Relocating to Albuquerque?

This article is written for those of you who have never been here before but now find yourselves relocating to Albuquerque. Perhaps you're being relocated to Kirtland Air Force Base by the military, or maybe your company has transplanted you here. No matter how you've found yourself relocating to Albuquerque this very general information about the Albuquerque Metro Area should help you get a quick start considering where you may want to live.

The city of Albuquerque is roughly divided into four quadrants by the intersection of the two interstate highways that travel through town, I25 and I40. Mailing addresses correspond to each section of town by using the labels NE,NW,SW and SE. NE stands for Northeast Albuquerque, NW for Northwest, etc. Each quadrant of town has something different to offer, and there are neighborhoods within each quadrant that are unique too.

For many people Northeast Albuquerque is the most desirable area of town. Some of the most popular areas in the NE are Tanoan, High Desert, North Albuquerque Acres and Knob Hill. The NE part of town is popular because it's located close to good schools, jobs, and the best shopping and dining in the city, not to mention it's close to the Sandia Mountains and the fabulous views. Some of the most expensive homes are located in Northeast Albuquerque, but there are some very affordable options too.

Northwest Albuquerque is popular with a lot of people too. Areas like Ventana Ranch, Paradise Hills, Taylor Ranch, Stonebridge and Seven Bar Ranch are a great option for families looking for good schools, newer homes and more home for the money. There aren't as many shopping and dining opportunities, but they are increasing as the west side continues to develop and grow.

Southwest Albuquerque has some of the most affordable real estate in Albuquerque including newer homes. This quadrant of the city is severely lacking in restaurants and shopping, although this has been improving over the last two years or so. Also located in SW Albuquerque is the south valley, a large area which is located in the county, not the city. The south valley has a rural feel complete with large lots that permit animals.

Southeast Albuquerque has perhaps the widest variety of neighborhoods ranging from the older but popular Four Hills to the newer master planned Volterra community. However, some of the least desirable areas of the city are located here too.

Along the banks of the Rio Grande is a suprisingly lush and green areas known as the North Valley. Some of the more expensive homes in Albuquerque are located here on acreage. There are horse properties, irrigated fields, and a few bed and breakfasts. In fact there's everything here from subdivisions to small farms.

The Village of Corrales is located a little further north along the banks of the Rio Grande. Corrales is a charming village with restaurants and shops and, like the north valley, parts of it are lush and green. There are orchards, vineyards, horse properties, and on many days if you're around for long you'll see someone come into town on horseback.

Currently there are125 homes for sale in Corrales, including many horse properties, ranging in price from $250,000 to 1.9M.

Placitas and Bernalillo are located north of Albuquerque. The exit on the interstate is about 10 miles north of Albuquerque. Bernalillo is located along the banks the Rio Grande. There is some beautiful riverfront property in Bernalillo and the popular Alegria Active Adult Community is located here.

Placitas is east of the highway and features some of the most outstanding view properties in the Albuquerque Metro Area. The terrain in Placitas is mostly hilly, although there are some more level lots appropriate for horses. Some of the most beaiutiful custom homes in Albuquerque are located in Placitas. When you live in Placitas you're near the mountains and hiking areas. Expect to start your home search at $300,000 and work your way up.

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Many people who work in Albuquerque prefer living in the east mountains. They like living in the mountains with the beautiful scenery and the open spaces, and they love that they only have have a 30 to 40 minute commute to work in the city.

There are 161 homes for sale in the Tijeras area, however the Village of Tijeras has about 200 households and 500 people. To get to Tijeras you head east from Albuquerque on I40 and you drive through Tijeras Canyon to exit number 175. It takes about 18 minutes to get to Tijeras. There are homes in the vilage and there are more homes as you take the beautiful drive south through Cedro Canyon toward the Monzano Mountains.

There are 28 homes for sale in Cedar Crest. Cedar Crest has about 500 homes and 1100 residents, so it's a small mountain town. It's about a twenty minute drive from the Big I where the interstates intersect. You exit 175 at Tijeras and then head north on NM 14. There are homes on both sides of the road with some awesome views. If you keep heading north you'll come to Sandia Park.

There are 91 homes for sale in Sandia Park. Sandia Park is just up the road to the north, near the turn off to the Sandia Crest road. The crest road takes you to the top of the Sandias. Along the way you'll see Sandia Ski area and several hiking trailheads.

Located to the south of Albuquerque are the communities of Los Lunas and Bosque Farms. Both Los Lunas and Bosque farms have horse properties with values being a little higher in Bosque Farms. Los Lunas is also a popular location for people driving to the Kirtland AFB. There is a lot of new home construction in Los Lunas, especially right around the I25 exit. Charter Homes, DR Horton and Centex are the primary builders there. There's also an active adult community in Los Lunas called Jubilee.

You can't really call Rio Rancho a suburb of Albuquerque, because Rio Rancho is the third largest city in New Mexico with a little over 75,000 people. However, it is located adjacent to Albuquerque and many of it's residents work in Albuquerque. Popular reasons to live in Rio Rancho include more police officers per capita, lower crime, better schools, and affordable homes.There is a mixture of older homes and new construction homes in Rio Rancho. In fact, builders are stil very active in Rio Rancho now and are offering new homes starting in the $140,000's.

With so many great choices of places to live in the Albuquerque Metro area you'll need to take your time making your decision about where to live. There is definitely not one "right" decision for everybody, it's a very personal choice. However, if you would like to talk to someone about  relocating to Albuquerque please don't hesitate to call me at 505.803.5012 or email me at Rich@BeautifulNMHomes.com. I'm always happy to speak to people about living in Beautiful New Mexico.