Albuquerque, founded in 1706, is one of the oldest inland cities in the U.S. Elevation is 5,312 ft., the highest metropolitan city on the American mainland.

Albuquerque is the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the U.S. The city hosts the largest international hot air balloon competition in the world and draws crowds of more than 1.5 million people.

Albuquerque is more than 189.5 sq. miles and home to around 558,000 people. It’s the 32nd largest city in the U.S. in terms of population. The Albuquerque Metropolitan Area has a population of just over 900,000 people.

The sun shines an average of 310 days a year. Year-round average temperatures range from 42° to 77°.

Sandia Peak Tramway stretches 2.7 miles along the Sandia mountains. It is the longest single span tram in the world. Sandia Crest offers a panoramic view of more than 11,000 sq. miles.

Nine national monuments are located within a day’s drive of Albuquerque.

EMPLOYMENT

Job seekers are encouraged to contact the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, 401 Broadway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 – (505) 841-8409. The agency offers the largest pool of job listings in the state, as well as a full staff of qualified employment counselors and placement interviewers.

The agency also issues several publications about the current job market. You can visit their Publications Page to see all they have to offer for job seekers.

HOUSING

Throughout the city’s four major quadrants and surrounding areas, housing possibilities vary greatly in price, style and availability.

Single family homes and townhouses are available for sale through the Albuquerque Metropolitan Board of Realtors Southwest Multiple Listing Service (accessible by all Coldwell Banker Legacy agents).

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

To register your vehicle (new residents have 30 days), you must take the vehicle to the Motor Vehicle Division and provide proof of:

(a) Ownership
(b) Liability insurance
(c) Compliance with state emission-control standards
(d) Vin Inspection
Registration fees are based on the vehicle’s age and weight. Visit New Mexico for more information.

TAXES

New Mexico has a graduated state income tax. In other words, the tax rate rises as income increases, with personal income tax piggy-backing on Federal income taxes.

The statewide gross receipts tax of 5.125% applies to almost all goods and services exchanged. Local communities can levy additional increments. The total gross receipts tax in Albuquerque is currently 7.00%. Groceries are exempt from sales tax.

All real property and business personal property is subject to taxation under New Mexico law. Real property valuations are based on market value. Business personal property must be reported to the Bernalillo County Assessor’s Office by the last day of February each year.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Voting
You may register to vote in Bernalillo County if you are:
· A resident of New Mexico
· A citizen of the United States
· Eighteen years old or older at the time of the next election
· Not legally declared mentally incapacitated
· Not a convicted felon, or a felon who has completed all of the terms and conditions of sentencing

North Star Realty Group NM will be your fixed destination to guide you home in the Land of Enchantment. We have expertise and resources to match with your new home in New Mexico. Whether you are relocating, downsizing, or upsizing we can help you find your dream home.

Whatever your taste or lifestyle, there’s a place for you in our high desert city. From sprawling adobes to stately bricks, your choices for housing seem almost endless. Begin your search by getting your bearings. The majestic Sandia Mountains stand to the east, while flat mesas edge the western horizon.

The city is divided into four quadrants: Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Northwest (NW), and Southwest (SW). The North/South dividing line is Central Avenue or “Old Route 66.” The East/West dividing line is Broadway. Each quadrant offers a diverse range of housing opportunities through a network of unique subdivisions and neighborhoods.

You’ll find Albuquerque’s friendly lifestyle helps newcomers feel right at home soon after they relocate. Many residents are active in their neighborhood association, of which there are more than 225 throughout the metropolitan area. The office of Neighborhood Coordination (505) 924-3914, a division of city government, provides workshops, a directory, a monthly newsletter and other assistance to neighborhoods dealing with such issues as zoning, parks and traffic.

The city’s Northeast Heights stretches from the University of New Mexico to the foothills of the Sandias. The mountain boundary to the east and Sandia Pueblo to the north limit massive development. Some of the City’s most affluent subdivisions lie within this area, including Sandia Heights, Tanoan, High Desert and Glenwood Hills. One of the newest subdivisions, North Albuquerque Acres, features upscale residences on large lots. Dozens of other neighborhoods offer homes in almost every style and price range.

The Southeast section incorporates Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories and the Albuquerque International Airport. Housing developments range from the well-established Ridgecrest and Four Hills areas to the refreshingly contemporary Willow Wood. You’ll find this area offers suitable housing for most family needs.

