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Albuquerque, NM

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Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque also known as ABQ, Burque, and Duke City, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico. Founded in 1706 as La Villa de Alburquerque by Santa Fe de Nuevo México governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés, and named in honor of Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 10th Duke of Alburquerque and Viceroy of New Spain, it served as an outpost on El Camino Real linking Mexico City to the northernmost territories of New Spain.

Located in the Albuquerque Basin, the city is flanked by the Sandia Mountains to the east and the West Mesa to the west, with the Rio Grande and Bosque flowing north-to-south through the middle of the city. According to the 2020 census, Albuquerque had 564,559 residents, making it the 32nd-most populous city in the United States and the fourth largest in the Southwest. The Albuquerque metropolitan area had 955,000 residents in 2023, and forms part of the Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Las Vegas combined statistical area, which had a population of 1,162,523.

Albuquerque is a hub for technology, fine arts, and media companies. It is home to several historic landmarks, the University of New Mexico, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the Gathering of Nations, the New Mexico State Fair, and a diverse restaurant scene, which features both New Mexican and global cuisine.

Albuquerque is located in north-central New Mexico. To its east are the Sandia–Manzano Mountains. The Rio Grande flows north to south through its center, while the West Mesa and Petroglyph National Monument make up the western part of the city. Albuquerque has one of the highest elevations of any major city in the U.S., ranging from 4,900 feet (1,500 m) above sea level near the Rio Grande to over 6,700 feet (2,000 m) in the foothill areas of Sandia Heights and Glenwood Hills. The civic apex is found in an undeveloped area within the Albuquerque Open Space; there, the terrain rises to an elevation of approximately 6,880 feet (2,100 m), and the metropolitan area's highest point is Sandia Crest at an altitude of 10,678 feet (3,255 m).

According to the United States Census Bureau, Albuquerque has a total area of 189.5 square miles (490.9 km²), of which 187.7 square miles (486.2 km²) is land and 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²), or 0.96%, is water.

Albuquerque lies within the fertile Rio Grande Valley with its Bosque forest, in the center of the Albuquerque Basin, flanked on the eastern side by the Sandia Mountains and to the west by the West Mesa. Located in central New Mexico, the city also has noticeable influences from the adjacent Colorado Plateau semi-desert, New Mexico Mountains forested with juniper and pine, and Southwest plateaus and plains steppe ecoregions, depending on where one is located.

Albuquerque prioritizes the well-being of its residents with a focus on health and wellness initiatives. University of New Mexico Hospital, a prominent healthcare institution, provides comprehensive medical services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Defined Fitness, Powerflex Gym, and Brickz Fitness. For a luxurious spa experience, visit the Ten Thousand Waves, which provides a Japanese-style spa experience. Inn of the Mountain Gods offers not only spa services but also outdoor activities for holistic wellness.

Top sites in Albuquerque, NM are Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and Cliff's Amusement Park.

Population: 560,274 (2023). ZIP codes: 87101–87125, 87131, 87151, 87153, 87154, 87158, 87174, 87176, 87181, 87184, 87185, 87187, 87190–87199. Area code: 505. Elevation: 5,312 ft (1,619 m). Area: 188.95 sq mi (489.39 km²).

FAQs

What is the majority race in Albuquerque, NM?

Of the 5 race categories (excluding ethnicity) identified by the Census Bureau, namely American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and White; Albuquerque has a population in all of the race categories. This confirms that Albuquerque's population has become increasingly diverse. The percent distribution of Albuquerque population by race (across all racial categories recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau): 60.65% are white, 3.16% are Black or African American, 4.81% are American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.10% are Asian, 0.10% are Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 10.03% are some other race and 18.14% are multiracial.

Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live?

Albuquerque enjoys a sunny climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a good place to live. The city’s arid desert climate provides warm summers and mild winters, making it an attractive destination for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. The pleasant weather allows for year-round outdoor activities and a generally comfortable living environment.

What is Albuquerque, MN best known for?

Albuquerque is mostly known for its International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place the first two weeks in October.  If you happen to be here at other times of the year, there's still a wide variety of things to do.  Take a ride on the world's longest Tramway to the top of Sandia Peak.  Get to know the famous Unser family by touring their racing museum here, chock-full of Indy 500 trophies and some of the cars that helped them get across the finish line.  The Albuquerque BioPark and nearby Old Town, where the city started, are also worth a stop.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Albuquerque

Neilsberg

Redfin

10 Best

University of New Mexico Hospital

Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department

Defined Fitness

Powerflex Gym

Brickz Fitness

Ten Thousand Waves

Inn of the Mountain Gods

Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Cliff's Amusement Park

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