Tag Archives: life in albuquerque

Discover the Serenity, Sights, and Sounds of Life in Alvarado Gardens

access_timeAugust 8, 2019personSusan Feil

Tucked along the lazy banks of the Rio Grande, minutes from the buzzy hub of arts and culture in Downtown Albuquerque, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides—that’s where you’ll find the Alvarado Gardens community.

If you’re looking for a home that combines natural beauty and city convenience, your search is over. Get to know a little more about this charming community in Albuquerque’s North Valley—your new home is waiting.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Even though the Alvarado Gardens neighborhood is minutes away from Downtown Albuquerque—around 10, to be exact—the unique location of the neighborhood is anything but metropolitan. The cozy residential streets are lined with vibrant trees and small, verdant bushes and shrubs.

Along the boundaries of the neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get outside—especially considering the community backs right up to the banks of the Rio Grande. Next to the river, there’s winding nature trails to explore, wide-open space at the Rio Grande Nature Center park, and tons of aquatic activities on the water. The park also offers things like bird watching, self-guided exhibits, and scenic overlooks (perfect for a weekend picnic).

Hang out in the Community

Albuquerque is known for some pretty iconic events, but the Neighborhood Association of Alvarado Gardens also stays fairly active throughout the year! You can expect anything from yard sales to block parties, all within the streets of the community.

Since the heart of the city is close by, it’s easy to navigate traffic and attend the highly anticipated annual events, too. Of course, the International Balloon Festival is a can’t-miss, bringing hundreds of giant hot balloons to the skies and hundreds of thousands of visitors to Albuquerque. Other highlights during the year include the New Mexico State Fair and the Downtown Growers’ Market.

Indulge in Local Flavors

Looking for a quick bite to eat or a romantic spot to enjoy dinner? You won’t have to travel far from your front door to find it. Range Cafe is just down the road and serves up breakfast all day long—their huevos con queso is a flavor explosion. For a refined night out, check the French fare at nearby D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro. Finish things off with a local brew from Ponderosa!

Of course these are just a few of the closest options—there are plenty more restaurants to explore throughout the city. You should also check out Mary & Tito’s ( a local institution since the 1960s), the famous tacos at Garcia’s Kitchen, and the modern fare at Restaurant Antiquity.

Travel to the Heart of the City within Minutes

One of the biggest perks of Alvarado Gardens has to be the way the neighborhood perfectly meshes peace and quiet with city access. Downtown Albuquerque—where you’ll find major spots like Old Town, several diverse museum, and the Albuquerque Convention Center— is just 10 minutes away from the tree-lined serenity of Alvarado Gardens.

Not only that, but NM-45 and I-40 are just a few blocks away, meaning you can quickly and easily travel to anywhere in the area, from Cibola National Forest to Santa Fe.

Find Your Home in Alvarado Gardens

We’ve only scratched the surface of all that life in Alvarado Gardens has to offer. Why not explore more for yourself? Take a look at our in-depth guide to life in the neighborhood and the city, browse our buying resources, and give us a call when you’re ready to find your new home here.

Bring Some Spook to Your Summer with the Ghost Tours of Old Town

access_timeJuly 10, 2019personSusan Feil

Albuquerque has a rich history, reaching 300 years into the past…and a lot can happen in three hundred years. The Old Town Ghost Tours not only detail some of the most important happenings around Albuquerque, they also shed some light on a few of the spookiest stories in the city.

Interested in learning a little more about a darker side of local history? Here’s what you need to know about the Ghost Tours of Old Town.

The Details

Sure, you could take a regular tour of Old Town, but why not spice things up a little bit? The Ghost Tour takes you through dark back alleys, down the halls of historic buildings, and through hidden cemeteries, all in search of the concealed secrets and lost souls of the city.

Tours last for 105 minutes, and you’ll have a professional guide leading you by lantern light through each of the sites and stops. You won’t find haunted-house scares, like costumed ghouls jumping out or flashing lights and spooky soundtracks. What you will find is the fascinating, and sometimes unsettling, history of Albuquerque—with a paranormal twist. You can even rent ghost hunting equipment to bring along on the tour!

Ghosts in Albuquerque?

A man sitting on a bench with a ghost behind him.

Did you know that Albuquerque is actually known as a hot spot for ghost activity? It’s true: we’ve even got a few famous ghosts in the city!

There are less-threatening spirits, like Bobby Darnall, a six-year-old boy who passed away after an explosion in the Kimo Theatre. Rumor has it that he loves doughnuts and must be appeased every now and then—or else he may blow out light bulbs or mess with the theatre’s power.

