Relocating to ABQ Soon!

I originally chose to live in the NE Heights because the Heights are more "established". There's a lot of building going on over there & I don't really like the fact that I can't "see" the neighborhood beforehand. I also dislike the traffic on the Westside. The farther "NE Heights" you go, the more expensive, but there's plenty that's inexpensive. With it come better schools. La Cueva & El Dorado are good HS school districts. (I'm not familier with the quality of schools on the Westside). Here's a website for the schools: http://www.nmhomes.com/aps.html and just Google what you want to know - there's plenty on the web about ABQ! And there are a TON of parks & other stuff too.

My family and I have recently been confronted with having to move from downtown Albuquerque to somewhere with newer houseing (due to lead based paint), as well as somewhere more friendly. Affordability was also high on our list. That's why, in the end, we choose the West side of the city in a neighborhood called Taylor Ranch. The area is best North of Montano- there are several nice parks (look up Mariposa Park) and the Taylor Ranch Community Center is 2 years old and has lots to do for families (including an after school program).
If you have the money, consider the North Valley for rustic charm (or Corralas for even more rustic charm!), Sandia Heights was rated one of the best suburbs in the country, the NE heights is usually a safe bet, just select a neighborhood North of I-40.
Overall, inspect the neighborhood you are considering very well, because there are pockets of good neighborhoods next to run-down ones everywhere! Definetly ask around before you buy.
Feel free to contact me if you have any more specific questions- I've lived in ABQ for 9 years now and have lived in many areas. Welcome to Albuqueruque!

I've lived here all my life. Stay out of the "warzone" area, which is in the SE Heights, West of Louisiana and south of Indian School. The housing is cheap, but the crime rates soar and your children will be affected. Also, the south valley area has high crime rates and a lot of frustration with infrastructure. The NE Heights aren't all that cracked up either. The houses are older and need repairs and very expensive. The westside has traffic if you are in the middle of town, but towards Bernalillo and the North side of Rio Rancho it is really nice. There are newer areas, but you really need to get a realtor and get out there and explore.

As for schools, they are hit and miss all over the city. You must go visit them and stay awhile to know what is best. Get on the PTA and know your teachers, as some are really dedicated and great, and others are hanging out to retire. There are very good schools in ABQ-- elementary would be Chelwood ES, Mitchell ES, and several in the NE Heights. Rio Rancho ES is excellent as well. But, you also have some high-fallutin neighborhoods with ES that do not add up, they just talk. Be careful, as education in ABQ and RR is something a parent must keep a close eye on.

You might want to consider the East Mountains. The commute to the base isn't as bad as from the West side, and San Antonito ES is one of the best in NM.

There are a couple good areas of Albuquerque depending on your lifestyle. The NW and Rio Rancho (a suburb) are great for families if you are into the newer housing developments, the area just keeps growing. Me and my husband chose to move to the far NE heights off of Tramway because we love hiking, biking and the outdoor activities that the foothills allow. The area has mostly established homes but thats what we wanted too. The north valley is also nice and has hiking/biking trails along the river. Good luck in your search! Albuquerque has a lot to offer all types of people and has lots for kids to do. There is the zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens, lots of museums including a kids science museum and tons of parks.

hi, M.!

how are you doing? my husband, now 1-year old son, and I moved back to albuquerque in august after leaving the state for 3 years. we once owned a cute house by the medical school and found the area quite charming. the neighborhood was family friendly and had two great parks near it.

when we moved back this time, we were able to buy a house in the vista del norte area. we just love it because it is a much newer area (our house is just over 1 year old) within the heart of albuquerque--no long commutes, no problems with traffic. our neighborhood is very family friendly and there are lots of kids in our area. we also have two parks that are currenly under construction that are within walking distance no matter where you live in the subdivision. we feel very comfortable and safe in our area and my son and i take walks almost every evening on the great walking/biking paths in the area. i can send you some pictures of the area if you are interested!

i also have a fabulous realtor that i highly recommend...she has been more than our realtor and is now our friend. she owns her own business and has a "family" of help that are all just as warm and inviting as she is! let me know if you want her name! feel free to contact me anytime...i am an albuquerque native and have lived in rio rancho, near the medical school, in the NE heights and now in the north valley so i can offer some advise! ____@____.com

good luck!
-B.

Hi M., I would recommend RRPS (Rio Rancho Public Schools) all the schools are overcrowded in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Rio Rancho is getting another high school real soon and it's growing to become a beautiful suburb. The houses are affordable out in Rio Rancho, but the schools are the main reason we moved out here. Good luck on finding what you want and on the move!

Hey M.;
Well congrats on the move and I am sure you will love it here! Me and my hubby moved to Albuquerque just 3.5 yrs. ago and loved it! As for recommendations on location. I would definately have to say the westside (near Rio Rancho/Cottonwood Mall area) or the Northeast Heights. My daughter attended Petroglyph Elem. and we absolutley loved it! We now live in Rio Rancho and the area is great...but, the schools have a serious issue with being over capacity. So I would definately not recommend RRPS for education. Hope some of this helps! If you have further questions...dont hesitate to email me...
T.

If you have to stay in Albuq. move to the NE heights. I'd stay North of Indian School, East of Louisiana; anything NE of those streets you'll find better neighborhoods. The 'westside' of Albq. is cheaper, but the people are too. If you don't mind a 30 min drive move to Rio Rancho, better schools, less expensive housing and bigger lots. check out this web site to help you a little... www.swmls.com