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Category Archives: Albuquerque Life

Have A Blast This Summer At These Albuquerque Attractions!

Have A Blast This Summer At These Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Attractions!

Known for its natural beauty, it comes as no surprise that Albuquerque, New Mexico has an array of great outdoor parks and recreation attractions. From soaking in the sights through hiking and working on your golf game, to adventuring at the Albuquerque BioPark, there are plenty of ways to spend your days.

Having trouble deciding where to start? Check out these top 5 parks and recreation attractions for inspiration for your Albuquerque to-do list.

Heavenly Hiking Views

Hikers climb a beautiful desert mountain

There’s no better way to take advantage of picturesque Albuquerque than immersing yourself in its outdoor wonders! Even for the not-so avid outdoorsman, there are plenty of trails on the outskirts of Albuquerque to choose from. Take in the mountain views and gorgeous desert weather with an outdoor adventure.

There are a number of different trails in the area to choose from!

 

Blissful Afternoons at the BioPark

Dolphin performs flip for crowd

Made up of four separate attractions, the Zoo, Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach, and the Aquarium, the BioPark should be on your to-do list.

During the summer additional programs, tours, and workshops are available to create an immersive and “behind the scenes” experience for guests.

Whether you’re looking to beat the heat at Tingley Beach, or have a leisurely afternoon at the gardens, there’s an activity for every age and interest without breaking the budget.

 

Perfect Your Golf Game

Golfer works on his causal game

Open 364 days a year, you’ll have no problem finding an opportunity to visit one of Albuquerque’s famous golf courses.  With over 20 courses to choose from, and temperatures in winter rarely dipping below 50 degrees, you’re able to perfect your game at your convenience.

 Giddy-Up: Horseback Riding

Cowboy spurs on horse

Craving a cowboy experience? Whether you’re just looking into starting a new hobby or want to see the hiking trails from a new perspective, try out horseback riding!

Multiple tours of scenic local trails are available in addition to private lessons for more in depth skill building. Get in touch with Albuquerque’s western roots with this one-of-a-kind opportunity!

 

Beautiful Balloon Fiesta Park

Hot air balloons drift toward the sky

Home to the famed Balloon Launch Fiesta every October, this beautiful park is worth visiting any time of the year. Home to Golf Courses, an Event Center, and the Anderson Abruzzo Balloon Museum, there’s plenty of different activities catering to all ages.

 

With so many events throughout the seasons, including concerts and bike races, you’ll find reason after reason to come back to this recreational haven.

 

Looking to Live in Albuquerque?

Apart from the many parks and recreational opportunities, Albuquerque is also home to excellent schools and a vibrant local culture. If you’re dreaming of living in a place full of natural wonders and scenic views, we have a house you can call home.

With years of experience in the Albuquerque real estate market, we’re more than happy to help you on your real estate quest! Take advantage of our informative and easy-to-use buyer resources, or simply contact us today!

Finding Home in New Mexico: The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Albuquerque

Thinking of buying a home in Albuquerque but not sure which neighborhood is the right fit? Check out the top 5 neighborhoods in town to find your favorite and start searching for your dream home!

The Best Places to Live in Albuquerque

This city’s got a lot of great neighborhoods and communities, but in our opinion, there are a few that really stand out from the crowd. Here are our favorite five Albuquerque neighborhoods.

1. Albuquerque Country Club

best neighborhoods in albuquerque: albuquerque country clubAmazing amenities and unbeatable location make Albuquerque Country Club a local favorite. Spend a day on the 18-golf golf course. Enjoy some fishing at Tingley Beach. Visit the ABQ BioPark Zoo. Take a hike on the 16-mile Paseo Del Bosque Trail or explore the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens.

Plus, there’s a community junior Olympic pool, a fitness center, and tennis center. And with a location just minutes from Downtown, all the city’s best shopping, dining, attractions and entertainment are just minutes from home.

