Albuquerque Travel Forum

My husband and I are moving to Albuquerque this summer and are looking for a desirable place to live. To us that means walking/biking distance, 20 minutes or so, to:

-restaurants, health food and coffee shops, live music
-dog friendly, maybe a park
-preferably in an established area that's fairly safe - rather than the burbs

I know this is probably asking too much...

We will be working close to downtown and think that the east side would be better due to commuting. It seems online that the health food stores are all located on the east side of the river, is this true?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

The northeast quadrant of the city is regarded as the better area of town, with the exception of a few northwesterly suburbs.
Nob Hill (Central Avenue near the UNM campus) is sort of the college/alternative area of town. This fits your 20 minutes criteria, but you'd have to live near college students, which brings its own problems. Plus, it's one of the more pricey areas.
There are, however, many newer lofts and condos between University and I-25 along Central Ave and Copper Street. It won't be walk-alone-at-2am safe, but it's definitely not a dangerous area. These are also typically too expensive for college students. It's a cool area though.
For live music, it seems like most of the bands I like to see (as well as the better local ABQ bands) play at the Launchpad, which is Downtown near Central and 7th. I'm sure there are other venues though, and it depends on what sort of music you're wanting to see. Downtown has quite a few good bars and clubs though.

hth

The Downtown area is a great place to live. And has all you are asking for. There are many good areas close to Downtown Nob Hill, NE Heights UNM area just look before you pick a place. I always feel safe in Albuquerque. We have plenty of good bike trails and one that is just off Downtown by the Bio Park and Tingley Park. No mater where you live in Albuquerque you will find a park and usully walking distance to where you live. Welcome to Albuquerque.

You have already gotten some good advice but I would specifically recommend Ridgecrest as the area in which to live near all the Nob Hill perqs. Another area that comes to mind that has not been mentioned is the area around Rio Grande and Candelaria, which would be a quick drive/ride to Old Town and Downtown. My daughter always loved living downtown before she had kids. I should clarify something Dave said (correct me if I am wrong, Dave), his comment should read "Downtown, Nob Hill" because without the comma, it would be an oxymoron. Dave is really right on about the parks and bike trails in Albuquerque; they are almost everywhere.

My votes would be for ... well all of the suggestions so far! I live near Nob Hill and Ridgecrest neighborhoods and love walking to the local pub or my FAVORITE Thai place in the evenings. Enjoy your move and let us know how it works out ;)