Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and Household incomes average around $65,604 in Albuquerque. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What neighborhoods would you suggest? TIA!
29 upvotes
3 Replies
Wesley Gray
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- The cost of living scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Joseph Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in South and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
27 upvotes
Kathleen E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 12 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.