2. High Desert

best neighborhoods in albuquerque: high desert

Tucked into the rolling foothills of the sandia Mountains, High Desert homes boast some of the most breathtaking views in the city. An active HOA maintains the pristine natural beauty of the community and takes care of the upkeep of the neighborhood amenities, which include a community pool and spa. And though it’s quiet and secluded, High Desert is conveniently just minutes from shopping, dining, and the attractions of Downtown.

3. Ridgecrest

beautiful home for sale in ridgecrest, one of the best neighborhoods in albuquerqueIt’s not hard to see why Ridgecrest has been nicknamed “Parkland Circle”—the area is filled with grassy green lawns, lush parks, and breathtaking mountain views peeking through the trees. Just minutes from the University of New Mexico, Central Ave, and Old Town, Ridgecrest is a world of luxurious green living that’s still plenty convenient to the amenities, attractions, and opportunities of Downtown Albuquerque.

4. The North Valley

lush vineyard and farmland in the north valley, one of the best neighborhoods in albuquerqueFollowing along the Rio Grande, the North Valley is arguably one of the lushest and most beautiful neighborhoods in town, home to vineyards, farm fields, cottonwood trees, and even horse stables. Many of the area’s oldest homes—and families—are located in the North Valley, as well as some of its priciest homes and largest lots.

It’s also home to some fabulous amenities, like La Ladera Park, Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center, and Vernon’s Speakeasy. And despite its sense of rural beauty and seclusion, the North Valley is still convenient to main thoroughfares, allowing it to maintain a low 20 minute average commute.

5. Ventana Ranch

beautiful outdoor patio on a home for sale in albuquerqueThis stunning planned community of stained stucco homes, stone yards, and lush desert vegetation is less of a neighborhood and more of its own private world of attractions and amenities. It’s home to Central New Mexico Community College, local schools and parks, affordable housing, miles of multi-use paths, and even a community center featuring a fitness center, pool, and other amenities.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Home in Albuquerque?

Are you thinking of buying a home in Albuquerque? Then it’s time to contact The Feils. As your guides to all things lifestyle and real estate throughout the Albuquerque community, we’re here to help you explore the area, discover its beautiful neighborhoods, and find the perfect place to call home.

5 Reasons to Drop Everything and Move to Albuquerque Right Now

Let’s be real: there’s no place quite like Albuquerque. Centrally located, close to natural wonders and metropolitan attractions, and home to the best chiles in the world, Albuquerque continues to impress long after you’ve moved here.

There are so many reasons to love Albuquerque, it’s hard to pick our top 5. In addition to gourmet food, gorgeous homes for sale, and plenty of historic charm, Albuquerque has amenities to complement every lifestyle.

With over 22,000 acres of parkland, unique and interesting shopping, and picturesque scenery around every corner, what’s not to love?

Still in doubt? Here’s five key reasons why life is better in Albuquerque.

Some of the Cleanest Air in the U.S.

Sunflowers in the Albuquerque desert.Once you’re within city limits, you’ll be able to tell. Albuquerque has exceptionally high air quality, it’s obvious with every breath you take!

In fact, Albuquerque was ranked ninth in the nation for cleanest air, according to the American Lung Association.

Big-City Amenities with a Small Town Feel

Living in Albuquerque means having big-city amenities and small town charm right at your fingertips. Enjoy a wide variety of gourmet restaurants, exciting nightlife, and museums while still feeling a part of a tight-knit community.

Plus, traffic in Albuquerque is no big deal. It’s much calmer than the traffic of a major metropolitan area like L.A.

The International Balloon Fiesta

Row of hot air balloons on the ground.Because the weather in Albuquerque is regularly fantastic, it allows more time for exciting outdoor events throughout the year. Take, for example, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, also known as the largest hot air balloon fiesta in the world.

Every year, the skies of Albuquerque fill with gorgeous hot air balloons in every color imaginable. In addition to the balloons, the fiesta features a whole week of awesome events like laser light shows, chainsaw carving competitions, a rodeo, and live entertainment.

A Distinct Local Culture

Red chiles hanging from a post.New Mexican food is unlike any other.

