Albuquerque Travel Forum

Moving to ABQ in January, not able to come out and look around before the move. Can anyone tell me about area South of Central Ave, West of San Mateo Blvd north of Zuni Blvd. Saw an ad for a newly remodeled condo there. Its hard to tell from the picture of outside, but it looks a little questionable? Thanks in advance for your help. :>)

Generally speaking, you'd want to avoid anywhere along Central Ave. (Old "Route 66"). FYI: the area "east" from San Mateo, along Zuni and Central Ave. has frequently "starred" on Fox's "COPS," and is know locally as the "War Zone." Lots of gangs, prostitution, drug dealing, shots in the night (and day) type stuff.

The best areas of Albuquerque are the "Far Northeast Heights," which would be approximately east from Pennsylvania Blvd. & north from Menaul Blvd. if you can find an Albuquerque map. The further NE you go, the better the neighborhoods, houses, and apartments...once again, generally speaking. You can be in the best neighborhood, and still have the worst neighbor!

Rio Rancho, on the far west mesa is about 15 miles from downtown Albuquerque, and is the fastest growing city in NM. About 70,000 now with separate PD, FD, school district, etc. It has the lower cost housing, yet when compared to greater Albuquerque, you get a much better area for the same money. Their crime rate is relatively low, comparable to the far northeast heights in Alb. The only major problem out there, is if you work or go to school in Albuquerque, you must cross over the Rio Grande River, and there are only four bridges, leading to rush hour grid lock sometimes. Hope this helps you out a bit. NM_P