While Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an easy choice for a Southwest getaway, it’s also appealing to renters on a budget. The average monthly rent price of $1,131 sits 26% lower than the national average of $1,535, making it an affordable choice. Still, there’s more to consider when deciding if Albuquerque is a good place for you to live. Here are five pros and five cons of living in Albuquerque to help you decide.
Pro: Beautiful Scenery
Albuquerque is bordered on the east by the Sandia Mountains. “Sandia” translates to “watermelon” in Spanish, and the mountains live up to their name at sunset, when they turn pink. The Rio Grande snakes through the heart of Albuquerque, breaking up the desert climate. On the west side lies a volcanic field with five inactive volcanoes.
Albuquerque residents enjoy the city’s natural beauty. One resident on Niche.com said, "The sunsets and mountains will never feel too dull to look at.”
Con: Not Many Entertainment Options
While Albuquerque has several annual festivals, options for everyday entertainment are limited compared to other big cities.
New Mexico does not have NBA, NFL, or MLB teams, and its NCAA football teams are not in any of the Power Five conferences. In addition, many musicians don’t bring their tours to Albuquerque. None of the three highest-grossing tours of 2023 – Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – had shows in New Mexico.
Another resident said, “Good restaurants and malls, though entertainment is somewhat lacking compared to the size of the city.” Another resident added, “There are things to do (museums, concerts, sporting events, restaurants, etc.), but they aren’t as major or as plentiful as a larger city.”
Pro: Lots of Outdoor Activities
The nearby mountains don’t just serve as eye candy. Outdoor adventurers love hiking the Sandia Mountains or enjoying the view of the mountains from the Sandia Peak Tramway. Albuquerque also has over 288 park sites, and the trails along the bank of the Rio Grande provide a relaxed escape into nature.
On the topic of travel, a resident said, “If you want to get away, there are always little places to visit that are close enough, so it makes it easy to feel like you’re getting away for a little vacation without going too far!”
Con: Prone to Droughts
Although the desert scenery provides a beautiful backdrop, it also makes the city prone to droughts.
Between 2013 and 2023, the average annual precipitation in Albuquerque was 8.01 inches compared to the national average of 31.66 inches during the same period. This means that water supply is always a concern, and native plants that don’t require a lot of water are the best choice for plant-loving residents.
Pro: Rich Culture
Albuquerque is a city infused with Hispanic and Native American history and culture.
According to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, New Mexico is home to 19 Pueblo tribes, several of which lie within Albuquerque city limits. This, paired with Hispanic and Latino influence on art and architecture, makes for a blended culture unique to New Mexico.
Residents of Albuquerque express their appreciation for the city's culture on Niche.com: “Albuquerque is a city of deep history and culture. Everywhere you look, you’re bound to see something of interest.”
Con: Dry Climate
With a beautiful desert and drought-prone area comes a dry climate. According to Forbes, New Mexico has an average relative humidity of 45.9%, making it the third driest state behind Nevada and Arizona.
While minimal humidity controls frizzy hair, dry air can lead to chapped skin and nosebleeds. Visit Albuquerque advises visitors to stay hydrated to combat low humidity.
Pro: Great Food
Albuquerque's dual culture brings a wide selection of food options. Numerous local restaurants serve authentic Mexican cuisine or a fusion of Mexican and Native American foods.
New Mexico is also known for its Hatch green and red chiles, a chile pepper unique to the Hatch Valley. According to Food & Wine, Hatch chiles are versatile chile peppers with a balanced flavor profile. Albuquerque’s proximity to the Hatch Valley not only adds a unique flavor to the city’s food but also positions residents for a weekend getaway at the annual Hatch Chile Festival.
Con: The City Closes Early
While the city offers many charming neighborhoods like Historic Old Town, many shopping and dining options close by 8 p.m. The City of Albuquerque said that, in Historic Old Town, “Most businesses are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.”
These early closing hours can pose an issue for night owls, and a traditional 9-to-5 job only leaves a few hours for exploring the city’s local businesses.
Pro: Tight-Knit Community
The diversity in Albuquerque brings the city together. Residents flock to community events like art shows, cultural festivals, and the annual International Balloon Fiesta, creating a small-town feel in a major city.
One resident said, “Albuquerque is beautiful when it comes to everyone coming together for the balloon fiesta, the state fair, or for the LOBO basketball games.” Another resident said, “The people of Albuquerque and the surrounding areas have a deep sense of pride in their home.”
Con: Inconvenient Public Transportation
While the Albuquerque city government has invested in public transportation, residents say it doesn’t do the job, making the city difficult to navigate without a car.
One resident said, “The city is nice but could use a few adjustments in areas like public transportation.” Another said, “The city also isn’t walkable at all, and public transport is unreliable.”
Residents can still get around Albuquerque without utilizing public transportation. Albuquerque has over 400 miles of bike trails, and major roads like I-40 and I-25 connect the entire city.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a one-of-a-kind Southwest city with its traditions and mixed culture. Despite the dry, drought-prone climate and frustrations of living in a secluded big city, residents fall in love with Albuquerque's natural beauty, rich culture, and small-town community.
