Nob Hill — a neighborhood in Albuquerque, not the one in San Francisco —is perfectly situated between the Midtown-University neighborhood and Uptown with a population of around 4,000 residents.
Where is this Nob Hill?
Nob Hill is located east of the University of New Mexico (UNM) and spans a mile-long stretch of Central Avenue marked on either end by neon arches — just one example of the many neon signs iconic to Route 66 on this section of Central Avenue. This lively district bursts with activity, from food to arts to nightlife.
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According to the Nob Hill Neighborhood Association, the boundaries of Nob Hill are Lomas Boulevard to the north, Washington Street to the east, Garfield Avenue and Zuni Road to the south, and Girard Boulevard to the west. The principal thoroughfares, Central Avenue and Carlisle Boulevard, divide the neighborhood roughly into quadrants.
What makes Nob Hill special?
With its historic buildings, abundant neon signs, and nearby arts and culture, Nob Hill is a vibrant district known for its unique shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Classic cottages and bungalows on narrow tree-lined streets meld with new and contemporary homes, as well as a variety of apartments and other rentals. This diverse architecture spans multiple genres, including pueblo, mid-century modern, modern, ranch, and bungalow. Living in Nob Hill offers residents an urban-suburban mix.
Small shops, galleries, and restaurants stretch along Central and for a block or so on either side. The mostly locally owned stores are interspersed with an eclectic mix of swanky to retro restaurants with diverse cuisines from Asian to Irish to Mexican. The occasional pub and bar offers a range of entertainment including dancing, games, and music. This eclectic mix of businesses makes Nob Hill a hip and desirable area.
Benefits of living in Nob Hill
Nob Hill earns a high score for its walkable environment, receiving the highest rating in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride, the public bus service, has eight stops in Nob Hill. Bicycles and pedestrians are commonly seen traversing from homes to nearby businesses and UNM. Enjoy the freedom of walking to restaurants, indie movies, baseball games, and performances on campus. Stroll to the Duck Pond on the UNM campus or take your dog for a run in the nearby neighborhood parks.
Nob Hill often is highly rated as the best neighborhood in which to live in Albuquerque, the best to raise a family, and the best for young professionals.
UNM provides many benefits, from classes to access to culture, art, and sports parks. A short drive or bus ride to Uptown allows access to high-end retail stores, popular grocery stores, and dozens of dining establishments and drinking spaces.
Many residents commend the warm and friendly community and the neighborhood is rated B+ for diversity. It is home to a wide range of students, professors, and young professionals. A majority of residents are homeowners with about one-third of residents being renters. Many residents have a master’s degree or higher with only a small percentage of residents having less than a high school education.
Other benefits of living in Nob Hill and in Albuquerque include hundreds of days of sunshine, access to nearby outdoor adventures in the mountains and desert, and a casual lifestyle. There are many trails and protected areas to bike, hike, and engage in a wide range of sports. In general, the daily commute is short and there are a variety of employment opportunities.
Cost of living in Nob Hill
Ahh! But can you afford to live in this charming and walkable neighborhood? The median house value is $444,633, which is a bit more than the nearby suburbs. The average rental price is $1,161. The cost of living in this area is rated below the national average.
Education for children and adults
Public schools in Nob Hill are rated above average. Depending on the ages of your children, schools include Bandelier or Monte Vista Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, Highland High, or Albuquerque High School.
Whether you are planning to continue your own education or provide an education for your older children, UNM is an easy walk for classes and participation in the university environment.
How safe is Nob Hill?
Nob Hill is one of the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque, even at night. The Albuquerque Police Department Triangle Substation is located in this neighborhood. The Nob Hill crime rate is lower than the Albuquerque average.
Nob Hill is a unique and exciting neighborhood with a wide variety of benefits, especially for those who value walkability, community, and cultural attractions.