People who live here long enough report feeling withdrawal-like symptoms when they leave, because you can’t food food like this anywhere else in the world.

Native American and Hispanic cultures blend seamlessly in Albuquerque, which you’ll see represented in historic places like Old Town, and even everyday mom & pop shops throughout the city.

Natural Outdoor beauty

Clouds rolling over the Sandia Mountains.Breathtaking mountain ranges, scenic desert vistas, and more are waiting in Albuquerque. The Sandias are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. Depending on the time of day, they are almost never the same color twice. Imagine living in a city that has such a gorgeous natural backdrop at all times!

Let Us Convince You

That Albuquerque is the best place to live. If you have any questions about life in Albuquerque, or the kind of homes for sale here, please reach out to us. We would love to connect you with even more resources about the area.

Why We Give to All Faiths

Young boy sitting on a train platform reading.As members of the Albuquerque community, we believe in the power of giving back. Donating to local charity organizations is a core tenet of our real estate mission, because it enhances our community. Whenever possible, we like to make financial donations to a local charity that has helped thousands of New Mexicans.

All Faiths is a behavioral health agency that seeks to empower New Mexicans by “creating pathways to prevent and transcend the effects of trauma and abuse.” We believe in the work that they do because they have directly benefited the lives of children and families throughout New Mexico.

Continue reading to learn about some of the reasons why we donate $500 from every closing to this incredible organization.

All Faiths

The organization began as a grassroots effort in 1955. Eight women of different faiths and backgrounds joined together to create a committee to opening a center for children in need.

The home officially opened in 1956. During this first year, around 138 children were served. During the 2015-2015 year, the All Faiths Children’s Safehouse served more than 1,100 children who had been victims of abuse.

Children’s Advocacy

Two children smiling over a plant.At its center, All Faiths is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. They do this by working as an advocacy group on behalf of children throughout New Mexico who may be suffering from trauma or abuse.

All Faiths accomplishes its goals by offering a number of different services to children and families and needs. They offer family wellness courses, investigation, outpatient treatment and therapy, counseling, and community based behavioral health.

In addition to these services, the All Faiths organization strives to continually improve its services offered. In part, All Faiths serves children and families by partnering with other agencies dedicated to children’s advocacy.

Doing Our Part

We support All Faiths because we believe that all children have the right to a safe and happy childhood. In addition, we agree with their mission statement and the work they do to improve the lives of children in New Mexico.

There are a number of fantastic charity organizations in New Mexico, but we felt most compelled to donate to All Faiths because of the sensitive work they do. They have a holistic approach to children’s advocacy, and offer custom solutions to children of differing backgrounds.

If You Have Any Questions…

Please reach out. We would love to chat with you about the many reasons we donate to All Faiths. You can also read more about their mission on their website.

Explore Historic Old Town Albuquerque

Albuquerque’s heart lies in its historic Old Town. An integral part of Albuquerque since the city’s founding in 1706, Old Town remains an important cultural hub. As Albuquerque’s first official neighborhood, this 300-year-old neighborhood is home to the oldest church in Albuquerque, the San Felipe de Neri.

Today, Old Town is a vibrant hot spot home to museums, locally owned shops and galleries, and delicious restaurants. Let’s take a quick tour.

All the Fun is Waiting in Old Town

When Old Town was first settled in 1706, settlers built historic adobe homes in a Pueblo-Spanish style. Newer architectural styles did not grace the streets of Old Town until the late 1800s, when the railroad brought more modern Victorian styles.

History

hot air balloonsIf you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating history of Old Town, peruse any of the wonderful museums here. The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History has both vast collections of native art and traveling exhibitions. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science will capture your imagination with its prominent dome planetarium.

Afterwards, walk through the Botanic Gardens to explore local foliage or go fishing at Tingley Beach. Fans of culture and history may have a hard time deciding exactly what to do in this cultural hot spot!

