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Located in west central New Mexico between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande, Albuquerque is the largest city in the state and one of the nation's fastest growing cities (500,000 residents with 16% growth). Founded in 1706 by the governor of New Mexico, Albuquerque was named after the Duke of Alburquerque (with an "r"), the viceroy of New Spain. The Santa Fe Trail in the early 1800s introduced settlers to the region; a US army post was established in 1846; the Santa Fe Railroad in late 1800s and the Route 66 highway in the 1900s spurred additional growth. Today, Albuquerque is a center for timber, livestock and farming, and a growing area for high-technology industries. The city is home to Intel's largest manufacturing facility. At Kirtland Air Force Base south of the city is Sandia National Laboratories, a center for electronic and industrial research run by the US Department of Energy. Other industries important to the economy include health services, banking and tourism. Because of Albuquerque's high technology and military industries, it is home to a large number of people with doctorate degrees, ranking in the top ten nationally in quantity of PhDs per capita for larger cities.
Albuquerque's culture is steeped in its past. There are many preserved pueblos in the area, including Taos Pueblo. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, located northwest of the city, showcases Pueblo languages, customs, art and food. The Petroglyph National Monument, about 10 miles northwest of the city, has thousands of prehistoric rock etchings created by Native Americans who initially inhabited the region. The Gathering of the Nations Powwow, held each April, offers Native American arts & crafts and dance competitions. The State Fair held each September includes rodeos Native American dances, livestock demonstrations, food and live music. Other area attractions include the Albuquerque Biological Park, Petroglyph National Monument, the National Atomic Museum and the Natural History Museum. The Sandia Mountains have caves containing remains of the continent's oldest humans.
The city is home to minor league baseball's Isotopes, the AAA affiliate of the Florida Marlins. But with the natural splendor the area has to offer, why settle for spectator sports? Albuquerque is loaded with city-owned parks, with more than 1 park for every square mile. Just 10 miles north of the city is the Sandia Lakes Recreation Area, with three great fishing lakes. The Sandia Peak Ski Area, about a half-hour away, has 26 slopes and more than 20 miles of trails for cross-country skiing. The 10,300-ft summit is accessible via a 2.7-mile aerial tramway that offers scenic views of the area. The 7-mile La Luz Trail to the top of the Sandias is excellent for hiking, with views of desert, forest and the city. Hot air ballooning is another popular and readily-available way to take in the great views. Albuquerque is a popular destination for golfers as there are 14 courses in and around the city.
The Albuquerque area's agreeable climate, charming Spanish influence, strong economy and cultural attractions make it a haven for students, young professionals and other transplanted Americans from the East Coast. This diversity contributes to a nightlife that offers something for every taste. Santa Fe, just 55 miles away, offers additional options.
Albuquerque strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in New Mexico):
| Category | Trophy | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transportation Use (vs. State) | Top 7% |  |
| Well-Paid Single Women (vs. State) | Top 7% | |
| Well-Paid Single Men (vs. State) | Top 8% | |
| College Educated Adults (vs. State) | Top 11% | |
| Racial Diversity (vs. State) | Top 11% | |
| Median Family Income (vs. State) | Top 13% | |
| People in Middle Class or Better (vs. State) | Top 16% | |
Comparing Albuquerque to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in New Mexico (State):
Ratings range from 
(lowest) to 
(highest).
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Age of the Population |  |  |
| Senior Citizens |  |  |
| Well-Paid Single Women |  | |
| Female Share of the Population | | |
| Well-Paid Single Men | | |
| Male Share of the Population | | |
| Racial Diversity | | |
| Children Under 5 Years Old |  | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Portion of People Married | |  |
| Average Household Size | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| College Educated Adults |  | |
| People Above Poverty | | |
| People in Middle Class or Better | | |
| Median Family Income | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Working at Home | | |
| Walking and Biking to Work | | |
| Short Commute Times | | |
| Public Transportation Use | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Recently Built | | |
| Affordability of Property Taxes | | |
| Affordability of Rents | | |
| Seasonal and Vacation Housing | | |
| People Living Alone | | |
| Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Low Property Crime | | |
| Low Violent Crime | | |
Detailed pages on related topics: Albuquerque colleges • Albuquerque travel • Albuquerque mortgages and property.
 | Albuquerque Careers Albuquerque career and employment information. |
 | Albuquerque Colleges Albuquerque colleges and trade schools. |
 | Albuquerque Hotels & Travel Albuquerque hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation. |
 | Albuquerque Mortgage Albuquerque property, mortgage, and real estate. |
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