Perhaps the most diverse area of the city lies within the Northwest quadrant. Secluded, rural properties surrounded by massive cottonwoods typify Albuquerque’s serene North Valley. Across the Rio Grande atop the West Mesa are the city’s newest residential and commercial developments; though some, such as Paradise Hills and Taylor Ranch, date back several decades. Dozens of homebuilders offer an extensive array of affordable housing possibilities.

Primarily an agricultural area, Albuquerque’s South Valley offer residents rural living at an affordable price. Many homes are southwestern in style and often include barns for livestock. Come closer to the Downtown area and you’ll find Albuquerque’s prestigious Old Country Club neighborhood. Lushly landscaped and quiet, this neighborhood is widely considered one of the most desirable residential locations in the city. During the Christmas holidays, many of the homeowners set out thousands of luminarias or little lights, creating awesome nightly displays for all to enjoy.

A planned community northwest of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho is known for its phenomenal growth and economic development. Attractive housing prices make it popular with first time buyers and retirees. Financial incentives have also been successful in luring several major corporations to set up shop in the area, including Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Sprint, & Stream Global.

Adjacent to the North Valley, the village of Corrales is unlike any other. An abundance of small arts and crafts shops and superb restaurants line the winding road that meanders through the township. Residences often sit on large plots of land, sometimes as much as several acres. There are still small, productive farms and orchards. The pastoral setting provides a relaxed lifestyle that residents share with pets, horses and farm animals.

Slightly farther north, Placitas offers sites with more land, bigger homes and continuity of architectural style (Pueblo and Territorial designs are the most relevant). Founded in 1745, the area was initially a large tract of land divided among 21 families, many of whose descendants still live in the area. Today, Placitas is a quiet, low density residential community offering spectacular views day or night.

Minutes away from Albuquerque off South I-25 are the townships of Bosque Farms & Los Lunas. For those who want to leave the hustle-bustle of the city behind and savor a simpler way of life, these two communities are hard to match. Small “Mom and Pop” businesses in the area provide basic necessities. One of the area’s historic landmarks, The Luna Mansion, has been restored into an elegant restaurant.

Through Tijeras (Spanish for “scissors”) Canyon on the east side of the Sandias are several small communities, including Cedar Crest, Sandia Park & Sandia Knolls. All are quiet places inhabited by those seeking a more rural environment and who prefer living along the rugged mountains high in the pinons and pines.

Education is one of the most important issues facing this country and Albuquerque is tackling it head-on. Students benefit from a wide range of educational programs, prestigious college prep schools, year-round and bilingual public schools, private schools, and a top-rated university and community college.

Albuquerque’s educational system has risen to the demands of a growing population through innovation and one-on-one contact with students. From the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) to the University of New Mexico, the quality and range of programs in the city continues to increase in step with Albuquerque’s population. The University of New Mexico defines a regional and national standard of excellence with its 11 degrees granting programs and distinguished research facilities.

The APS district is one of the largest in the U.S., with over 87,000 students. APS includes 89 elementary schools (K through grade 5), 27 middle schools (6 through 8), 13 regular high schools, and 10 alternative schools. All APS schools offer special educational opportunities for handicapped and gifted students.

Parents are encouraged to discuss details of specific projects and facilities personally with principals and administrators. You can reach the APS Central Office at (505) 880-3700 or APS’s Community Relations Department also distributes a comprehensive information packet, including district boundary maps. Call (505) 881-8421 to order. A complete list of high, middle and elementary schools is included in the information packet distributed by Community Relations Department.

Rio Rancho established its own school district in 1997. Rio Rancho Public Schools oversees 1 preschool, 10 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 2 alternative high schools.

Albuquerque has an excellent selection of private and parochial schools. Approximately 13% of Albuquerque’s children attend one of over 70 private or parochial schools in the community. The Albuquerque Academy is considered to be one of the area’s top private nondenominational schools, and is first among area independent schools in endowment.

Some of the larger private/parochial schools include the following:

• Sandia Prep
• Saint Pius X
• Menaul School
• Hope Christian
• Bosque Prep
• Manzano Day School
• Esquela del sol Montessori
• Immanuel Lutheran
• Sunset Mesa

Education is one of the most important issues facing this country and Albuquerque is tackling it head-on. Students benefit from a wide range of educational programs, prestigious college prep schools, year-round and bilingual public schools, private schools, and a top-rated university and community college.