Here are some of our other favorite museums and attractions in the area:

  • The Turquoise Museum
  • Rattlesnake Museum
  • ABQ Bio Park
  • Tricentennial Tiguex Park
  • Tingley Train

Events and Music

From holiday celebrations to live musical performances and the annual Balloon Fiesta Week, Old Town Albuquerque has a lot going on. Every year, Albuquerque hosts the beloved Balloon Fiesta, which means a whole week of partying in Old Town!

A number of holiday events take place during the “colder” months (except it never really gets too cold in New Mexico), such as the Old Town Holiday Stroll.

New Mexican Cuisine

enchiladasIf you’ve been dying to try traditional New Mexican cuisine, you can’t do much better than Old Town. As soon as you wander into town, you’ll encounter the delicious smells of roasting meat and enchiladas. Treat yourself to a heaping plate of these wonders, or a sopaipilla stuffed with chiles and seasoned chicken.

Go Shopping!

There’s something for every budget waiting in the locally owned shops of Old Town. Whether you’re searching for fine-art, Breaking Bad memorabilia, or one-of-a-kind clothing, there’s a wide range of shops to peruse.

Eager to Call this Wonderful City Home?

There’s a reason so many homebuyers and visitors are flocking to beautiful Albuquerque. With fantastic natural wonders, excellent schools, and beautiful homes for sale, this is an excellent place to call home.

If you have any questions about the real estate opportunities in Albuquerque, or its surrounding communities, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have easy-to-use home search tools and other buyer resources to help you in your real estate journey.

Your Guide to Moving to Albuquerque

So you’ve made the decision to move to Albuquerque. Congrats! This is a fantastic place to live. The weather is moderate and comfortable year-round, there’s ample outdoor recreation, and the local culture is unbeatable.

This area is known for its fascinating Native American culture and history, as well as its delicious food. Local Albuquerque has vibrant street art and murals, awesome museums and aquariums, and no shortage of gorgeous outdoor sights.

If you’re moving here, you’ll soon discover why locals get so excited about hot air balloons, and what it means to live at a higher altitude.

We could rave about life in Albuquerque for days, but before you move, check out these helpful relocation tips!

Plan Ahead

The number one tip for a successful and stress-free move is in-depth planning. If you have the time, start planning your move a couple months in advance. Use these relocation tips as a guide.

Moving with a pet? Check out these tips for a stress-free move with your four-legged family members!

Get Rid of Excess Stuff

A month or two before your move, have a garage sale. Get rid of everything that you don’t use or that you’ve outgrown. This way, you’ll have less stuff topack and worry about when it’s finally time to move.

If you don’t have the time for a garage sale, consider donating unwanted items to a local charity.

Gather Packing Supplies

moving boxesIn the weeks before you start packing, begin to gather packing supplies. Hit up your local big-box retailer during off-hours to see if they have extra boxes. You can also go to the liquor store for this. Keep in mind that these boxes are not reinforced.

Be sure to stock up on other supplies, including:

  • Packing tape to reinforce boxes
  • Bubble wrap or other cushioning for fragile items
  • Labels
  • Permanent markers

Label Everything!

When it finally comes time to pack up everything, do it one room at a time. Start a week or two in advance by packing up the stuff you don’t use every day. Pack heavy items like books in smaller boxes, for easier moving.

Try to pack by room, and then label every box by the room it belongs to. Once you arrive at your new home, instruct the movers or friends to move boxes labeled with their corresponding room.

Keep Valuables and Important Documents Close By

The night before moving, pack all of your personal, must-have items in a box or bag and keep it close by. Pack this with any valuables, like jewelry or antiques, as well as with personal documents.

Include medications, contact information, cell phone chargers, and snacks, as well as toiletries like your toothbrush. You’ll thank yourself later.

Prepare Your Body

high elevationIf you’re moving from somewhere sea-level, you should know that your body may take a few days or even weeks to adjust to the altitude.

This is very normal for newcomers to Albuquerque, but give your body a few days of lounging around to adjust.

Any Other Questions? Let Us Know!

We’re so excited to have you join the Albuquerque community! If you need any additional relocation resources, please let us know.