Considering moving to Albuquerque? ABQ is a desirable destination, thanks to its breathtaking mountain landscape, evolving startup community, and abundance of fun festivals. If you’re thinking about living in Albuquerque, check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods!
Bear Canyon
Photo via @yourrealestatebrokers
- Home Price: $243,750 median purchase; $1,098 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Bear Canyon is an ideal Albuquerque neighborhood for those who want a small, quiet community where they have everything they need. With affordable apartments and ranch-style houses, plenty of nearby green space, highly-rated schools like Albuquerque Academy and Arroyo del Oso Elementary School, and a variety of shops and restaurants, Bear Canyon is a great place to settle down in Albuquerque!
Things to Do in Bear Canyon
Take a spin on thrill rides, feel the rush on roller coasters, and test your luck with carnival games at Cliff’s Amusement Park. Go for a jog, enjoy a sunny picnic, or take the kids to the playground at Arroyo del Oso Park. Hike or bike your way along the 3.4-mile Bear Canyon Arroyo Trail. Hit the links at Arroyo del Oso Golf Course, which offers 27 holes on sprawling greens and fairways. Enjoy brick-oven cooking with a Chipotle Chicken or Green Chile Cheeseburger pizza from Scarpas. Try the Bison Burger or BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich at 5 Star Burgers. Or go out for dinner at Naan & Dosa and order Indian specialties like Tandoori Chicken, Vegetable Briyani, and Paneer Butter Masala.
Huning Castle
Photo via @jinkinsmd
- Home Price: $282,750 median purchase; $852 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Located along the Rio Grande River near Downtown ABQ and historic Old Town, Huning Castle is one of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque for people of all ages and lifestyles! Not only does this neighborhood offer budget-friendly housing, but it also provides quick access to downtown museums, live music venues, nightlife, restaurants, and more. If you want to live near the heart of the city, give Huning Castle a look!
Things to Do in Huning Castle
Sharpen up your short game or watch a U.S. Senior Open Qualifier at the Albuquerque Country Club. See everything from polar bears and rhinos to orangutans and flamingos at the ABQ BioPark Zoo. Go fishing, boating, or hiking at Tingley Beach. Catch live performances by touring rock bands, DJs, hip-hop artists, and more at Historic El Rey Theater. Cool off during the summer at Rio Grande Pool. Enjoy all-day breakfast dishes like the Sunrise Over Sandia Sandwich at Cafe Laurel. Dig into a Footlong Chili Cheese Dog at Dog House Drive In. Sip on a Paw Swipe Pale Ale while watching the next batch brew behind the glass at Boxing Bear Brewing Co. Taproom. Or grab handcrafted cocktails and settle in for live music and game nights at Sister Bar.
Nob Hill
Photo via @jillrmeyers
- Home Price: $265,667 median purchase; $685 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
Looking for a lively Albuquerque neighborhood? Nob Hill is a hot spot for college students and young adults, thanks to its close proximity to the University of New Mexico and wide range of affordable apartments, condos, townhomes, and stucco-style ranch homes. But that’s not all Nob Hill offers its residents. This ABQ area is well-known for its restaurants, attractions, and historical sites along popular road trip destination Route 66!
Things to Do in Nob Hill
Celebrate the local LGBTQ community with live music, parades, and more at Albuquerque PrideFest each summer. 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 retro-inspired Guild Cinema. Indulge your sweet tooth with a Salted Caramel Apple Waffle from Tia B’s La Waffleria. Grab a fresh-brewed coffee or a cappuccino at Humble Coffee Company. Get your diner food fill with Chicken Friend Steak and Grilled Liver & Onions from Mannie’s. Or order pub snacks like Irish nachos and a beer or whiskey at Two Fools Tavern.
Taylor Ranch
Photo via @realtyofnewmexico
- Home Price: $201,386 median purchase; $1,042 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to settle down for retirement, Taylor Ranch is the perfect home! Located on the northwest side of the city, this Albuquerque neighborhood has great restaurants and breweries, family-friendly outdoor recreation, top-rated schools like Chamiza Elementary School and Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School, and a 20-minute commute into Downtown ABQ.
Things to Do in Taylor Ranch
Soak up the sun and race down the slides at the public Sierra Vista Pool. Hike the trails and see rock carvings created by ancient indigenous peoples at Petroglyph National Monument. Schedule a hot air balloon ride to get a whole new perspective of Albuquerque with World Balloon. Check out some books, join a book club, or attend children’s story time at Taylor Ranch Library. Grab a Bento Box for lunch or try the Chef’s Choice Sushi Dinner at Sakura Sushi and Grill. Take the whole family out to M’tucci’s Italian, where you can try hearty pasta dishes like Tortelloni Di Tacchino or Gnocchi Di Verdure. Or sip on a Slice of Hefen or Ryeot IPA craft brew at La Cumbre Brewing Company.
Ventana Ranch
Photo via @kristieleerealty
- Home Price: $192,820 median purchase; $987 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 87% of Albuquerque neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Is safety at the top of your list when it comes to choosing where to live? Ventana Ranch is one of the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque! This planned community near Rio Rancho has become a popular destination for families and retirees who want a more suburban setting away from the city—and that distance makes the homes more affordable here, too!
Things to Do in Ventana Ranch
Play with your dog, take the kids to the playground, or hit the tennis courts at Ventana Ranch Park. Peruse stores like JCPenney, Old Navy, and Buckle at Cottonwood Mall. Visit the pool at Ventana Ranch Community Center when the weather is warm. Try the sizzling fajitas for lunch or dinner or the Huevos Rancheros for breakfast at Little Anita’s. Order the LOTA Burger with Green Chile & Cheese or a Jumbo Chili Dog from Blake’s Lotaburger. Pick up Sesame Chicken or Pineapple Shrimp for takeout at Rose Garden. Or get everything from wings, burgers, and sandwiches with some cold beers at The Office Bar & Grill at Paradise Hills Golf Course.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
