Albuquerque Neighborhoods
If you’re considering calling Albuquerque home, this neighborhood guide is a great place to start. I’m happy to help with more in depth neighborhood analysis, please reach out to me. You’ll find some of the highlights of the many neighborhoods in our beautiful city below. As you can see, each area has its own personality. Let me be your guide in finding your dream home in the community that fits YOU best!
UNM/MIDTOWN
The University of New Mexico, founded in 1889, is New Mexico's largest university occupying 700+ acres & serving 25,000 students. The Midtown/University area is centered around UNM & is a vibrant community featuring cafes, shops, entertainment & affordable housing. The University Heights neighborhood embodies the lively & eclectic energy of the modern college campus. The UNM North Golf Course, considered a hidden gem, is located on the north side of campus. Built in 1942, this nine-hole championship golf course has been called "Albuquerque's Central Park" & is a golfing oasis in the desert.
The University neighborhoods feature a mixture of architecture from studios & apartment buildings to more established single-family homes in University Heights. You'll find examples of 1930s Art Deco design, alongside Mid Century Modern homes, Pueblo Revival & Mediterranean styles. Many of the homes in this neighborhood were built in the 1940s to late 1960s with later construction from the 1970s to late 1990s.
NOB HILL
Located along Central Avenue you'll find Nob Hill, another hot Albuquerque neighborhood known for dining, shopping & entertainment. This vibrant area features neon signage, local shops & galleries along with abundant bars & restaurants. The close proximity to the University of New Mexico (UNM) blends professionals, families & students in this eclectic community. You'll find dedicated green spaces & dog parks, in addition to an active neighborhood association.
Nob Hill is a desirable residential destination, featuring architecture from the 1920s to 1950s with many homes on the National Historic Register. You'll find an ongoing focus on renovations of Mid Century Modern & Industrial style homes in addition to many Art Deco, Spanish Mediterranean & Contemporary designs in the area.
DOWNTOWN
Downtown Albuquerque is experiencing a multimillion-dollar revitalization. Home to award-winning restaurants, art galleries, shops & entertainment venues, Downtown is the place to be. The famous Route 66, now Central Avenue, is Downtown's main travel artery & home to the City's regional transportation system. East Downtown (EDO) is striving to become "Albuquerque's most walkable live-work-play neighborhood" with an emphasis on local shops, fine dining & multi-cultural experiences.
As one of the oldest areas in town, Downtown Albuquerque offers a varying array of home styles. You will find Victorian homes on residential streets in the historic district as well as single-family adobe homes, townhouses, apartment & condo buildings & converted lofts. The housing market in Downtown is as diverse as the population who call it home. If you are seeking close proximity to farmers markets, sporting events, music venues & dining, you may want to call Downtown Albuquerque home.
SOUTH VALLEY
The South Valley community of Albuquerque is rooted in tradition. Many families who call this neighborhood home have been living & farming the land for generations. One of the most desirable characteristics of this area is the peacefulness along with the greenery afforded by the close proximity to the Rio Grande River. This neighborhood tends to be more focused on family & community than arts & entertainment, but Downtown is easily accessible. The South Valley exudes a rural charm that can make you forget you're still in New Mexico's largest city.
Some of the adobe homes in the South Valley are 400+ years old. You will find a variety of residences including expansive estates, small to medium size traditional single-family houses, as well as small apartment buildings. Many of the homes are well established, with larger lots & greenery.There is a balance of home owners & renters in the area.
OLD TOWN
Old Town was Albuquerque's first neighborhood. Historic Old Town has held position as the heart of the city since its founding in 1706.You will find galleries, shops, churches, museums & century-old architecture in abundance around Old Town. Anchored by the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church, the plaza has been experiencing a renaissance lately. Many new small businesses & restaurants are breathing fresh life into the historic charm of the area. If you're looking for fun activities for the family, Old Town is home to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, the Albuquerque Museum & Explora.
The charming narrow streets that snake through the residential areas of Old Town are lined with Pueblo-Spanish style adobe casitas. These traditional homes are primarily stucco with flat roofs, heavy wooden beam details, ceramic tile work & kiva fireplaces. New architectural styles arrived toward the end of the 1800s, so you'll also find Victorian architecture sprinkled in housing shops & inns. Living in the Old Town community evokes the charm of bygone days. If you visit Old Town during the holiday season, you'll experience luminaria-lined streets & other traditions passed from generation to generation.