The University of New Mexico opened its doors in June 1892 with an enrollment of 25 students. Today, with over 30,000 students, it is the state’s largest university. Offering more than 4,000 courses with degree programs ranging from associate through doctorate, the university is nationally recognized for its programs in Latin American studies, anthropology, photography, biology, nuclear pharmacy, laser optics and environmental studies, among others.

Research is a top priority at UNM. Federal agencies, industry, national laboratories, foundations, and the state of New Mexico have provided $175 million in contracts and grants for UNM-sponsored projects ranging from engineering and medicine to education and the humanities. UNM is one of only 88 Carnegie Research 1 universities in the country. Undergraduate tuition per year for full-time residents is $2,503.35. For full time non-residents it is $9,732.00. Financial aid is available to undergraduate, graduate/professional and non-degree/unclassified students.

The second largest post-secondary school in New Mexico with an enrollment of over 20,000 is Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). CNM is an accredited community college offering educational courses leading to certificates in 41 business, health, technology and trade occupations; associate degrees in 34 occupational and liberal arts fields; college transfers; and continuing education. CNM is the largest supplier of transfers to UNM and has an overall placement rate of about 93 percent. There is a $40.00 registration fee for credit courses, with occupational and developmental courses free to New Mexico residents. Tuition for courses is $50.00 per credit hour.

Other institutions of higher education located in the area are:

• College of Santa Fe
• Pima Medical Institute
• University of Phoenix
• Grand Canyon University
• Southwest University of Visual Arts
• National American University
• Brown Mackie College
• Carrington College
• Brookline College
• Webster University

As Albuquerque grows, it is building a solid reputation as a national leader in health care. An abundance of cutting-edge facilities and a variety of health care providers await new residents of the Greater Albuquerque Metropolitan area.

Albuquerque is known nationwide for its high-tech medical facilities, superior level of primary health care and cutting edge medical research. Residents of all ages can choose from thousands of physicians and ancillary care providers, ready to serve virtually every medical need. Here’s a quick look at the major health care facilities and treatment centers in the area.

University of New Mexico Hospitals
505-272-2111 | hsc.unm.edu
UNM Hospitals are New Mexico’s only Academic Medical Center, Level 1 Trauma Center, and provider of 13 pediatric subspecialties offering the highest level of intensive care for children and premature infants in the State.

Under the UNM Hospitals umbrella are UNM Children’s Hospital, UNM Carrie Tingley Hospital, UNM Children’s Psychiatric Center, UNM Psychiatric Center, & UNM Cancer Center.

UNM Children’s Hospital, and UNM Carrie Tingley Hospital are both on the 3rd floor of the Barbara and Bill Richardson Pavilion. The “BBRP” is the building directly west of UNM Hospital, often referred to as the “main” hospital.

Carrie Tingley outpatient clinics are still located at 1127 University Blvd., NE.

Lovelace Health System
505-727-8000 | lovelace.com
Lovelace Health System is an integrated managed health care organization with multiple medical centers and primary care centers. Lovelace is also New Mexico’s oldest and largest HMO with over 120,000 members and a multi-specialty physician group practice including a statewide network of contracted providers.

Lovelace Health System comprises Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace Rehabilitation Hospital, Lovelace Women’s Hospital, Lovelace Westside Hospital, Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace Regional Hospital-Roswell, the Lovelace Health Plan, and 11 retail pharmacy locations.

Presbyterian Health System
(505) 923-5700 | phs.org
Presbyterian Healthcare Services is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, a health plan and a growing medical group. For more than 100 years, Presbyterian has been committed to a single purpose — improving the health of the patients, members and communities they serve.

Their locations in the Albuquerque Metro area are Presbyterian Hospital near downtown, Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital off Wyoming & I-40, and Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho. They also have multiple urgent care clinics around the metro area.

Kindred Hospital Albuquerque
505-242-4444 | kindredalbuquerque.com
Kindred Hospital Albuquerque is a 61-bed transitional care hospital providing specialized, long-term acute care to medically complex patients requiring continued care and extended recovery time. We are accredited by The Joint Commission and include six intensive care unit beds and two medical/surgical units.

