates with Salmon Bento Boxes, Miso Ramen, or Volcano Sashimi Sushi at Japanese restaurant, CrazyFish. Fill up on Pernil Sandwiches, Arepa Pabellón, or a Guava Tree Salad at the family-owned and operated Guava Tree Cafe. Or have a family dinner at Yanni’s Modern Mediterranean for delicious dishes like Avgolemono Soupa, Chicken Souvlaki Gyro, or Duck Breast.
North Albuquerque Acres
Photo via @newmexicohomegroup
- Home Price: $488,671 median purchase price; $807 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of New Mexico cities
If you’re looking to live in one of the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque, then North Albuquerque Acres might be the place for you! This quiet Burque neighborhood is a 20-minute drive from downtown and perfect for families wanting open desert terrain and Pueblo, Mid-Century Modern, or Ranch-style homes away from the noisy ABQ metro. Parents in North Albuquerque Acres can enroll their kids in quality schools like Double Eagle Elementary School, North Star Elementary School, Altura Preparatory School, or La Cueva High School. Along with excellent schools, you’ll have great views of the Sandia Mountains, plus endless outdoor activities in Albuquerque. In this adventure-centric area, residents might even see hang gliders landing in Harrison H. Schmitt Big Sky Hang Glider Park!
Things to Do in North Albuquerque Acres
Ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for gorgeous mountain views, hiking, and restaurants at the top—or hit the ski slopes in the winter! Explore the Sandia Mountains’ many trails and wildlife areas like the Sandia Foothills Open Space, Elena Gallegos Open Space, Pino Trail, and more. Sign kids ages 4 to 13 up for Altamont Little League baseball and softball teams. Bring the whole family to a public skating session, Learn to Skate figure skating lesson, or Youth Hockey game at Outpost Ice Arenas. Watch the kiddos play on animal sculptures, basketball courts, bocce ball courts, or the playground at W.L. Jackson Park. Snag morning brews like The Bri, Abuelita, or Azteca at O’Bean’s Coffee. Share a meal of Roast Duck BBQ, Shrimp Ho Fun, or Baked BBQ Pork Buns with family at IT DIMSUM. Or ask for dishes like the Brisket Platter, Pork Rib Platter, or Veggie Kabobs at the County Line of Albuquerque.
North Valley
Photo via @twilight.homes
- Home Price: $295,250 median purchase price; $984 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of New Mexico cities
North Valley might be the greenest place in all of the Albuquerque metro. This beautiful ABQ suburb offers a serene atmosphere along the Rio Grande, with plenty of vineyards and farms spread across the area. North Valley is an attractive option for families wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle, but still provides a straight shot downtown via 2nd St. Spanish Revival, American Foursquare, and Shotgun homes are dotted along secluded streets in this ABQ suburb. And despite its relatively remote area, North Valley offers modern amenities, famous attractions for families like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and first-rate education at Alameda Elementary School, North Valley Academy, Taylor Middle School, and Los Ranchos Elementary School.
Things to Do in North Valley
Enjoy the huge balloon release, chainsaw wood carving, skydiving performances, fireworks shows, and more at Balloon Fiesta Park. Stroll through a local art gallery with outdoor sculptures, explore the wetlands at the Rio Grande river, or take part in events like a Flamenco Performance, Pollination Celebration, or El Dia de Los Muertos at Open Space. Help your kids learn about the weather, elevation, Arctic exploration, and the history of hot air balloons in a classic Albuquerque attraction, Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Tuck into hearty meals like Smothered Fries, the BYO Frank Gourmet Hot Dog, or the Vegetarian Pulled Seitan Sandwich at Steel Bender Brewyard. Dine at family-owned El Pinto Restaurant for meals like their Famous Red Chile Ribs, Grass Fed Green Chile Queso Burger, or Stuffed Sopapillas. Reserve a spot at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm for a farm-fresh, seasonal anniversary dinner of Sweet Potato Pierogi, Crispy Pork Memela, or Braised Lamb Birria—or book a spa visit and use essential oils sourced from their very own lavender fields!
Ventana Ranch
Photo via @themrealestategroup
- Home Price: $192,820 median purchase price; $987 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of New Mexico cities
As a recent master-planned community in the still-developing outskirts of Albuquerque, Ventana Ranch is one of the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque for families seeking affordable housing prices and luxurious, resident-only amenities. Families new to Ventana Ranch will have countless opportunities to meet their neighbors while strolling through over ten miles of walking paths or nine parks managed by the Ventana Ranch Community Association. Along the way, residents will find some of the best-maintained yards and classic Southwestern, Spanish Revival, or American Foursquare-style houses. This Burque neighborhood is also home to well-rated schools like Sunset View Elementary School, James Monroe Middle School, Ventana Ranch Elementary School, and Volcano Vista High School, solidifying Ventana Ranch as one of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque for families.
Things to Do in Ventana Ranch
Play kickball in the grass, shoot hoops on the court, climb on the jungle gym, picnic in the shade, or enjoy other classic Albuquerque activities at Ventana Ranch Park. Cheer your little ones on as they step into the batter’s box during Paradise Hills Little League games. Sneak in a strength training workout or book a personal trainer at Powerflex Gym. Hike or bike beneath the beautiful pink sunset at nearby Paseo de la Mesa Trail. Treat your family to a Cookies & Cream Milk Tea, Pineapple Whip Slushy, or Jasmine Fruit Tea at Ma’s Tea House. Grab a Ranchero Supreme Hamburger, Extra Long Chile Dog, or Frito Pie after school at local fast food joint Bob’s Burgers. Order Fried Dumplings, Crabmeat Fried Rice, House Special Lo Mein, or a Family Dinner Special for up to five people at Rose Garden Restaurant. Or treat the family with signature gourmet Mexican pops like the Strawberry Cheesecake, Rainbow Pelatas, or Oreo Lovers at The Paleta Bar.
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Neighborhood and suburb statistics from AreaVibes