SAWMILL
Sawmill District is located just north of historic Old Town & was once the site of the American Lumber Company. It's now being redeveloped into a residential & commercial neighborhood. Home to the Sawmill Market, a 25,000 square foot upscale food hall, the area has been reimagined while staying true to its industrial roots. Located just across the street from Hotel Chaco & Hotel Albuquerque, this thriving district aims to attract both tourists & locals. Its close proximity to Old Town creates a highly walkable destination with ample dining, entertainment & shopping.
Sawmill District housing features a mix of artist studios & lofts alongside retail space & local businesses. The area is being redesigned as a mixed-use residential/commercial concept. With the growing popularity of this neighborhood, the City of Albuquerque is working with non-profit Sawmill Community Land Trust to use a model that will keep housing affordable.
SANDIA HEIGHTS
Sandia Heights is a suburban neighborhood in Albuquerque developed on 1600 acres in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. The Sandia Peak Tramway can be seen from almost any property in the community. You'll find nature at your doorstep & plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The public schools that serve the area are highly rated & there is a Homeowner's Association that protects the community from overbuilding. The views of sunrises & sunsets along with the twinkling lights from the sprawling city below are second to none.
The architecture in Sandia Heights is varied, most homes are situated on large lots with a rural feel. You'll find custom Southwestern & Pueblo styles alongside Mediterranean, ranch, brick & contemporary designs. Many of the homes feel as if they blend into the natural landscape of the foothills, enhancing the beauty & serenity of the community. Sandia Heights has a Security Patrol & is considered one of the best places to live in Albuquerque.
NORTH ABQ ACRES
The North Albuquerque Acres neighborhood offers semi-rural living & ample space with most lots measuring just under an acre. If you're searching for a property where you can have horses or acreage for other needs, this may be your community. Homes offer spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains & the city lights. Many lots have their own private wells & septic tanks. The public schools serving the community are highly esteemed. There are a few smaller neighborhoods within the community that have been subdivided & offer city services along with gated grounds & protective covenants.
You'll find an array of home styles in North ABQ Acres. There are interpretations of Pueblo & Mediterranean designs, alongside ranch & modern structures. Many offer extensive outdoor patios to make the most of the stunning views. Luxury & custom homes on ample acreage offer the tranquility of rural living with the convenient proximity to all of the amenities of the city.
NE HEIGHTS
The Northeast Heights community is centrally located & accessible to shopping, entertainment & great schools. This neighborhood is a more traditional suburban area featuring residential size lots & mature landscaping. The location is home to a vibrant shopping district with many dining & retail options. Both Expo New Mexico & the Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack & Casino are located within the NE Heights. The eastern portion of this neighborhood borders the Foothills Open Space, so outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant.
Many homes & subdivisions in the NE Heights were built in the 1950s & are more traditional in design than other areas of Albuquerque. The original homes built during the 1950s are similar to planned developments in other parts of the country. You will still find Southwest style homes here, but 1950s ranch homes are abundant. There is new construction as well, however it is limited in this area due to space constraints. Homes in the NE Heights normally have a high initial value & tend to retain their value over time.
ABQ UPTOWN
Uptown Albuquerque is the area encompassing the city's modern shopping & business district. ABQ Uptown is a 222,000 square foot retail center with a mix of national & local shops, dining & lodging accommodations. Also located in Uptown are Coronado Center & Winrock Town Center. Many families & young professionals call Uptown home due to the more urban feel of this suburban community. There are more rental properties in this neighborhood compared to other areas in the city.
Many of the homes in the Uptown area were built in the 1950s to 1970s. Albuquerque experienced a Real Estate boom in the 1950s, so many of the homes in Uptown & NE Heights originate from these decades. There are an abundance of brick ranch homes & Mid Century Modern designs in this area. You'll find sought after Mossman classic ranch designs from the 1960s, which are appealing to those who appreciate retro architecture.
FOOTHILLS
The Foothills neighborhoods are located in the Northeast area of Albuquerque, at the base of the Sandia Mountains. This location is close to dining, shopping & entertainment yet offers homeowners privacy, along with ample, picturesque lots & stunning views. The school district is highly rated & the prestigious Albuquerque Academy is nearby. Living in the Foothills gives residents the best of both worlds...easy access to the city's amenities as well as the natural beauty of the Southwest in their backyard.
Many homes in the Foothills are more modern than other areas in Albuquerque, with an emphasis on innovation rather than tradition. They are placed on large, established lots. You'll find luxury custom homes in this area. Ample outdoor patios & verandas are abundant to make the most of the beautiful natural scenery & stunning views of Albuquerque. The communities in the Foothills are home to some of Albuquerque's most valuable real estate properties.
