I suggest doing your homework. I suggest trying a short visit before making the big move. Please note however, that while the Sunport is an international airport, it is not a hub for any of the major airlines and many flights will likely require at least one-stop and often a change of planes. There are few to no discount flights in and out of Albuquerque. Just the same, I strongly recommend such an investigational visit as it may have a big impact on your future residency. Based upon such an investigation of your own, reading of my 2-year experience, as well as those of others, you may wish to reconsider such a move.
First, I will begin with addressing the reports from a large number of folks who tout the many sunny days that occur in ABQ during a given year and I will share that I suspect that most are accurate. There is much they fail to mention however. Sunny days do not always equate to a comfortable and enjoyable climate. I am not willing to do the research at the moment to back up my experience, but I will share with you that today, April 4th, at noon the sun is shining. I will also share with you that I do not need to step outside to know that the temperature reads a crisp 46 degrees and the wind is blowing at a pretty good gust. The wind begins in late February and does not stop well into June. At least that has been my experience in my short 2-years in ABQ and no one herein ABQ has expressed to me that my climate experience is historically unusual. When I have commented, most have replied with something like – “Welcome to Albuquerque”. You can pretty much count on the idea that if the sun is shining during these months, by noon the wind will be blowing 25-30 or well beyond and I have learned to batten down my trash cans as well as other items. This is especially true on the west side of town where I have lived the last six-months which has for me has required a bit of change in lifestyle. The climate is a bit more favorable the last couple weeks of June, but then the heat hits. It is a nice place to run in the morning as well as other activities during the summer months, but if you factor in the wind, the spring experience is quite short and then summer is here with temperatures often approaching or exceeding 100 after noon. With July comes the “monsoon season” as the locals call it. Hardly as it sounds, but you can pretty much count on the idea that most days of July will include a heavy afternoon thunder shower extending into the evening and spoiling any plans for outdoor activities. August can be uncomfortably warm and the showers often extend well into August as well. If you are a “Fall Person”, perhaps not a bad place to be during this time, but if you live for spring and summer, you may find yourself feeling a little frustrated and perhaps even discouraged. Please note that if you have allergies, February through June in the ABQ area can wreak havoc with your body. It begins with the Juniper in February and the typical allergy weeds through the first couple of weeks in June. Oddly enough, though I have lived in Nevada, Wyoming, California, Utah, Colorado, and others, I have never experienced allergies until arriving in ABQ. I am the kind of person that rarely visits the Doc, but out of desperation sought diagnosis shortly after arriving. While a ‘good’ remedy was never discovered, the diagnosis was pretty clear as it was also explained to me that allergies are common in the area.
If you live for golf and just have to golf year-round, the good news is that you can come close. That is if you are a die-hard; the wind, rain, high temperatures, and occasional snow do not get in your way. Some courses are open ‘close to’ year-round – weather permitting. Perhaps a die-hard skier – snowboarder? This is not likely the place for you. You may hear locals touting this place or that, but if you truly are a skier or snowboarder I doubt you will visit any of the nearby resorts twice. You will also hear many locals touting the hiking and mountain trails. There are a few fun and scenic trails to the east in the Sandias for both hiking and biking. Locals will describe day-trips as if the Grand Canyon however, and you may be a little disappointed if you come from areas in the Rocky Mountains, you are an avid hiker or biker. Note that the tram ride is worth the few dollars, but I can pretty much guarantee you will be disappointed with the food and service at the restaurant at top – “High Finance”. Upon my arrival to ABQ, I heard rave review for the Bosque, Rio Grande trail for hiking, biking, walking… Perhaps I have been spoiled from my previous experiences, but my first experience of the trail left me feeling like a disappointed Ralphie on Christmas morning with eyes searching the illusive package containing the Red-Ryder BB-Gun. Of course it is wonderful to have a number of miles of trail uninterrupted even by highway, but be aware that it is a paved trail, straight, exposed, non-scenic – the Rio Grande not even visible from the trail except in a few locations. If you are expecting to see wildlife, you will be sadly disappointed with the exception of the ‘Aquarium’. Of the number of times I have now visited the trail at different times of season, I have yet to see a lizard, snake, rabbit, squirrel, even a road-runner… I could make a very long list of the typical wildlife one might expect to see yet will not, but it is much simpler to say that I have seen a few crows on occasion, a few ducks, a hawk once – that’s it. I have seen more wildlife on the local golf courses where I have at least seen a few coyotes. It is really a curiosity to hear locals boast the “Bosque” – I guess it is relative to one’s experience.
