Experience in Albuquerque, United States by Dean

What is it like to live in Albuquerque? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Life in Albuquerque is really laid back, defined by the mountains and the desert a lot of the best things to do involve the outdoors, Hiking, climbing and camping are typical and fun pursuits. The traditional New Mexican food (A fusion of Spanish, Mexican and Native American cuisine) is some of the best food in the country. The city itself is relatively low key, given more to quiet brew pubs and gastro pubs than wild clubs or bars. The city has a fairly good infrastructure for concerts and other live shows, but there is a tendency for larger national or international acts to skip over, however local, underground and indie musical performances and film screenings abound. The only negative is that the city's public transportation leaves much to be desired, most people in Abq drive and most own their own cars so, if you do not drive or have no car, you are pretty much stuck with the limited bus system or rideshares. Overall the city is well worth spending time in; it is fun, has a vibrant local culture and is best for people who prefer a laid back, relaxed lifestyle.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Albuquerque?

Living near the University of New Mexico provides the student with a lot of options for living, eating, drinking and entertainment. The area around the University is highly developed for student culture, is fairly walkable and bike safe and is essentially a major culture center for the city. Students generally can get discounted public transportation cards and many establishments give discounts with a student ID. Much like the rest of the city, student life is pretty laid back, massive parties are less common than barbecues and beer sessions and most people are given to outdoor adventures in the mountains near the city.

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How much does it cost to live in Albuquerque?

Living in Albuquerque is fairly inexpensive relative to other places in the U. S. but the lack of effective public transportation may increase your costs. Happily, living in the University district can reduce these costs as it is fairly walkable, many student discounts are available and food and entertainment come cheap. The city has many free or discounted for students festivals and events in the area during the summer and fall so that is a plus. Overall expect to spend about 450 to 800USD per month on rent and about 400USD for expenses.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Albuquerque? Is there any advice you can give?

It is fairly easy to find accommodations in the city, I would recommend that students try to find an apartment or room as close to the University as possible due to the lack of public transit. Happily there is a very large number of shared houses and student apartments nearby. It is recommended to check craigslist, the University commons and Apartment Guide to find a place. Also, it is fairly common to find advertisements for apartments on banners, flyers and hanging in student friendly coffee shops and restaurants.

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The question in ABQ is always red or green? This means what type of chili you want on, or in, whatever dish you are getting. Be warned, it can be really hot. (Tip, when asked red or green, say Christmas to get both) The food, particularly the Traditional New Mexican food, is really amazing. Highly recommended are the Carne Adovada Burritos (with red chili please) and the Chile Rellenos There are few places in the U. S. where one can get Mexican food as good as it is in ABQ. Aside from that, a good burger, cup of coffee or bowl of Pho are common, delicious and fairly inexpensive.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Albuquerque?

Definitely visit the La Luz trail in the Sandia mountains, you can take the tram as well but hiking the trail is a much more beautiful and entertaining way to see the mountains and city views. Also recommended is to go to a classic or indie film screening at the Kimo theater in the Downtown area. Besides being a beautiful old theater, it is a historical monument and is reputably haunted.

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Is it good to eat out in Albuquerque? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Best Mexican food is absolutely Barelas Coffee House, but be warned, the lines are long, start early in the morning and the restaurant itself closes at 2PM. Almost as good, and well worth your time, for Mexican food is Monroe's which has fantastic red chili and the Carne Adovada is incredible. Aside from Mexican food, go to NYPD for pizza, May Cafe for Vietnamese, Sushi King for Sushi, Holy Cow for burgers, Thai Vegan for Thai (even if you are not a vegan it is pretty amazing), Standard Diner for late night Diner food and Rebel Doughnuts. Also recommended is to go to Talin Market, an international grocery store, at lunch time and hit the many food trucks that congregate there, Korean Tacos are a must.

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Is the nightlife good in Albuquerque? Where is good to go?

The nightclub scene in ABQ is honestly pretty lame. Most people, particularly students, frequent microbrewery, tap rooms, brewpubs and sports bars. Best places, Chama River Tap Room (downtown, only a few tables so go early), Bose Brothers, O'Neil's (classic Irish pub), Kelly's (Nob Hill), Imbibe and The Back Alley (bonus, you can order NYPD pizza at the bar).

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What advice would you give future students heading to Albuquerque?

My biggest piece of advice is that a new student should really try to stay in the University area or the Downtown area, it makes life much easier, it’s better for food, better for transport and entertainment. Other than that, avoid chain establishments, try local foods and drinks and try you best to relax. Albuquerque is an amazingly casual city and it makes it an easy place to spend time in.