FOUR HILLS
Four Hills is a private planned community located in the picturesque Southeast foothills of Albuquerque. It is a large neighborhood with the Canyon Club, a private golf & country club, at its heart. The club features golf fairways, tennis courts, heated swimming pool & dining. It is conveniently located at the border of Kirtland Air Force Base, a short distance from Downtown.With a focus on upscale living, manicured green spaces & stunning views, this community was conceptualized to offer comfort & amenities to its residents.
Four Hills was one of the first planned communities in Albuquerque, built in the 1960s to 1970s. You will find a variety of home styles in this neighborhood. From elegant townhomes to gated estates on large lots; the options are diverse. The architecture consists of Southwestern style, ranch & Mid Century Modern homes. Tiled patios & verandas are a staple feature on many homes.
WESTSIDE
Albuquerque's Westside community is home to Petroglyph National Monument, dating to 700 years ago. There are many accessible hiking trails where residents can enjoy the stunning, ancient landscapes. You'll find more open space & vacant land on the Westside so there is still active new construction & expansion happening. The suburban feel of the area & easy access to shopping (Cottonwood Mall is located here), dining & recreational activities makes this a preferred neighborhood for families & young professionals. The schools are highly rated & there are home styles to fit everyone's needs.
You will find a vast array of homes in the Westside community. From townhomes & apartments to single-family houses to sprawling luxury estates, this area offers housing for all tastes & income levels. Single story adobe & stucco homes are prevalent, as well as ranch & bungalow styles. There are quite a few large planned communities located here, with active Homeowners' Associations & lots of amenities. You will find many new construction communities being developed now & into the future.
CORRALES
The Village of Corrales, located in the North Valley, is a small artistic oasis where the primary goal is to maintain their rural lifestyle alongside Albuquerque's growing urban metro. Corrales is home to many small galleries, shops & restaurants with an eclectic & New Mexican artisan flair. You'll find opportunities to experience local festivals & events throughout the year in the village. Corrales is a perfect place to live if you're seeking the tranquility of a rural lifestyle with easy access to Albuquerque's urban amenities.
Homes in the Village of Corrales are generally traditional adobe architecture. If you're seeking a true Southwestern lifestyle & home, Corrales may be a great option. Homes are pueblo, or "territorial" style. You will find small ranchettes as well as horse properties available in the Village. With a population of around 9,000, you won't find high rise buildings or ultra-modern design. Most homes are located on spacious lots & some roads are unpaved.
NORTH VALLEY
The North Valley of Albuquerque is located in a lush valley that runs along the Rio Grande River. The land is dotted with orchards, old farmhouses, vineyards, irrigation ditches, cottonwood trees & is part of the oldest wine-producing area in North America. You'll find spas, inns, farmers markets & fine dining establishments in abundance. A visit to Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm is a must for residents & visitors. The Bosque Trail offers 16 miles of paved trail for walking, biking or horseback riding. Outdoor recreation, including many parks, is a favorite activity due to the beauty of the more rural natural surroundings of the area.
Homes in the North Valley tend to be more traditional Southwestern in design. Sizes of properties will range from large equestrian estates to smaller ranchettes & adobe casitas. The neighborhoods generally feel more like villages than like being in a city. Larger properties exude a rustic elegance & you'll find many with horses, pastures & barns. Some of the best local horse training facilities can be found in the North Valley.
PLACITAS
Placitas is a village located 25 miles from Albuquerque, halfway between Albuquerque & Santa Fe. It has seen growth in recent decades yet still retains a small population & rural New Mexican identity. It is home to hundreds of wild horses & the El Campo del Oso recreational area. The recreational area is part of 165 acres of land-grant property. Placitas calls to artists & nature lovers, who value open spaces & privacy. The village is close enough to neighboring Bernalillo & Albuquerque for any amenities, yet remains untouched by urban sprawl.
Homes in Placitas include genuine older adobe homes along with newer homes in contemporary, brick, ranch & Southwestern styles. You can experience true Southwestern, desert living in this unspoiled area. If you are seeking open spaces, amazing views & wildlife, Placitas may be your dream location. Newer homes include luxury custom estates that take full advantage of the serenity & beauty of this community.
EAST MOUNTAINS
The East Mountains communities of Tijeras & Cedar Crest are located approximately 20 miles from Albuquerque. They offer mountain views, hiking, lush meadows, pastureland & the distinct year-round scent of pine trees. Nature lovers enjoy access to many recreational areas along the scenic Sandia Crest Byway that leads up to the Sandia Peak. Recently, new small businesses focusing on local goods & conscious consumerism have been emerging & reshaping the commercial landscape of the area.
