Good location for climate and outdoor activities,
-
12/25/2013
Albuquerque climate and recreation: Albuquerque has a moderate climate with lots of sunny days. It's a great place for year-round outdoor activities, assuming you are one of the few who does not have allergic reactions to the incredible volumns of pollen that swirl about 10 months of the year. I never had serious allergy problems until moving here--and I've lived all over, including Europe and Asia. I recommend renting for a full year before buying here. Make sure you aren't afflicted by allergies if you’re thinking to stay long term. The other negative, with respect to outdoor activities, is the bike, motorcycle, and pedestrian unfriendly roads. Many drivers are reckless, under the influence, impaired, or simply too selfish to share the roads with others. Drivers routinely and flagrantly run red lights and stop signs. Cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists are maimed and killed regularly. There's also a huge problem with drunk/doped drivers. There are a few nice paved paths, but few of any meaningful length that don't cross roads. There are lots of good unpaved trails in the mountains and foothills, for both bikes and hikers. There’s a snow ski area on the mountain at the east boundary of the city, and another near Santa Fe (1+ hour drive), and Red River and Taos farther north. There’s great hiking and camping, and a fair amount of fishing, across the state.
Albuquerque culture: There's a good bit of cultural variety here to keep things interesting. It's not like in a major city, but many cultures have a presence. You can find most kinds of food. There are a variety of festivals. I would like to see more cultural and racial variety, but it's getting there slowly.
Mark | Lexington-Fayette, KY