If you are looking for great food – you will most likely be disappointed again. Your disappointment will not be for the lack of number of establishments serving food as I would hazard to guess that there are more sources for food in ABQ than in 90% of the cities in the U.S. Your disappointment will not be due to high pricing either – in-fact, the food is pretty cheap. There are many reasons for this which will be apparent as you continue reading… During my first year, I frequented these establishments much – too much. Many a business lunch, a number of dinner dates, as well as brunch and breakfast. Yet, I honestly cannot think of one place that comes to mind as one of those places “You just have to try…” American, Chinese or Mexican cuisine a sad disappointment in my experience and expect long lines beyond the typical for all restaurants and grocery as well. I will suggest not being suckered into the ‘Red- Green’ thing or at least know that if you are expecting any kind of savory treat at some point, you will most likely be let down as many times as you allow. Don’t believe the reviews for the Frontier restaurant. If you practice health in your diet, ABQ is not the place for you. After 2 years and hundreds of experiments, if I go out to eat it is now at one of 4 places – The Cracker Barrel, Subway, and Taco Bell – Goodness! Wait, I do have one recommend – the ‘fourth’, as mentioned, is the Jasmine Thai Restaurant off of Jefferson. I strongly recommend the Green Shrimp Curry as well as most anything on the menu. I have eaten there often. The service is fair, prices are very reasonable, and the Roadrunner that taps the front window every day and is then fed by one of the waitresses is one of my select few notable experiences in ABQ.
Perhaps you are looking for nightlife? I strongly advise caution. If you are into the electronic dance scene, Google the Effex and if it sounds appealing, it will probably hit the spot, but remember you are not in Las Vegas. I will highly recommend the Apothecary above the Parque Hotel and without description doubt anyone would downplay my recommend as an enjoyable venue for most any modern day seeker of libations. Perhaps you are the type who on rare occasion chooses to extend the “Night-Life”. Let me preface this by stating that I am not supporting this idea and that in-fact, I do not partake. But if you think you are going to go downtown, find ‘that area’ and score ‘Party Favors’– think again. First, this area does not exist. Yes, there is the famous “War-Zone” and the crime rate in ABQ is the second highest of any city in the U.S., but that guy on the street corner is not your friendly neighborhood dealer, he just may kill you, and don’t be surprised to see the less fortunate laying in the gutter on Central Avenue – yes, I am serious. I strongly suggest researching the statistics before considering any actual research. While directly correlated to ABQ being so close to the border and the resulting high quantity of drugs and gangs in the area, the crimes are more about assault, rape, theft, murder, and so on – don’t risk it. ABQ usually ranks in the top five cities for any of these crimes and the last I recall reading was #2 for murder. Read the public arrest report for any given day – enough said.
