Albuquerque New Mexico Real Estate

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Located at the base of the Sandia Mountains in the high desert of New Mexico, Albuquerque is one of the most vibrant areas in the state. One of the oldest cities in New Mexico, Albuquerque has been home to people in the Rio Grande Valley for many centuries. Prior to European colonization, ancient tribes had lived on this land for thousands of years. Located on the Rio Grande, Modern Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico. The county seat of Bernalillo County, Albuquerque is home to more than half a million people. The presence of Kirtland Air Force base, the University of New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratories has put Albuquerque on the map as one of the Southwest’s most economically robust cities. With a rich history and an eye to the future, Albuquerque has recently gained recognition as one of the best places to live, work in the nation.

Albuquerque History

Albuquerque was founded in 1706 by the Spanish as farming community and strategic military outpost on the Camino Real. Originally established as Ranchos de Alburquerque, the village was named after Don Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, Duke of Alburquerque, viceroy of New Spain from 1653 to 1660, explaining Albuquerque’s modern nickname, “The Duke City.” The town was built in the traditional Spanish village style, with a central plaza surrounded by royal buildings, homes, and very importantly, a church. Modern Albuquerque retains this Spanish feel, with the original plaza, often called “Old Town Albuquerque” open to the public as a museum and unique commercial area.

The first "r" in "Alburquerque" was dropped at some point in the 19th century, supposedly by a railroad station-master unable to correctly pronounce the city's name. Some New Mexicans still prefer the spelling Alburquerque. To commemorate the city’s history, some of the Central Avenue Trolley Buses were adorned with the name Alburquerque (with two "r"s) in honor of the city's original name.

New Town or New Albuquerque was formed when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad came to Albuquerque. Bypassing the town plaza, the railroad station and yards were established about 2 miles east of the plaza. Development in this area shortly followed. By the turn of the 20th century, New Albuquerque had all of the modern amenities of the time. An electric streetcar system linked New Town, Old Town and the recently established University of New Mexico. This transportation system helped to consolidate the new and old parts of Albuquerque, which had remained completely separate communities. While Albuquerque had been incorporated in 1891, Old Town was not an official part of the city until 1920.

During the first half of the 20th century, Albuquerque experienced a major boom with the advent of Route 66. First running north to south on Fourth Street, and then east-west on Central Avenue, Route 66 brought a new wave of travelers to this desert paradise. Motels, restaurants and tourist gift shops sprung up along Route 66 in Albuquerque, growing commerce and eventually, population.

Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia Base and the Sandia National Laboratories all were established as in the 1930s and 40s as Albuquerque became as the US sought to build its atomic presence. The Atomic Age largely put Albuquerque on the map in the Atomic Age. With the influx of military personnel and the growth of related industries, Albuquerque continued to grow onto the West Mesa, reaching a population of 210,040 by 1960, in 1990 it was 350,402 and in 2007 it was 523,590. It is projected that Albuquerque’s population will exceed 1.3 million by 2020.

Albuquerque Rankings

With its arid yet temperate climate, and unique economic opportunities, Albuquerque is tops in many books. An abundance of pet-friendly parks has prompted Men’s Health magazine to name Albuquerque as one of the “Top 5 Cities for Dogs.” MovieMaker magazine has named Albuquerque as the Number 4 American city for movie making due to the climate and studio facilities found in the city. Finally, a joint study by Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation named Albuquerque the 8th best city for families relocated. This study took into consideration commuting, taxes, housing costs, temporary housing and storage, support for multi-generational families, and climate.

Albuquerque Parks and Recreation

Albuquerque offers a variety of parks and recreation opportunities for its residents. Whether you want to cool off at the pool, enjoy the outdoors or just simply take your dog for a walk, Albuquerque’s parks are waiting for you to explore!

West Mesa Aquatic Center
West Mesa Aquatic Center is home to Albuquerque’s newest Olympic pool. This pool offers lap swimming, recreational swimming, exercise classes, swim meets (stadium seating to accommodate 800 spectators) and other activities. Also at the pool are two 1 meter diving boards and a 3 meter diving board. The West Mesa Aquatic Center also features an indoor recreation pool. This pool features a massive water slide and beach like zero slope design, while being handicap accessible.

Wonderful Outdoor World (WOW) Campout 1
This program acquaints youngsters to camping and the wonderful world of the outdoors. The program supplies all meals and equipment, and campers receive a sleeping bag that they can take home! During this overnight program, campers will learn how to set up camp, cook their meals, enjoy a "campfire," learn environmental skills (Leave No Trace), clean up and the fun of sleeping under the stars.

Roosevelt Park
Roosevelt Park is one of the most historic parks in the City of Albuquerque. The oldest Disc Golf course in New Mexico can be found in this park. Roosevelt Park is also unique in that dogs are allowed to play off-leash in the entire park during certain hours. The park also includes a children’s playground.

Albuquerque Biological Park
You can find the Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, and Rio Grande Zoo at the Albuquerque Biological Park. Also at the park, visitors visit Tingley Beach, a group fishing lakes and a boat launch. The mission of the Albuquerque Biological Park is "to provide the public with exciting recreational opportunities and to foster environmental awareness, education and stewardship.”

For more information on Parks & Recreation visit the official website by clicking here

Albuquerque Local Events

The Albuquerque region hosts a variety of local events annually. From hot-air balloons to arts and crafts, Albuquerque has something to offer everyone!

Albuquerque Internationial Ballon Fiesta
Every October, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons take to the skies over Albuquerque. Balloonists from around the world and thousands of spectators, gather for nine days of spectacular ballooning at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Movies in the Park
Enjoy movies under the stars every summer! Sponsored by the City of Albuquerque, movies are shown in parks throughout the city. Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie with the whole family! Movies will at sundown, around 8 PM.

New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair
New Mexico’s premier artists and craftspeople feature their work at this annual art show. Rated as one of the top Art Shows in the USA by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this show also promotes Youth in Art. Over 1,000 entries from preschool to high school are shown here.

The show is also juried and awards 1st Time Exhibiter, Best Jeweler Precious, Best Jeweler Non-precious, Best Woodworker, Best Photography, Artists Choice Award, and many Purchase and Merit Awards.

Globalquerque!
Enjoy New Mexico’s annual celebration of world music and culture! Children’s activities, educational workshops, foreign film series and world music performances highlight this festival.

For more information about Albuquerque events click here

Albuquerque Attractions

Rio Grande Botanic Garden
Part of the Albuquerque Biological Park, the Rio Grande Botanic garden is located across the plaza from the Albuquerque Aquarium. Bordered the famed Rio Grande and the largest cottonwood gallery forest in the world, this garden is truly an oasis in the desert.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
Founded in 1986, this is New Mexico’s premier natural history and science museum. The museum is located near Old Town Albuquerque. Exhibits include a “journey through time,” featuring the New Mexico landscape through the Ice Age to modern times. Other exhibits include a planetarium and STARTUP: Albuquerque and the Personal Computer Revolution dedicated to the history of the personal computer.

Rio Grande Zoo
Over 250 species of exotic and native animals can be found at the Rio Grande Zoo. See species like elephants, gorillas, zebras, sea lions, seals, polar bears and much more at this major zoo. . The Rio Grande Zoo is a part of the Albuquerque Biological Park.

For more attractions in Albuquerque click here

For more information on Albuquerque NM visit the official website by clicking here

For the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau website click here

For the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce website click here

Rio Rancho Area Guide
East Mountain Areas Guide