Albuquerque Rates ’A’ For Livability
Published Jul 07, 2009
Townhomes offer stylish housing options in Albuquerque's Nob Hill district.
The reasons for Albuquerque’s lofty rankings in so many national “best for” lists are many. The city has an excellent quality of life with hiking and biking, arts and culture, fine dining and shopping, and many museums and historical landmarks.
Albuquerque is also a hotbed of research and development, boasting the nation’s second-highest number of residents per capita who have earned Ph.D.s.
“With intelligent people and great scenery, we like to say that Albuquerque has plenty of gray and green matter to brag about,” says Mayor Martin J. Chavez. “Businesses are attracted to clean air, a beautiful natural environment and a top quality of life for families. We have it all.”
Terri Cole, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, says the area is imbued with a robust, creative, entrepreneurial spirit that attracts people who want to raise families in an environment of enthusiasm and success. She adds that many are drawn here because it is a “frontier region” with a widely held belief “that we can overcome any obstacle, that hard work matters, and you will be rewarded for such hard work. Our population is steadily growing, and it just seems like it’s our turn for true success.”
With the growing population comes home purchases, and Albuquerque is fortunate to have real estate values that are holding their own despite the troubling national economic climate. Forbes magazine in August 2008 called Albuquerque the Best Metro for Home Price Appreciation Potential, and Kiplinger.com in November 2008 named it a Safe Haven for Real Estate.
Celebrating Diversity and the Arts
Cole points out that a diversity of cultures also helps to make Albuquerque a successful community and one that attracts people looking for a desirable place to live. “Our diverse population of more than 25 ethnic groups brings a treasure of insight, ideas and depth to every single thing we do,” she says. “We actually are striving to be an example to the rest of the nation about how important and enhanced our environment is as a result of all those cultures being able to work harmoniously together.”
Another drawing card is Albuquerque’s vibrant arts scene, which includes a burgeoning affiliation with the film industry that has created a new buzz in the community. “We are being called the Hollywood of the Southwest, starting off with a tax-incentive plan a few years ago and suddenly ending up with movie studios and millions of dollars pouring into our local economy,” Cole says.
Life in Albuquerque and Central New Mexico is also enhanced by its high-tech sector. “Albuquerque is beginning to take a leadership role in several new industries, including the fields of climate change, alternative energy and marine technology,” she says. “So many good things are taking place in this city these days that it’s hard to keep track of them all. That’s a nice situation to be in.”
Story by Kevin Litwin
Photo by Brian Mccord
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