Let’s step back a moment and look at the basic infrastructure for ABQ. If you spend any significant amount of time in ABQ, one of your biggest frustrations will soon likely be the traffic and public roads system. Adding to the fact of the city being divided by the Rio Grande with inadequate crossings, don’t be surprised if you are traveling on what you thought to be a major artery, suddenly dead-ends. Want to make a U-turn? Plan on doing it illegally or traveling many miles first, and be aware that you will most likely not have enough given space for the turn unless you violate the curb. Many major roads are only 2 lanes. There are very few turning islands though this does not deter locals from making a turn anyway – be prepared to make an abrupt stop at any time. It has been my experience that most will say that the worst drivers are in the state in which they live. I could tell many stories of experience in ABQ that have caused me to conclude that the locals of the ABQ area are indeed the worst I have experienced. Unless you know where you are going and have a planned and tried route, allow yourself up to 3 X the expected travel time. I love the native people and their heritage, but it is a frustrating and common experience to approach a local native travelling 40 MPH or less on the inside lane of I-25. I suggest having a good laugh and going around as they will not likely move over. It really is something beyond the typical traffic frustrations; you have to wonder if there has ever been a traffic system plan, if traffic laws are enforced, and if a civil engineering degree is required to design public roads in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Synchronized traffic lights, a simple trinomial equation – In ABQ?… Be aware that for reason I know not, “Gas Stations are not plentiful in ABQ and typically include long waits and slow service. I suggest beginning any travel with plenty of fuel – remember the “No U-Turns” mentioned above. Cellular service is poor. Verizon is the best to be sure. Be advised that Google maps will take you to open fields in ABQ. Locals tell me that it has something to do with the military base – Hmmm?
Moving to education itself in ABQ or should I say the apparent lack of, should be considered before a big move as well. I am not reporting from statistics – I don’t need to… I confess that this is the most uneducated municipality I have experienced which came as a surprise to me with State University located in central Albuquerque. I have at times found it a challenge to find others to intelligently discuss topics above an 8th grade level conversation. Admittedly, my bias includes coming from a college town where I was blessed to receive a master degree (obviously not in journalism), but this aside, the level of education of the general population is disturbing. A dear friend and professor at the university shared with me that she had only 9 of 23 pass her basic English course. When she asked for suggestions from the tenured faculty, she was told that this was the average rate of passing. It only takes a very short period of time in ABQ before you begin scratching your head in wonder of how this could be – it is just sad in my opinion. If you are in any kind of executive position, HR, or other position of hiring, a lot of patience is required. In a 2-year period as I reviewed hundreds of applications and resumes, not only was the general lack of education appalling, but as noted above, the crime rate in the valley makes it an extreme challenge to find educated, employable candidates without a criminal record. As one colleague recently admitted when I enquired how he maintained his labor pool of over one-hundred employees – “I have employees with rap-sheets as long as thirty pages”. This is a true statement from a COO for one of the more respected companies in Albuquerque. I have no personal bias against those crossing the border to improve their lifestyle as well as the lives of family members – legal or illegal. It would seem however that many of those whom have crossed the border and remain in ABQ, have no intention of improvement beyond the geographical, eating mass quantities of food, collecting public assistance, and committing crime. I recently read in a government published document that for every worker in ABQ, there are three non-workers being supported through funding from the one worker. This helps explain why ABQ is documented as one of the very poorest cities in the nation.
Perhaps you have heard the phrase “Land of Enchantment”. Perhaps you have heard of the wonderful hospitality in the ABQ area as I have. I can only assure you that my experience has been quite different and has left me wondering if anyone in ABQ understands the words hospitality or “Spirituality” (self-improvement) let alone lives a spiritual life. I would describe the area as the “Land of the Spiritually Void”. Once you arrive, don’t be surprised by blank stares, empty eyes, and to hear the term “Land of Manana” repeated often. If you are the kind of person who likes to get things done and receive a sense of accomplishment from your efforts in efficiency, you may be in for a let-down. Not only will you often hear the Land of Manana phrase, which I have come to understand as meaning we will do it tomorrow or next week, or… Statements such as “That is how we do things in Albuquerque” are also commonly heard. Be advised that this statement can at times be indicative of including outright corruption as well and at all levels. Sound dramatic? Try a front page newspaper search for the last few years… I am not referring to the type of mean-well shenanigans where people have overstepped boundaries in an effort of “People Helping People”. I am talking about outright corruption. If you doubt my words, do the research. This corruption does not just exist at the governmental and educational levels you read about on the front page of the newspaper either. Cronyism, nepotism, and many other “Ism’s” are rampant. I have encountered many an instance in my work-place and at municipal levels in the past 2 years. I have more than once called the perpetrators bluff. I quickly learned how to file a complaint while sending copies to multiple offices or agencies…
Perhaps you are looking for love or perhaps just quality companionship in ABQ? I will be the first to admit that I have met a couple wonderful ladies in the area during these past 2 years. This was not without trial and error however. If you have ever had a really bad experience from on-line dating as most of us in America have, be prepared to experience another or two and I advise using extreme caution. As a single male, I experienced ‘stalking’ from 2 different ladies in my first few months in ABQ. Yes, I am serious and this was after exercising standard caution and I do consider myself relatively experienced in the dating arena. It was several months before I made another venture into the dating arena in ABQ. I will also suggest not holding high expectations for a long-term to lifetime partner and be aware of the scams, be aware there are many. While this is not a ‘criticism’, I did not meet one woman in the area who practices monogamy – enough said.
