Albuquerque : New mexico

What Albuquerque is like for active adults

Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico with 522,000 residents - many of them retirees. It was the 6th fastest growing city within the U.S in 2007. The city is set in a unique place near the mountains. Albuquerque is a vibrant college town, home to the University of New Mexico.

Old Town provides an interesting shopping and tourist destination. Albuquerque is trying hard to make the downtown an interesting destination. The city and surrounding area provide many outstanding recreation activities in the adjacent Sandia Mountains, including skiing.

Albuquerque is extremely popular with retirees because of its dry climate and beautiful scenery. As a result many active adult communities are available within the area. There are several neighborhoods within and around the town with beautiful homes and streets. Rio Rancho is a fast growing new community within the Albuquerque MSA that is the home to several master planned communities. Average home prices went above $200k in 2007, but have since retreated to $183,500 in 3rd quarter of 2009 (NAR). Photo of Albuquerque at dusk courtesy of Wikipedia and Asaavedra32. In 2009 Topretirements wrote a special feature on New Mexico retirement.

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What is special about this retirement community

The Sandia Mountains. University of New Mexico and its 18,000 students. Old Town. Outstanding mountain recreation and scenery. Great climate. Old history. Petroglyph National Monument. The Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial passenger tramway in the world, ascending to the Sandia Mountains from the city. Very rich cultural infrastructure.

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What is not special about this retirement community

Having to drive everywhere and traffic. Rampant growth

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Outdoor people and those who love living in the mountains or high desert. Many military people retire here because of the bases in the area (Kirtland Air Force Base).

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Local economy is driven by

Construction, Kirtland Air Force Base, tourism, Sandia National Laboratories, University of New Mexico

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Climate and Physical Environment

Albuquerque is at an altitude of between just under 5,000 feet and almost 7,000 feet - one of the highest American cities. The Sandia Mountains are here and the Rio Grande River runs through it. Albuquerque is in central New Mexico. Winters tend to have daily high temperatures in the 40's and 50's, dropping into the 20's or 30's at night. Occasional snows usually melt by day's end.

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Cultural environment

Albuquerque is home to 300 visual arts, music, dance, literary, film, ethnic, and craft organizations, museums, festivals and associations. These include National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico as well as various companies for the ballet, theatre, and symphony. The University of New Mexico offers many cultural opportunities. Bubonicon is an annual science fiction conference. Other events include the gathering of nations pow-wow, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and the New Mexico State Fair.

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Medical facilities

Albuquerque is amply supplied with more than 10 hospitals

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Transportation

Transportation options include Amtrak, Greyhound, a new commuter rail system (New Mexico Rail Runner Express), 2 interstate highways, and 2 airports. The major airport, Albuquerque International Sunport, is only 3 miles from town.

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Valuable Links

Guide to New Mexico retirement communities
Wikipedia page for Albuquerque
Albuquerque Craigslist

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Facts about ALBUQUERQUE

State: NM
Environment: College Town,Mountains,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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