Albuquerque, NM, located in the north central part of the state, is a high desert town with high standards. Founded as most southwestern towns were—by 18th century Spanish colonialists—Albuquerque began as a small farming community and military outpost. The town was organized in a common Spanish village pattern with a community plaza in the center, and a church, government buildings, and homes surrounding it. Albuquerque’s central plaza, now referred to as “Old Town,” has actually survived over the centuries, and serves the public as a museum, center of commerce, and cultural area.

One of Albuquerque’s characteristics that make it so unique is its Spanish, Native American, and Mexican heritage mixed with the cool style of the “Old West.” Add a little modern innovation and urban flavor and you get a city that appeals to just about anyone. The real estate in Albuquerque is no different; from high class desert retreats to old town historic homes, the city has it all.

Many people dream of owning that perfect desert home in the mountains, and a lot of Albuquerque’s homes are built with those people in mind. In the foothills of Albuquerque’s Sandia Mountains, there is the neighborhood of Sandia Heights. Homes in Sandia Heights typically have large lots and sell for over $300,000 on average, although there are quite a few luxury homes with impeccable views that are priced at over $1,000,000. Nearby is the area referred to as the Far Northeast Heights. With a similar price range as Sandia Heights, this elegant and sophisticated area has the best that desert living has to offer, featuring many beautiful newly constructed homes.

Venturing down from the mountains, there is a wide range of neighborhoods in Albuquerque that offer homes conveniently close to the University of New Mexico’s main campus, to Kirtland Air Force Base and Albuquerque’s International Airport. Many homes in Downtown Albuquerque are historic or vintage 50-70 year old houses that possess a lot of charm and character. Albuquerque’s East Downtown area is undergoing a ten-year revitalization project that includes many renovated loft developments, such as the Silver Lofts and Richmond Street Studios. Buying a loft in downtown Albuquerque puts you within walking distance of the city’s major business district, not to mention its best restaurants, theaters, art galleries, shops, parks and museums.

With a real estate market that offers huge variety in location and price, the city of Albuquerque has something for everyone. Recently the city was listed by Kiplinger’s magazine as #3 in a list of "50 smart places to live in the country" due to its average home prices, cost of living and overall great quality of life. Come see why the city’s over 500,000 residents love to call Albuquerque home.

© 2008 Reliance Relocation Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.