You may wonder why after such poor experiences I would still remain in ABQ. I am on my way out. I really did try to give the benefit of the doubt. I told myself that it takes time, that perhaps I had just developed a poor attitude – in-fact, I have at this point, but looking back I do wish I had trusted my instinct and called it quits much sooner. I am embarrassed. I am embarrassed for the people of Albuquerque. Perhaps my perceptions are not perfectly accurate… Perhaps, but I have refrained from telling the ‘grizzly stories’ of experience here – Albuquerque and integrity are antonymous in my book.
As a note of the positive, I would like to mention one of the most memorable experiences of very few in ABQ and shared with a most wonderful, beautiful, and intelligent woman from ABQ. Should you ever have the opportunity, to visit the “RV Campground”, south of Grants, about an hour west of ABQ – don’t pass it by. Rent one of the small cabins and be sure not to miss one of the best world class dinners and most spiritual experiences you may ever enjoy. The nearby volcano and year-round frozen lake are something to see as well. I will leave the rest to your imagination. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is also well worth the 2 hour drive north from ABQ and the bird refuge an hour south is really wonderful and something to experience with the Dancing Crane Bed & Breakfast a true spiritual treat. I highly recommend the Il Piato restaurant in Santa Fe having enjoyed one of the most exquisite meals ever. I recommend the Cowgirl Bar & Grille with outdoor patio and live band as one of the best and most fun in the area – also in Santa Fe. The Standard Diner in ABQ is worth mentioning as is the Flying Star in Corrales as well as the northwest location. I am personally fond of the Pesto pizza at Dion’s Pizza. If you practice yoga, after membership at a half-dozen schools, I recommend one only. “Blissful Spirits” is divine, but be aware that it is Hot Yoga and many of the best classes in my opinion can be challenging for anyone. “Cloud Nine” which also practices the “Sacred Yoga” method can serve as an alternate, but does not come close in comparison to Blissful Spirits. The rest of about a dozen I have tried have been a big disappointment for various reasons.
It occurs to me that I should at least touch on the cost of living in Albuquerque. It has been my experience that with most cost of living comparisons, the base of comparison is the cost of housing with rest relatively equal between most cities. Presuming ceteris paribus, Albuquerque appears a relatively cheaper place to live as the cost of housing is quite low with all other costs comparable to most U.S. cities. The problem with this is that to glean this lower living cost it is necessary to make a home purchase as rent remains relatively high. The bigger problem with this however is that your home investment is not likely to be much of an investment as homes are not expected to appreciate in the future and for sound reasons. The reasons are many including major political conflict at municipal and state levels. There have been many recent articles in major periodicals reporting Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico as having the worst economic outlook of all states in the nation. While I am not citing directly, I recall Forbes Magazine as referring to New Mexico as the “Death Spiral”. The reasons are not complex, but rather too many to list here. Once again, do a little research as there is much information on the economy of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico readily available. In the end, the dilemma being that to take advantage of the lower cost of living, it is necessary to make that purchase in real estate, but if you make the investment you may have no realized appreciation for many years to come. The opportunity costs quickly become apparent revealing the sad reality that Albuquerque is one of the more ‘Expensive’ places to live in America. If for one reason or another you have already made the commitment of residency in the area, the best strategy in my opinion is not to make a home purchase, live a low-profile lifestyle, live frugally and place as much as possible in a secure savings account or relatively liquid, but stable investment portfolio. You just may discover that at some point in the near future you will need or want to quickly access these funds for relocation and get the hell out of the “Land of Manana”. Be aware of another popular phrase for the area which pokes fund at “Land of Enchantment” – “Land of Entrapment”.
