Should I move to Riverside or stay in Albuquerque?

Gary M. Mar 7, 2026

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a software engineer, 47, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.

**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.

16 upvotes

Hazel Patel Mar 20, 2026

Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value public transit, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (West) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.

6 upvotes