Albuquerque, New Mexico (population 850,000 in metro
area), at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, is a fast growing city with
a laid-back, slightly bohemian character and a very diverse mix of
cultures, including Hispanic, Anglo and Indian. The city was
founded as a Spanish military outpost in 1706 and was designed with a
central plaza surrounded by government buildings (today the section is
called "Old Town"). Famed Route 66 runs through the
city, and roadside structures from the highway's heyday still remain.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Albuquerque suffered through a period of
decline, but today the downtown is revitalized and becoming an urban hot
spot, attracting artists and others who can no longer afford pricey Santa Fe.
Much of Albuquerque's growth is taking place on the
outskirts of town, where the desert landscape, often awash in pinks,
reds and purples, instills a sense of awe. The city's overall cost
of living is 5% below the national average, and the median home price is
$165,000, although expect to pay more for a home in a nicer section of
town. Rents are also low. Of the population, 22% is age
45 to 64, and 12% is age 65 or better. There are numerous
hospitals, including the University of New Mexico Hospital and a VA
hospital, and public transportation is provided by the city.
There are several senior centers, and the city has a fitness program for
those 50 or better.
Festivals (wine, balloon, etc.), a zoo, a library system, farmers'
markets, a symphony orchestra, malls, box stores, cafes, bookstores,
dining (lots of delicious Mexican food restaurants) and all the rest are
available. Life here is very casual and infused with a rich
southwestern, Latin American flavor.
Albuquerque's
elevation is 5,500 feet so summer temperatures don't rise much past the
mid-90s, and winters are generally short with temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s.
And while the climate is usually mild with 300 or more days of
sunshine a year and practically no humidity, rains can be intense in
late summer, and spring winds can be fierce.
The generally mild climate, the pretty setting, the laidback lifestyle
and the low cost of living are what bring retirees to Albuquerque.
There are, though, drawbacks to living here. Primary of these is the
high crime rate, nearly double the national average, although much of
this is due to auto thefts. The fast growth is not being managed
particularly well, with new roads lacking and sprawl evident on
most edges of the city (although the new bedroom communities popping up
are quite nice). Albuquerque is also known as a bit of a
"good ole boy"
town, and newcomers are not always welcomed. This may give way, though, as the city grows.
There are other downsides as well. Water, or lack
of it, is always an issue in this part of the country, and Albuquerque's
water supply is dependent on a fragile aquifer. New Mexico is a
poor state, with the 5th lowest per capita income in the U.S., and some
of this can be felt here. As in most cities, there are good
neighborhoods and bad ones; location is important. This is not a
walkable city. Jobs are few and wages are low, something to keep in mind if planning to work in
retirement.
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Recommended
as a Retirement Spot? |
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X |
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Yes, but with
reservations.... |
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X
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The
cost of living, good medical facilities, good senior services, mix of
cultures, natural beauty, mellow lifestyle and climate are pluses, but
the high crime rate, resistance to newcomers and unmanaged growth
are worrisome and should be weighed carefully if considering retirement
here. |
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