Welcome to NM

About Albuquerque

Some of us have lived in Albuquerque our whole lives, while others moved here because of Cohousing ABQ. No matter how long we’ve been here, we have many reasons for calling Albuquerque home. These are just a few of them.

Her Strength, a mural for the New Mexico United soccer team by Jody Herrera, a New Mexican artist with Latina, Apache and Comanche ancestry.

Albuquerque landscape and culture

Albuquerque, New Mexico, sits at the base of the rugged Sandia Mountains in a region known for big skies and stunning landscapes. In the fall, the cottonwood and elm forest along the Rio Grande (the Bosque) transforms into a lush canopy of yellow.

Albuquerque is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful place, home to world-class museums and galleries, nationally recognized wineries and breweries, many historic cultural sites and an innovative culinary scene that features local red and green chile peppers.

The great outdoors

With 310 sunny days per year, Albuquerque offers plenty of opportunities to get outside. The Rio Grande that flows through the city center is a playground for kayakers and paddle boarders. With miles of walking and cycling trails on its wooded banks, the river is a haven for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Outside the city, campgrounds, ski areas and hiking trails are just a short drive away.

Patti leading the way on the 4th of July trail in the Manzanos.

Family fun in Albuquerque

The Albuquerque BioPark's zoo, botanical gardens and aquarium are popular with families, as are the citywide network of public parks, playgrounds, pools and libraries. Farmers markets, festivals and art and craft fairs abound, drawing locals and visitors to eat, mingle and shop.

Each season brings special traditions for people young and old. Autumn—the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and beautiful fall colors along the river and in the mountains. At Christmas time, luminarias light up neighborhood streets and sidewalks across the city, a tradition dating back 300 years.

Ariel experimenting with light at Explora Science Center.

Economic opportunities

Top industries in Albuquerque include aerospace and defense, energy technology including solar energy, and semiconductor and computer chip manufacturing, health care, and TV and movie production. The flagship campus of the University of New Mexico is in Albuquerque, as is Central New Mexico Community College, providing hundreds of jobs to educators. Remote work is increasingly popular as well.

Top employers in Albuquerque include Sandia National Laboratories, University of New Mexico and Intel. Netflix Studios in Albuquerque will be undergoing an expansion to become their main production facility in North America and pledges $1 billion in local production spending .

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I love the Sandia Mountains turning pink and purple in the sunset, the big sky and the clarity of the air, the river that runs through, the roadrunners and the wintering ducks and cranes, the chile and the luminarias at Christmas Eve, the diversity of the people and the music… Albuquerque is just ‘far out!’”

- Alice, Cohousing ABQ neighbor

favorites

Our Albuquerque Favorites

A dragon’s castle. Great margaritas. Route 66. Irrigation ditches (really). These are some of our favorite things in and around Albuquerque.

Acequias (irrigation ditches)

“To me the most exciting find since moving to Albuquerque three months ago is the network of irrigation ditches that originate from the Rio Grande. A ditch doesn't sound that great until you call it ‘acequia’ and discover the treasure trove of tree-lined, bikeable pathways winding through Albuquerque’s diverse neighborhoods.”
- Alexej

Bike In Coffee

Nature, music, friendship, food, and bikes!

El Vado

“El Vado has a nice assortment of lunch shops and a tap room. It’s close to the Cohousing ABQ land, an easy walk or bike ride. During warm weather, El Vado gives us a wonderful site to meet, grab a bite and a beverage (adult and otherwise) and enjoy the nearly perfect Albuquerque climate. Misters and several umbrella-protected tables make El Vado comfortable at least nine months of the year.”
- Jim B.

I Scream Ice Cream

Located in an unassuming stripmall, when you walk through the doors, you are transported — to another time, maybe another dimension. The owner has collected all sorts of oddities over the years and decorated the shop in a way that, I imagine, reflects his inner soul. There are toys for the kids to play with and they can be entertained for hours, the owner treats you like a guest in his own home, and last but not least, the ice cream is the best I’ve ever had. No joke. The best!

Biopark

”It has a wonderful model train running through the park. The bug exhibit is super cool too. It has huge beetles, leaf cutter ants and huge cockroaches!”
- Mischa, 5

Ex Novo Brewery

”Ex Novo has some of the best beer in our area. Plus, the venue itself is wonderful, with a large outdoor area (at least 20 tables). While Ex Novo doesn’t serve their own food, there’s always a food truck there, giving patrons a chance to sample different ABQ street food each visit. Plus, you can feel a bit socially responsible by visiting Ex Novo. The owner donates 100% of net profits to charity.”
- Jim B.

Petroglyph National Monument

”Meandering trails through an abundance of ancient drawings, right on the edge of the city. A great place to get transported in mind and spirit. Might even see coyote cubs!”
- Jessie

Farm and Table

”The locally sourced, yummy food, the lovely NM farm setting. Perfect place for a fancy date night! Reserve early and get a table outside in the courtyard if it’s warm enough!”
- Marlies

Trifecta Coffee Company

It is an unassuming, cozy, locally owned coffee shop. The location is not super cozy, but there is no better coffee shop in Albuquerque for me. Beans by the pound are very reasonably priced, and light roasts are available. Baked goods are pretty darn good, too… they tempt me every time I am there.

Sister Bar

Some awesome bands come here to play. They also have an ‘80s DJ dance party monthly. It's fun to get the dudes on and bring back a good era.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

“An amazing slot canyon just one hour drive from ABQ. The kids love hiking this one (not too long and keeps them entertained) and it’s great for a day trip.”
- Marlies

The Guild Cinema

“The Guild has been a mainstay in Albuquerque for independent film since before I moved here 18 years ago. Hosting the NM LGBTQIA Film festival, as well a lot of international film, and art film, you can count on The Guild to bring something exceptional. Or at least really weird and hilarious. A small venue with a little popcorn maker in a postage stamp lobby, we can’t go now, but hopefully in the future.”
- Jessie