Homes in the East Mountains are varied in style & offer different designs to fit all tastes. From planned communities to secluded residences, small cabins to mini-farms, the East Mountains are a perfect spot for a primary or vacation home. There is a golf course community & a small ranchette community. Many homes feature large lots & are suitable for horses.
EDGEWOOD
Edgewood, located 30 miles east of Albuquerque on Interstate 40, is a small town that has grown in recent years but still retains its rural roots. As a suburb of Albuquerque, the retail, dining & services options have expanded due to demands from an increase in commuter residents seeking refuge from city living. Due to multiple annexations, the town now covers 48 square miles across 3 counties. The town features several attractions such as the Wildlife Nature Park & the ghost town of Barton.
Homes in Edgewood vary in style, with both older properties & new construction, as demand for housing has grown. Edgewood residents enjoy more land & privacy than most areas in Albuquerque. With a relatively low population occupying its 48 square miles, there is still undeveloped acreage in abundance. With a mixture of single-family homes & subdivisions, adobe & ranch styles are prevalent. Edgewood residents appreciate the small town, rural character.
BOSQUE FARMS
Bosque Farms is a small, rural community located less than 20 miles south of Albuquerque. It has a long history in farming & trade. It is situated close to the Rio Grande River which allows for abundant pastures & land. You will still find alfalfa fields, once feed for dairy farms, now used for the many horses that call Bosque Farms home. Only incorporated as municipality as recently as 1974, the community is undergoing some growth, yet remains dedicated to a slower pace of life outside the city. Housing & commercial development are the main sources of revenue now, but the agricultural history of the village is a source of pride for its residents.
Homes in Bosque Farms include farmhouses, homesteads with ample acreage for horses, traditional adobe dwellings & small single-family homes. Residents of Bosque Farms value space & privacy. There has been growth in recent years as families are seeking more land & simplicity of living. New construction & custom homes can be found as the population around Albuquerque continues to increase. Bosque Farms strives to maintain the charm & pastoral heritage of its original village community.
LOS LUNAS
Los Lunas, a suburb of Albuquerque located roughly 20 miles to the south, is one of the fastest growing communities in New Mexico. With a highly competitive, pro-development ideology, Los Lunas has become a hub for large employers such as Meta (Facebook) & Amazon. With close proximity to Albuquerque, large companies have access to a workforce & ample acreage for offices & warehouses. There is an emphasis on outdoor activity & recreation such as hiking & birding due to the accessible trails & wildlife preserves in the area. This community is a great choice for families who are seeking a friendly small town with opportunities for growth.
Homes in Los Lunas vary, with many new communities & subdivisions. As the commercial district has expanded, so has the need for more housing options. New construction & planned communities are ongoing projects in the area. You'll find a mix of single-family stucco homes, ranches & apartment buildings. With 2,000 acres of available commercial land within 3 business parks, the likelihood of future growth is certain & the need for additional residential neighborhoods will follow suit.
BERNALILLO
Bernalillo is a suburb of Albuquerque, located less than 20 miles north of the city on Interstate 25. Still a small town, Bernalillo has seen growth in recent years due to its close proximity to Albuquerque & easy commute for residents. You'll find a strong New Mexican personality with a suburban-rural identity. They have seen new development & retail along with local restaurants to fuel the population growth. There is a golf club & resort nearby. The main attraction is the Coronado Historic Site, a preserved ruin site settled in 1325 & abandoned in the 16th century.
Homes in Bernalillo range from small single family residences & old adobe homes to the Del Webb at Alegria 55+ active adult retirement community. Many retirees call Bernalillo home due to the temperate climate, relative affordability & access to Albuquerque amenities. You'll find a variety of established neighborhoods as well as new construction communities. New construction will continue in accordance with the town's ongoing growth.
RIO RANCHO
Rio Rancho is a suburb city located just north of Albuquerque. It is the 3rd largest city in New Mexico & has been recognized as one of "America's 50 Best Cities to Live." It offers highly rated public schools & below national average crime rates. Rio Rancho has an extensive parks system, including multiple dog parks, & offers recreational activities that are sought after by families. You will find many planned & new construction communities in Rio Rancho. As the city has grown, so have employment opportunities. Intel is the largest employer & government jobs contribute to local employment.
Rio Rancho offers many affordable housing options, with a variety of home styles & price ranges. You will find Southwestern style homes in abundance, along with ranch, brick & traditional single-family residences. Townhomes & apartment communities are also readily available. If you are seeking new construction, you have many options for a custom home.
