If you’re looking for a vibrant, up-and-coming city jam-packed with activities, culture, and history, then Albuquerque, New Mexico, might just be your perfect match. Albuquerque is the perfect city for twenty-somethings, active families, retirees, and everyone in between. Put simply, the Duke City has it all.
Before you start carefully packing boxes (or throwing everything into a suitcase and hopping on the next bus), there are a few key things you should know about moving to Albuquerque.
Spoiler alert: you’re going to love them!
5 Things to Know Before Moving to Albuquerque
You might already know about the near-endless list of things to do in Albuquerque. But if you’re planning on putting down roots here, you’ll likely need a little more intel. Here’s a quick run-down of the five things you should know before you decide to call Albuquerque home.
#1 The Weather Is Outstanding — Year-Round
What’s the weather like in Albuquerque? In a word, fabulous!
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Just take a look at some Albuquerque weather highlights:
- The average annual high-temperature hovers around 70° F
- The average annual low temperature is 45° F
- Albuquerque receives approximately 10 inches of rain annually
While we’ve been known to have a rogue winter snow now and again, you’ll likely only find flurries and flakes at high elevations. So, if you love sunshine, mild temps, and subtle seasonal changes, Albuquerque weather was made for you.
#2 There Are Numerous Neighborhoods to Choose From
There’s a reason why such a wide variety of people love Albuquerque life — Albuquerque neighborhoods offer something for everyone. As you scour listings for a place to lay your head, consider some of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque:
- Northeast Heights – A growing, family-friendly quadrant where home values are stable
- North Valley – A quiet, centrally-located suburb with quick city access
- Nob Hill – A cultural hub with historic architecture and nightlife galore
- Uptown – A modern quadrant for lodging and shopping
- Downtown – The center of Albuquerque life for residents and visitors alike
No matter where you choose to hang your hat, you’ll love the sheer variety of Albuquerque’s neighborhoods.
#3 Cost of Living Is Affordable
Albuquerque cost of living is lower than you might expect for an action-packed, up-and-coming city. Recent data shows that the cost of living in the Duke City is 7% lower than the national average.
While we’ll dive into more specifics about the cost of living in Albuquerque in a later section, here are some quick facts:
- Housing costs are 12% lower than the national average
- Utilities cost 8% less than the national average
- Groceries are 2% less expensive than the national average
Albuquerque is proof that city living doesn’t have to break the bank.
#4 Overflowing with Culture and History
History buffs and culturists, you’ve met your match: Albuquerque is a historical hub of the American Southwest. Our roots date all the way back to 1706 when some of the first Albuquerque residents settled in today’s Old Town neighborhood.
In fact, if you’re looking for a glimpse into Albuquerque history, Old Town will quickly become one of your favorite hangs in the city. Peruse the artisan shops, envision life in the century-old adobe homes, or pick up a sopaipilla — a local favorite pastry.
#5 There’s Tons to Do in Albuquerque
Simply put, you’ll never run out of things to do in Albuquerque.
- Our seasonal festivals (like the Gathering of Nations and the Balloon Fiesta) are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
- Nature lovers have their work cut out for them — Albuquerque and the surrounding areas offer numerous hiking trails and parks for outdoor adventures.
- The nightlife scene is vibrant and unique (just like the rest of the Duke City). Whether you opt for Nob Hill dancing or a Downtown rooftop bar, you’re never far from a good time.
This is just the tip of the iceberg: Once you move to Albuquerque, there’s so much more to discover.
What’s the Cost of Living in Albuquerque?
As mentioned above, living in Albuquerque is relatively inexpensive compared to national averages. Here are some more in-depth figures.
- Median home prices in Albuquerque are $395,000, and the median rent is $1,201/month.
- Transportation costs (like gas prices and bus fares) are 7% lower than the national average.
- Healthcare, food and groceries, and utilities are also cheaper than the national average: by 9%, 2%, and 8%, respectively.
How does Albuquerque cost of living compare to America’s most popular cities? The Duke City is:
- 8% lower than Austin, Texas
- 15% lower than Denver, Colorado
- 8% lower than Las Vegas, Nevada
- 38% lower than Los Angeles, California
- 59% less expensive than New York, New York
- 10% lower than Phoenix, Arizona
Simply put, living in Albuquerque can offer a better bang for your buck.
Is It a Good Idea to Consider Living in Albuquerque?
There are numerous benefits to life in Albuquerque: The weather is excellent year-round. No matter your age or stage, there’s always something to do. The area is stuffed to the gills with history and culture. And, perhaps most importantly, living here is affordable.
While we’re certainly a little biased, we adore our perfect pocket of the Southwest — and we know you will, too!
Albuquerque: A Historic, Action-Packed City
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a truly one-of-a-kind place to live. In few other places will you find reasonable living costs, a vibrant docket of local activities, a diverse array of neighborhoods, and exceptional year-round weather all in one area code.
The next time you visit Albuquerque, you just might want to stay forever!
