Experience in Albuquerque, United States by Joshua

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

Albuquerque is a city for lovers of the outdoors and can offer skiiing, hiking, climbing, rafting and mountain biking for days. People are relaxed and the town is still not super busy and urbanized. Cycling paths have really been expanded in recent years and the bosque (river forest) area near the river is a pleasure to spend time in.

What is the student lifestyle like in Albuquerque?

There is not a big club scene in Albuquerque. A lot of the socializing goes on at music venues featuring local musicians and for the under 21 crowd, lots of house parties in the University area. Near the University is walkable/bikeable and offers diverse food options including New Mexican (not Mexican) specialties which pretty much anyone who visits Albuquerque will fall in love with.

How much does it cost to live in Albuquerque?

Relative to other US cities, Albuquerque is affordable. An apartment in a good location can still be had for under 1000/month and much cheaper if you do not mind driving a bit. Food is cheap at the grocery stores and farmers markets are good options which there are a few of.

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

No. Generally it is not so difficult depending on how selective you are. If you are looking for a small apartment near the Uni, there are usually options available including small duplex units or typical student housing in larger buildings. Apartments in historic homes on Lead and Coal street offer the best options in my opinion, but will cost a bit more.

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

Chile and Cheese. We love to eat our famous red and green chile and do so with just about every meal. International chains like McDonalds and Pizza Hut even have New Mexico chile as a topping on their menu. The food is probably one of the best parts of living in New Mexico where there are hundreds of restaurants serving variations of what we call New Mexican food. Four words to find when you get there: Green chile chicken enchilada.

What places would you recommend visiting in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque museum. La Luz Trail. La Cumbre Brewery (the best IPA for hundreds of miles). The National Atomic Museum.

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

Too many. Pho 1 for the best vietnamese soup in the Burq. Golden Pride for a "lunch deal". Acapulco Tacos. Los Cuates. The Grove. Slate Street. Kai's Kung Fu Kitchen. Venezia's pizza. I am getting homesick.

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

Il Vicino pub and Launchpad downtown. Indian Cultural Center on Thursdays for music good food and good beer. Nightlife is not as great as a lot of cities but there are usually interesting theatre events and musical shows. The native American casinos surrounding Albuquerque have build beautiful venues where periodically some really good shows happen.

What advice would you give future students heading to Albuquerque?

Get outside. Learn to camp, ride, fish or study bugs or mushrooms. New Mexico is one place with modern US level amenities but where the wild still exists.