Though the unmatched education you’ll receive at the nationally ranked University of New Mexico School of Medicine is reason enough to attend, you’ll score a sunny, picturesque bonus living in the one-of-a-kind city of Albuquerque.
In livable and affordable ABQ, you'll dwell in the high desert Southwest among a diverse population that's informed by Native American, Hispanic and Anglo traditions. Despite living alongside approximately 500,000 other residents, the city boasts a small-town charm.
It's one of the many aspects – along with the absence of gridlock traffic and a yearly average of 310 days of vibrant sunshine – that make us proud and delighted to live in New Mexico's largest city.
Because we're bisected by two major highways, it's easy to get to and from UNM campuses in Gallup, Los Alamos and Taos as well as tourist destinations such as the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Monument.
Near the Rio Grande and the gorgeous Sandia mountains, Albuquerque offers just about everything: a genuine casual elegance, reasonable cost of living, mild weather and juxtaposition of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures.
The city’s adobe architecture, art, and ecology are the essence of everything New Mexican. A mild, four-season climate make this a favorite locale for hiking, trail biking, mountain climbing, hot air ballooning, skiing, snowboarding, skating/longboarding and sunset watching.
Hiking Trails
Bike Trails
A number of bike trails navigate through the city:
Open Spaces
A number of hiking trails, centers, special activities around the city - treasured gems!
Old Town
Central Ave NW/Rio Grande Blvd NW
Historic area; shopping, restaurants, museums
Nob Hill District
Near UNM on Route 66 (Central Ave.), historic shopping & dining district.
Neighborhood Walking Tours
www.visitalbuquerque.org/things-to-do/tours-sightseeing/walking/neighborhood-walks
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St NW
Museum, gift shops, Indian dances & craft demos, restaurant, Pueblo history
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th St SW
Art exhibits, performing arts, genealogy center, restaurant, gift shop.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
2901 Candelaria NW
Visitor Center, ponds & 2 mi. of trails through the Bosque by the Rio Grande River; also paved trail for jogging, biking, rollerblading.
Petroglyphs National Monument
6510 Western Trail NM
Hiking trails, petroglyphs, visitor center
Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway - Day Trip
Scenic route to Santa Fe
Acoma Pueblo - Day Trip
West of Albuquerque, see website for location and tour information.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument - Day Trip
Southwest of Santa Fe; about 45 minutes North of Albuquerque
Hiking amidst tent-like rock formations
Bandelier National Monument - Day Trip
Just outside of Los Alamos; near Santa Fe
Jemez Mountains - Day Trip
About 45 minutes NW of Albuquerque
Hiking, camping, drive through Jemez Pueblo
www.visitalbuquerque.org/things-to-do/tours-sightseeing/self-guided/jemez-mountain/
Learn more about all the Land of Enchantment has to offer from outdoor activities to cultural events.
For those who love the food and beverage scene, Albuquerque boasts some of the best red- and green-chile cuisine on the planet, not to mention farmer's markets, artisanal coffee shops and microbreweries. In fact, we're known as one of the country's top beer destinations.
Insider tip: When ordering New Mexican fare such as a savory blue-corn waffle, enchiladas or a breakfast burrito, you'll be asked the state question “red or green?” (Seriously. It's really the State of New Mexico's official question.) Ask for Christmas – smothered in both red and green – and the most delicious plate of December 25 hues will arrive.