Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico is a desert city, nestled against the Sandia Mountains. A city rich with history and culture, Albuquerque is one of the oldest cities in America; having been home for humans in the Rio Grande Valley for centuries. More recently, the city has worked to maintain its recognition as one of the best places to live, work and do business. When moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico’s 310 days of sunshine a year make it perfect for outdoor activities including biking, skiing and playing on some of the country’s finest golf courses. Come experience the city’s spectacular culture, abundance of activities and breathtaking landscape that are uniquely to this beautiful city.
History:
In 1846, the area changed hands with America’s conquest of the west. Shortly thereafter, Albuquerque was established as an official US Military outpost. Albuquerque’s most significant changes began with the arrival of the railroad in 1880. In 1891, Albuquerque was formally incorporated as a city. The 20th century brought advancements to Albuquerque, and some particularly notable events for the city took place. The famous Route 66, which passed through Albuquerque, was formally designated a federal highway in 1926 and continues to this day to be a hot spot for tourism. The 1940s and the onset of World War II marked the beginning of Albuquerque’s hi-tech era, and the subsequent founding of Kirtland Air Force Base and the Sandia National Laboratories. Today Albuquerque is known for its Hot Air Balloon Festival, which was founded in 1972 when a gathering of 13 balloon enthusiasts took to the air from the parking lot of Coronado Center.
Economy:
The largest city in the state, Albuquerque is known as New Mexico’s economic center; contributing nearly half of the state's economic activity. Part of the city’s success can be attributed to a diverse economic base consisting of agriculture, government, services, tourism and research and development. In 2004, the city was ranked by Forbes magazine the 12th best city in the nation for doing business. The Rio Grande River valley boasts rich farm and pasturelands that sustain a sizable food industry—based mainly on fruit and produce—in the Albuquerque area. Albuquerque, New Mexico is also home to more than 700 manufacturing firms, many of which are located in industrial parks, which produce such goods as food products, electronic components, neon and electric signs, trailers and machine tools. Headquartered in the city are major manufacturing companies including General Mills and General Electric. The city is also home to Sandia National Laboratories, a government research and development lab; and Kirtland U.S. Air Force base, the area's largest employer and one of the world’s largest military bases. Today the city's medical services play an essential part of the local economy. The nearly year-round sunny weather attracts joy seekers as well; more than four million tourists visit Albuquerque each year, to ski the Sandia Mountains and to enjoy the city's rich ethnic culture.
Tourism:
There is a variety of attractions for residence to enjoy in Albuquerque. Whether you are swinging away on one of the city’s 14 beautiful golf courses, mountain biking in the Sandia Mountains, hiking among dormant volcanoes, taking a hot-air balloon flight or strolling through Old Town, you will find Albuquerque offers a breath of fresh, country air. Do not miss the spectacular views of the city from Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, as it slowly climbs the 10,350-foot peak of the mountains that form Albuquerque's eastern border. Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, is alive with cultural attractions, activities and idiosyncratic sightseeing opportunities. Immerse yourself in art, culture and special cultural performances by visiting the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center or one of the city’s 19 museums.
Colleges/Universities:
• University of New Mexico
• Central New Mexico Community College
Interesting Facts:
• Albuquerque is the highest metroolitan area in the U.S.
• Albuquerque is in the heart of Indian pueblo country -- the oldest farming civilization on the North American continent.
• Albuquerque is the nuclear capital of the United States. Much of the nation's nuclear research program is conducted or supervised here.
Helpful Links:
• Albuquerque Real Estate
• Albuquerque Storage Facility
• Albuquerque Dental Offices
• Albuquerque Moving Guide