Whether you’re looking to settle in Uptown or just visit, there are many great things about this popular neighborhood. Here are just a few of the things that make Uptown an attractive neighborhood in Albuquerque for both residents and visitors.
Uptown’s Convenient Location
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The Uptown neighborhood of Albuquerque is close to just about everything in the city. It’s near malls and freeways — Interstate 40 runs through the neighborhood providing easy access to other parts of the city like Downtown and Old Town. Or skip the freeway and go east on Indian School Road for a hike in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Go west on the same road to access the Midtown/University area. Drive north a bit and you’re in the Balloon Fiesta Park. And, because this area is so near shopping, dining, and events, there are a variety of hotels in the area that range from budget to upscale.
Uptown also serves as a business hub. With various offices and businesses, it’s a convenient location for professionals working in the area. A large public library is just outside the Uptown boundary and nearby parks and outdoor areas offer a respite from urban life. Browsing some of the many Uptown art galleries is another pleasant way to spend an afternoon in Albuquerque.
Shopping Uptown
If you ask a Duke City native to name one thing about Uptown, great shopping might be the first thing that comes to mind. Two of Albuquerque’s shopping malls are in the Uptown neighborhood. From local shops to national department stores, you can buy necessities for yourself or gifts for friends and family in one of the most all-encompassing shopping areas in the state. This area is also home to upscale grocery stores where you’ll find interesting grocery items that aren’t available at your local grocery store. If you need an unusual ingredient for that new recipe, you can probably find it in Uptown.
Dining
The area is also known for its trendy restaurants with options from casual, kid-friendly fare to fine dining. If you’re up for steak, you can choose from American-style or Brazilian steak houses. Uptown boasts a wide selection of Asian restaurants — you’ll find Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese offerings. From basic pizza shops to upscale dining, a variety of Italian restaurants dot the area. Vegetarians haven’t been left out either; Uptown offers several veggie and vegan options.
The abundance of restaurants near great shopping makes Uptown the perfect destination for a day of shopping, eating, and grabbing a cup of coffee before you head home with your purchases.
Affordable Housing
All the conveniences already mentioned could be at your fingertips if you lived in Uptown Albuquerque. Trendy shops, grocery stores, and a variety of restaurants are nearby, and the area is one of the most affordable in the city. The well-established neighborhoods in Uptown offer a comforting sense of community that can be hard to find in newer neighborhoods. Most of the homes in Uptown are single-story, ranch-style homes, typically between 1,000 and 1,800 square feet, situated on fairly large lots. If you’re not looking to purchase a home, you’ll find an abundance of apartments and condos in the area. This variety of housing makes the area appealing to different lifestyles and budgets.
Cultural Events and Entertainment
With various nearby entertainment venues, theaters, and events, Uptown offers plenty of options for cultural enrichment and entertainment. Whether you’re into live music, art exhibitions, or other cultural events, Uptown has something to offer. The nearby exposition center hosts several sporting events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year, including the annual New Mexico State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country.
Visit Uptown for shopping, dining, and the fun nightlife or find your home here and enjoy everything this neighborhood has to offer.