For record of information, I was pulled over once in ABQ, received one speeding ticket which was deserved though I view the $250.00 fine a bit excessive. I’ve had no other experiences with the local law. I say this at a time shortly after an incidence where APD is being accused of wrongly shooting an unarmed homeless man in the ABQ foothills – the graphic video is readily available on Google for your own opinion. The incident led to “Peaceful Demonstrations” on the streets of ABQ as well as I-25. These “Peaceful Demonstrations” resulted in rounds of tear-gas being delivered by swarms of the local law enforcement in full riot gear. APD is also under fire for dozens of other shootings in the past few years with accusations and full reports also available on-line.
In any case, ABQ is just not for me. If you are considering moving to the area, I strongly recommend doing your homework. Don’t just take my words to base your decision upon. I suggest talking with local residents, fully investigating the economy as well as the items listed above and others. In the case you are thinking that I may just have a chronic poor attitude ranting and raving against Albuquerque, I will leave you with one citation I just pulled from Google. It took me about 30 seconds to find this quotation: “New Mexico is the capital of corruption of the United States. I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years at the FBI,” said McClenaghan in an interview with Albuquerque’s KRQE TV Channel 13 News. “From what we’ve seen here, corruption in this state is epidemic. It is at all levels of government.”
I am not in any way suggesting this quotation as a proof of my words. However, as you discover the plethora of similar reports I am guessing you will begin to understand where I am coming from. Investigate well and I am guessing once you do, you just might reconsider any plans of moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Best of Luck!

April 27, an update –

Now some 3 weeks later, I thought to make a short update. As I am now preparing to embark upon a new adventure of relocating to Austin, I have had an unusual amount of free time to further explore the Albuquerque area. While I wish that my experience be of a more positive nature, it has been much of the same.
It is just short of 11 A.M. and it is a cool 49 degrees outside, cloudy, and windy. The wind has been blowing pretty steady the last 3 days and warnings remain in effect through tomorrow. Yesterday, the evening winds remained strong with gusts exceeding 70 MPH. The forecast for the coming week is similar with highs expected in the mid-sixties and for the winds to continue though hopefully not as strong. The following week’s forecast shows a jump to the 80’s and with winds to continue. For an avid bicyclist this can be frustrating and I feel like a caged tiger. Despite the wind I have ventured out a number of days further exploring the mapped bicycle trails/routes of Albuquerque. I was already aware of the many disconnections of the bike trails through out the city, but have still been surprised to learn many of these “Trails” or bicycle routes are not only “One-Way”, but offer no option for return route other than placing yourself directly in the auto traffic. Imagine traveling east on a major road, “Paseo Del Norte” in a marked bicycle lane and reading a sign which reads “End of Bicycle Lane” even as this lane ends a few short feet later. The next sign I was to read was an exit sign and I quickly realized the road had converged to highway. Needless to say – I took the exit.
