What BestPlaces Users Say about Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and is known for its beautiful desert landscape, rich Native American and Hispanic culture, and vibrant arts scene. It has a population of over 560,000 people and is home to many popular tourist attractions, such as the Sandia Peak Tramway and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Albuquerque is a popular city for people looking to relocate, but what do actual residents have to say about living there? According to many user reviews on BestPlaces.net, it seems that opinions are mixed. Overall, many residents appreciate the diverse culture, warm climate, and outdoor activities available in Albuquerque. However, there are also some concerns expressed about crime rates, traffic, and job opportunities.
One user, named Sarah, says, "I've lived in Albuquerque my whole life and I love it. The weather is great and there is always something new to explore. The food is amazing and the people are friendly." This sentiment is echoed by another user named Maria, who states, "I moved to Albuquerque for college and ended up staying. I love the city's blend of cultures and the fact that there's always something to do, whether it's hiking, checking out a new restaurant, or attending a cultural event." These reviews highlight the positive aspects of living in Albuquerque, such as the weather, diverse culture, and abundance of activities.
However, not all reviews are as glowing. One user, Michael, expresses concerns about the city's crime rates, saying, "I moved to Albuquerque for work and I'm not a fan. The crime rates are high and I don't feel safe walking around at night. I also struggle to find job opportunities in my field." Another user, named David, also touches on the issue of crime, stating, "There are some great things about Albuquerque, but the crime rates are concerning. I wouldn't recommend living here to families with young children." These reviews bring up valid points about safety and job opportunities in the city, which may be important factors for those considering a move to Albuquerque.
In summary, user reviews about living in Albuquerque are diverse, with some praising the city's culture and outdoor activities, while others express concerns about crime rates and job opportunities. Ultimately, it is important for individuals to consider their own priorities and conduct thorough research before deciding if Albuquerque is the right place for them to call home.
based on 253 ReviewsGet to know Albuquerque with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Albuquerque
Re: ABQ has its pros/cons - 10/4/2014
To those who live in Albuq, never left, maybe you should broaden your horizons.
Born, raised, spending much of my adult life here, ABQ has some advantages other cities lack. Live in Denver it's an hour commute to anywhere, congestion, high cost of living, crime. Even Colorado Springs has a high crime rate.
Go to the midwest, you suffer insurmountable cold in winter, high humidity in summer- same goes for East. California is almost bankrupt, congestion everywhere.
Live in the Jemez, it's 45 minutes to any shopping, conveniences.Live in the East mountains, 20-30 minutes to E. Albuq.
Lived in other NM cities...Los Alamos, Chimayo`, Portales.
Tried living in Colo a few times, always returning to Albuq area. It's what you make of it....I find people friendly in Albuq. If you are not involved with the city, you cannot complain. Well, evidently you can.
Move if you don't like it!
Crime is high- yet
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A LIVING NIGHTMARE - 10/2/2014
Do not move to Albuquerque New Mexico it is a tragic mistake there is literally nothing here for miles and miles don't make the same mistake I did. You can only do so much hiking and cycling. I disagree with ppl that say the weather is great, during Winter everything is brown and dead even the houses are all brown, Spring time major wind and sand storms everywhere, summer is so dry and hot you cannot garden because nothing grows here a big waste of time and money, there are no beautiful birds here, and Fall maybe the only season that is pretty because of Fall colors and that's it...I am so depressed here..It is true so much drugs, drunks and prostitution its not funny. Please, Please do your research before making a big decision you will
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Do not move here - 9/2/2014
There are so many problems here - it's depressing. Poverty: something like 54% of the population is on welfare. Economically, no major corporations or jobs here. Other than the military money coming into the state, it's just call center, fast food type jobs. If you have blond hair and blue eyes you are discriminated against, people will be mean or cold towards you.
Crime is out of control. Robbery and burglary is rampant . Everyone hates the police but they're half crazy too. The schools have no money and children here have major issues at home with drug addicted parents or worse. People are aggressive and nasty here. Politicians are frequently in the news stealing money, lying and cheating what few citizens here actually PAY income taxes.
If you like gardens or plants, forget it. Nothing grows here.
Central avenue ( Rt. 66 ) is full of drunks, drug addicts and hookers. I am constantly approached by creepy, scary people for money.
There is nothing to
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Lousy drivers and up friendliest city I have ever - 8/27/2014
I have lived here three years, and I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this city to anyone. Drivers here consider traffic signals mere suggestions, and it is not at all unusual to see people completely ignore stop signs and red lights. Drunk driving is rampant. Our first week here, four people were killed in drunk driving accidents. And yet, Gov. Martinez would have the roads be even unsafer by refusing to allow illegal immigrants to get drivers licenses, showing utter disregard for the safety of those of us who are legal residents.
Then, there is the low pay and high cost of rentals and housing. And let's not forget the high crime rate.