New Mexico VA Health Care System
505-265-1711 | albuquerque.va.gov
The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque is a Joint Commission accredited, VHA complexity level 1a, tertiary care referral center with a 24-hour Emergency Room located in the heart of the Land of Enchantment. Known for decades as the New Mexico VA Medical Center, the facility was renamed the “Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center” in 2008 for Korean War Veteran Raymond Gerald “Jerry” Murphy, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his combat service. Mr. Murphy worked for the Veterans Benefits Administration (Regional Office) in Albuquerque after the war, and later served as a volunteer at the medical center.

Retail ventures of every size and type thrive in Albuquerque. There’s an endless variety waiting your discovery from contemporary malls to one-of-a-kind specialty stores to first-class flea markets. You’ll find it all in Albuquerque. So, grab your wallet and let’s shop ‘til we drop.

Old Town
Since 1706, Old Town has been the historic focal point and heart of our community. Today, dozens of shops, galleries and several excellent eateries surround the original town plaza. Many of the shops offer Southwestern items, such as jewelry and pottery, but there are a number of unique clothing stores and several gift shops. Hidden garden patios allow shoppers time to pause between purchases.

Nob Hill
Old Route 66 takes a decidedly different turn as it stretches through Nob Hill near UNM. Enjoy a sophisticated and eclectic variety of stores selling everything from antiques to organic produce, designer to vintage clothes, new and used books, Avant Garde housewares and unique accessories.

ABQ Uptown
Just off of I-40 at the Louisiana exit lies the newest upscale shopping complex. This outdoor style mall boasts several great restaurants such as Marcello’s Chop House, The Melting Pot, & California Pizza Kitchen. National brands such as J. Crew, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, & Jared call ABQ Uptown home. You can also get your technology fix by stopping in at the Apple Store.

Coronado Center
Located in the Uptown area just north of I-40, this large enclosed mall offers several major department stores on two shopping levels, a wide selection of local and national familiar favorites and food courts catering to every type of taste. H&M and Bonefish Grill are two of the newest attractions. Some of the other stores include: Sears, Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Gordmans, and Kohls.

Cottonwood Mall
The Cottonwood Mall is located on Albuquerque’s west side. It opened in the fall of 1996. Major anchors in the 1.2 million-square-foot facility include Dillard’s, Sears and JC Penney. A major entertainment complex, several franchised restaurants and more than a hundred specialty stores are also a part of the huge retail enterprise.

NM State Fairgrounds Flea Market
Bargain hunters flock to the State Fairgrounds Flea Market on Saturdays and Sundays year-round. The outdoor marketplace brings hundreds of vendors and shoppers together in one place for a weekend of shopping fun. Admission is free, but there is a small fee for parking.

Albuquerque’s many-splendored cultural attractions reflect the right diversity and talent of its people. Let yourself be entertained at any number of presentations – concerts, operas, musicals, stage shows, theater presentations, dance performances – you name it! Here’s your ticket to limitless enjoyment.

New Mexico Philharmonic
505-323-4343 | nmphil.org
Nationally renowned orchestra offers both classical performances and pops concerts. Some events feature guest soloists and 100-member Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

The Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra
505-433-7445 | nmapo.org
For over 40 years, the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra has been a great community asset by providing a place for accomplished amateur musicians to play and by offering free classical music concerts to the community.

New Mexico Jazz Workshop
505-255-9798 | nmjazz.org
Offers classical jazz concerts showcasing local and touring jazz artists.

New Mexico Ballet Company & Academy
505-292-4245 | newmexicoballet.org
This semi-professional company presents original works and classics.

Musical Theater Southwest
505-265-9119 | musicaltheatresw.com
A true community theater built on the strong traditions of presenting Broadway-style musicals to families from across New Mexico.

Albuquerque Boy Choir
505-369-6006 | abqboychoir.org
Performing since 1938, the Boy Choir presents a full series of concerts from October through May, including joint concerts with the American Boy Choir.

Albuquerque Little Theater
505-242-4750 | albuquerquelittletheater.org
Since its founding in 1930, ALT has staged amateur performances of comedies, mysteries, musicals and classic favorites covering the gamut of American theater.

The Adobe Theater
505-898-9222 | adobetheater.org
Since 1960 the Adobe Theater has delighted audiences with its year-round schedule of ambitious productions.

Vortex Theater
505-247-8600 | vortexabq.org
Unique, experimental and modern theater productions, as well as timeless classics set Vortex Theater productions apart from all others.