Again, I would strongly prefer to share positive experience and amongst the continued frustration, I have had a few. I strongly recommend visiting “Tia Betty Blues” for the most divine of breakfast or lunch. The location, S San Mateo is unfortunate, but worth the travel. Don’t cheat yourself of the experience of indulging in the delight and pleasure of the heavenly “Lavender Blue-Corn Waffles” with blue corn batter, the freshest of strawberries, ‘Home Made’ whipped cream delicately flavored with lavender and elegantly garnished with twig of fresh Lavender. I have to say this is the most heavenly breakfast experience of all my days. The service is outstanding as well. Please note that this a breakfast/lunch establishment only and closes at 2 P.M. Daily.
The next outstanding experience of the past 3 weeks is a short hiking trip I made to the Jemez Springs area. I had experienced the area last year at a 3-day retreat and recognized the beauty, but was unable to explore due to the retreat schedule. My recent trip was very short, but very memorable. less than 90 minutes to the town, it is a drastic change in scenery, culture, and energy as compared to ABQ. While I have yet to experience, there are a number of hot springs both natural & public to commercial hot springs managed by small hotels and resorts. The area I experienced this past week was a bit further (90 Min) at the top of the mountain. It was late evening and my hike was cut short by fading light, but I am grateful for the experience. This was simply the most beautiful of all trails I have experienced in all of New Mexico and I do hope to revisit and further explore before leaving the area.

May 7, 2014

Since my last posting the weather has warmed considerably with some days reaching into the low 80’s. The wind continues however an since my last posting over 2 weeks ago there has only been one day which did not begin with a weather warning for fire watch and high winds of 40-50 with gusts of 60 – 70. In an effort to avoid, I have been riding my bike to the nearest yoga center about 30 minutes from my home by bicycle early morning before the winds develop. It seems mother nature of ABQ a step ahead however as for the last 3 days when class has ended around 10 A.M., the winds are already 40 + and with gusts 60 MPH and higher. It takes me 1 hour about twice the time to make it home as unfortunately I am bucking a near direct headwind. I am tempted at times to drive to the nearest U-Haul center, load up my belongings and relocate to most anyplace that offers a “Spring time season”. A few other things would be nice as well…

May 13, 2014

It is about a week since my last update and I have awoke this morning to a whopping 39 degrees and cloudy skies – it appears it may rain – feels like it may snow. Winds yesterday were over 40 mph by 8:30 in the morning and remained constant throughout the day. I have yet to experience a day in May where the wind has not been a factor of climate. I am beginning to wonder if I will experience a day of spring climate in ABQ this year. Perhaps with the lower temperatures today, the wind will be less of a factor, but I ask myself why I am still here

June 16, 2014

I am still here… The words “Land of Entrapment” come to mind…
Now mid June and there is a high wind warning for today and tomorrow. I suspect that tomorrow will have the same forecast. The fact is, since the beginning of April, I can count on one hand the number of days where the wind has not exceeded 30 mph – true story – exactly 5 days… I suppose that if I were employed, the winds would be much less noticed, but for the last few days, it has been necessary to build boxes in my garden to protect my plants from being destroyed by the winds. I have been fortunate to discover a new yoga school about 5 miles from home – “Exhale Hot Yoga”. I highly recommend and I have remained determined to not let the wind deter me from riding my bike to and fro on a daily basis. I now in fact average 30 miles daily on my bike with an occasional fit of Tourette against the wind which seems to howl in return… I am so blessed in all that I have including this freedom between job hunting, but I confess the wind is kicking my butt. I now estimate that I have somewhere between 250 – 500 applications sent out. About a dozen video conference interviews and about the same for in person interviews. A couple of quasi offers, but they have been less than half of my historical salary. I pray for solid gainful employment – I pray that I will escape the “Land of Entrapment”.
A couple updates – After a Federal investigation, the mayor has agreed that Federal monitoring over the Albuquerque Police Department and officers actions is needed. I have many days taken the “Railrunner” to Santa Fe exploring the Dale Balls mountain trail area on my bike – I highly recommend the “India Palace” in Santa Fe if I have not already done so. O – The Flying Star on Rio Grande serves the best chocolate shakes I have ever experienced. It is like a drug!