Further, people here are quite unfriendly. Unfriendlier and less inclusive than any place I have ever lived. In fact, I'd say if you weren't born here, haven't lived here for decades or didn't go to UNM, your chances of making friends is quite minimal.
The older neighborhoods like Ridgecrest, Huning Castle
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Albuquerque, NM - 8/3/2014
I have lived in Albuquerque most of my life and it is absolutely terrible. Crime is ridiculously high. In general people are friendly but they are also very lazy, uneducated and ignorant. The way most people treat their dogs here should be criminal (and probably is in other states.) Most people here have two or three dogs and like to keep them chained or fenced up 24-7. As a result the dogs have a lot of anxiety and freak out over every little noise. The education system here is a joke. A LOT of wannabe gangsters. The cost of living is relatively low, but there is still a ton of poverty. It is horribly hot and humid during the summer, and the winters are mild. The seasons are nice. I personally love chile but I find it annoying how obsessed with it people are here. There is little to do besides the zoo and bars. Most people stay home and party in their houses. The majority of people here drink a LOT and meth is a problem. They do have really good programs for women here. Sadly, I have
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Health and Welfare - 8/3/2014
Albuquerque is a quirky city that is contradictory in many ways.
For instance, the scenery is nice with the mountains to the east, and this makes for a relaxing setting from one's patio. But the spring weather can be hostile caused by wind blowing the dust. The folks who've lived here all of their lives say there are four seasons: 1) summer, 2) fall, 3) winter, and 4) wind.
Crime and drunk drivers are habitual concerns, with speeders being rampant regardless of the time of day or where you may be around town. Driving at or very near (3-5 mph) the speed limit will tend to annoy the bulk of folks who always seem to be running late and needing to make up some time. Warning--count to 2 before pulling into an intersection after the light turns green because there's a 50/50 chance someone will run the light. It really seems as if the speed limit signs are more realistically "suggested" speeds around here.
Property crimes occur all around town with the SE/SW section
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Albuquerque is terrible !! - 7/26/2014
Stay away from this place, its terrible. If you are a liberal taker that wears birkenstocks you might fit in. Totally ugly women - not one knows how to wear makeup. No jobs, just a bunch of losers hanging on. Schools are terrible. Not one good thing to say about this crap hole
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Objective Views - 7/14/2014
The Pro's:
Nice mountains, scenery, I personally thought there were a lot of friendly people there. A lot of nice weather. Winters aren't bad. Summers are hot, but not like Phoenix or Las Vegas. UNM is a nice university. There is a lot of entrepreneurial spirit (but see below). Intel is there as is the university and an F.A.A. air-traffic center.
The Cons:
It's a city that has seen better days and is behind the times. The neighborhoods are crumbling. Even the famous "Northeast Heights" have gone downhill. So many of the homes are crappy, unaesthetic little doll-houses built after WWII and are now in poor repair. It's a transient city like Vegas and Phoenix.
The pay is awful. They think it's preposterous if you want more than $15/hr. Even people with degrees are poorly paid. There is an oversupply of unskilled labor so it keeps the pay down. Poverty is rampant. Lots of welfare and illegitimacy. The educational level is low. Some neighborhoods look
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An honest review - 6/18/2014
I will try to give the most honest, semi-educated review here - very much unlike the others. I live in the middle of Albuquerque near UNM and downtown. My car has been left unlocked for the past six months with no problems (not recommended of course). Albuquerque is one of the poorest major cities I can think of, and there is an average amount of crime though it is almost always non-violent. The city is old and not "beautiful" like you might be used to in newer, wealthier cities or suburbs. Bars on windows - absolutely. There are plenty of gangs and such like most cities, and these are most prevalent in the southeastern part of the city and southern farming communities. Being from the St. Louis area, I was surprised to see people calling this portion of the city a "ghetto," since bikers ride through it regularly with no problems. Racial and cultural diversity is phenomenal, some of the best of any US city. Racism is much less of a problem than any other major city I've been in other
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It's called the Land of Entrapment for a reason... - 6/10/2014
The joke among the locals is that it's "the land of Entrapment" vs. the land of Enchantment which is the slogan that greets you as you enter New Mexico. I've been in Albuquerque for about eight years and I now understand what the locals meant. Virtually in the middle of nowhere for 6-7 hours in all directions, and there is nothing here. I would say okay to visit, but not to live if you're used to a faster pace unless you're retiring. Coming from the East Coast, initially it was a nice change of scenery to the hustle and bustle of the fast paced concrete jungle, but the newness has worn off. It's much slower here, but almost too slow. Most of the previous posts are very accurate descriptions. Pros-amazing weather, relatively low cost of living, low crime compared to most major cities, light traffic, great for retirees. Cons-zero entertainment-no real sports teams, no entertainment-aside from performers that haven't been relevant in decades, so if nostalgia is your thing then
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