Every season of the year brings a special brand of enchantment to Albuquerque. Whatever time of the year, there’s an event to capture your attention and win your heart for a repeat performance. Here’s a brief glimpse of some of the city’s major events. For a comprehensive calendar, call the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, (505) 842-9918 or 1-800-284-2282.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
505-821-1000 | balloonfiesta.com
Heralded as the world’s largest balloon event, held in October; features mass ascensions with over 600 hot-air, gas and helium balloons, Special Shapes Rodeos, Balloon Glows and competitive events.

New Mexico State Fair
505-222-9700 | statefair.exponm.com
The annual September event combines concerts by big name Country stars, rodeo events, carnival rides, livestock & agricultural exhibits, arts & crafts competitions, local cultural entertainment, plus a feast of food.

Summerfest
505-768-3556 | cabq.gov
Different ethnic groups (Native American, German, Irish/Scottish, Cajun/French, African-American, Caribbean/ South American, Hispanic) bring food, music, dance, arts & crafts to residents on Saturday Summer nights downtown on Civic Plaza, on Route 66 in Nob Hill and other parts of town.

Magnifico!
505-242-8244
Albuquerque’s Festival of the Arts held annually in April features more than 2000 performances, exhibits and events highlighting Albuquerque’s visual, performing, literary and culinary arts.

Arts & Crafts Fairs
Creative works in all media attest to the talent of gifted individuals living in the Southwest. Four of the most acclaimed events are the New Mexico Arts & Crafts Fair in June, the Rio Grande Arts Fair in October, the Southwest Arts & Crafts Fair in November, and Weems Artfest in December.

Christmas Eve Luminaria Tour
505-842-9918 | visitalbuquerque.org
A breathtaking tour highlights one of the city’s most enchanting traditions. Thousands of luminarias (also known as farolitos) line city sidewalks, homes and buildings during the holiday season.

River of Lights
505-764-6212 | cabq.gov
Every year the Albuquerque BioPark & Botanic Garden transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show.

University of New Mexico Sports
505-925-5858 | golobos.com
Name your sport – basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, tennis golf! First-class sports action is delivered at stadiums and facilities citywide by the teams that wear the UNM Lobos uniform.

Echoes of the past gracefully intermingle with imaginative pursuits into the future in the City’s extensive collection of museums. Some reflect the rich history, diversity and customs of Albuquerque’s original settlers, while others simplify the complexities of science and technology. Newcomers and residents alike never tire of their leisurely explorations through time. Here’s a quick tour of what Albuquerque has to offer.

Albuquerque Biological Park
(Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoological Park)
505-768-2000 | cabq.gov
The Aquarium features a coral reef, moray eel -tunnel and 285,000-gallon shark tank. Walled Spanish and English gardens and glass conservatories show-case desert and Mediterranean plants at the Botanic Garden. The 60-acre zoo is home to 1,200 animals representing 260 species.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History
505-841-2800 | nmnaturalhistory.org
Offers hands-on displays, walk-through volcanoes and ice age cave, dinosaur dioramas, giant-screen Dynamax Theater.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
505-843-7270 | indianpueblo.org
Explores the 19 New Mexico Pueblo Indian tribes and their culture. Hands-on activities at Pueblo House Children’s Museum.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
505-245-2137 | nuclearmuseum.org
The nation’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field. An intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age. Exhibits spanning the early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Albuquerque Museum
505-243-7255 | cabq.gov
Features Four centuries: A history of Albuquerque permanent exhibit; the sculpture garden containing 32 large works; and rotating exhibits highlighting the region’s traditional and modern art.

EXPLORA!
505-224-8300 | explora.us/en
Discovery encouraged via a giant weaving loom, rubbing tables, bubble-making equipment, giant kaleidoscope and hands-on computer equipment. A wonderful interactive museum for children of all ages.

Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
505-277-4405 | unm.edu/~maxwell/
One of the leading anthropological research centers in the U.S.; permanent exhibit Ancestors & People of the Southwest presents the development of humans over 4 million years.

Meteorite Museum
505-277-2747 | meteorite.unm.edu
One-time space debris, along with the world’s second-largest stone meteorite – the one-ton Norton Country – are on display.

Campus Observatory
505-277-2616 | physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/observatory/
The premier place in the city for state of the art star-gazing activities.