I first moved to Abq twenty years ago, met my wife here. We moved away for five years and then moved back. We live in the area south of UNM, north of the airport. It's a great, understated area, not too fancy, less than a mile to Nob Hill shops and cafes, nice parks around, a great library (Ernie Pyle!) and we bought an affordable house six years ago. I walk my daughter to school everyday. Overall, I love Abq and I feel like it gets a bad rap for sure. The culture is like nowhere else in the US. New Mexican cuisine is the envy of the the rest of the southwest.
I'm not much of a fan of the northeast quadrant. It's a sprawling mess where walking anywhere save for your neighborhood park is impossible. I lived (and owned a home) up there for six years, so I only speak from personal experience. Also I don't think it's really that much safer than other parts of the city, save for the international district.
I've spoken to many transplants from bigger cities who describe Abq as "easy living". It's pretty true. One doctor we know moved to Vancouver, WA for a few years and came back because she missed it. Taking your kid to the zoo or on a hike is a few-hour trip, not an all-day affair. The airport is easy (and convenient for our location, I once walked home from the airport!) and has non-stop flights all over the country. Also you are good striking distance to a lot of other scenic spots in the west. A half-day drive gets you to southern/central Colorado, Grand Canyon, Moab, Sedona and there are tons of outdoor adventures to be had all over the state, not to mention the Sandia Mountains in the city's backyard.
Like some other posters said, crime is very situational. Personally we've just had a few minor things, car window smashed (twice), bike stolen.
DM me if you want to chat about it more!
Thanks for the honest assesment. I can tell by your name alone that you love ABQ. I'll have to fine the Erne Pyle library on a map to see where you are. I'm starting to get a feel for areas and major corss streets, but it's all still a bit jumbled.