But there are also a few more chilling specters that find a home in the city—like the Lady in Black, who haunts the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Old Town. People say that she often appears in the chapel pews, dressed in all black, sobbing, praying, or meditating. Some paranormal investigators even claim to have audio and photographic evidence proof of her existence.

Who knows who you’ll encounter on the Ghost Tour?

Sign up for Your Tour

Ghost Tours happen nearly every night of the year, excluding holidays and select days, and start at 8pm. Tickets should be purchased online at least 2 hours in advance, and prices are as follows:

Adult: $25
Seniors (55+), Military, EMT, Teachers, College students: $22
Students (13-17): $17
Youth (6-12): $10
Children 5 and under: Free

While the tour is certainly spooky, it’s rated PG, so feel free to bring the kiddos along! If you want to turn up the scare factor to PG-13, be sure to check out the Moonlight Ghost Tour, which happens at 10pm.

Find Your Home in Albuquerque

Aside from Ghost Tours, there’s plenty of things to do around Old Town and Albuquerque, from summertime concerts to history tours to weeklong fiestas. Life here is truly one-of-a-kind!

If you’re interested in finding your home in Albuquerque, the Feil Team is here to help. Take some time to explore the area, browse our buying resources, and give us a call when you’re ready to get started!

Big Things are Happening in Albuquerque: Check Out The Latest News!

access_timeJuly 9, 2019personSusan Feil

There’s a lot to love about Albuquerque. After all, we’ve got a historic and iconic downtown, scenic parks and green spaces along the banks of the Rio Grande, and wildly popular annual events. But lately, there have been a few additions in the community that have made life in Albuquerque even more one-of-a-kind!

From new businesses moving in to old businesses gaining national recognition, take a look at the latest happenings around Albuquerque.

New Mexico United

New Mexico and Albuquerque residents have always been interested in soccer, but there hasn’t been a team that’s really taken off yet. Until now, that is. The Albuquerque Sol, a semi-professional team, has been fairly popular since it started 2014. The popularity of the team has now led to the USL announcing an expansion club in the city.

New Mexico United was officially announced in October of 2018, but they didn’t play their first game until this past March. The first game drew in a whopping 12,900 fans, nearly filling up the 13,500 seats available in the Isotopes Park Stadium. The club hopes to build a stadium downtown soon, but will share the space with the Isotopes until then.

NBC & Netflix

Albuquerque’s job market is about to get a little busier. Two major companies, NBC and Netflix, have both announced plans to establish a base in Albuquerque. NBCUniversal will be redeveloping a warehouse in town into a state-of-the-art studio, with two sound stages, office space, and a mill. In addition to bringing more money into the city, NBCUniversal also aims to directly bring 330 full-time jobs and a number of helpful initiatives to the city.

For Netlix, Albuquerque will be the site of a huge new production hub. A billion dollar deal that’s expected to bring in 1,000 jobs per year to New Mexico, the Netflix deal isn’t only good for the present, but also shows promise for the future. Albuquerque is more and more cementing its role as highly sought-after location for film and television production.

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

Los Poblanos has been around since 1932 and has long been an institution around Albuquerque. The property offers fifty rooms, an organic farm, 25 acres of lavender fields and gardens, the restaurant CAMPO, and more. It’s widely considered to be one of the most breathtaking historic properties in the region.

Just a few weeks ago, though, Los Poblanos gained national recognition. The inn and farm was awarded the Best Midsize Hotel Design award by Hospitality Design Magazine, beating out competition from all across the world. Executive Director Matthew Rembe accepted the award at a ceremony in NYC, emphasizing how the inn aims to both preserve history and bring innovation to the space. Perhaps we’ll start to see a little more traffic coming in for Los Poblanos!

Find Your Home in Albuquerque

With beautiful homes, scenic parks, award-winning shopping and dining, and tons of growth, Albuquerque is a city like no other. Take some time to learn a little more about life here, browse our buying resources for help, and use our specialized search tool to narrow down your options.

Once you’re ready to get started (or if you have a few questions), just give the Feil Team a call!

Summer in Albuquerque: Don’t Miss the Latest Free Concert Series

access_timeJune 4, 2019personSusan Feil

The International Balloon Fiesta, Cider Festival, National Public Gardens Day—Albuquerque knows how to keep the events schedule packed, and this summer is no exception!

Throughout the summer, the High Desert Jazz Band and Albuquerque Concert Band will be bringing a little liveliness to the Balloon Museum with a five-part concert series. The best part? It’s 100% free!

When & Where

The shadows of people standing by a balloon.

The concerts kick off on June 5th, then will be happening again on June 19th, July 17th, July 31st, and August 14th. Since admission is free, all you have to do is head to the east lawn of the Balloon Museum from 6pm to 8pm!

Quick tip: don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket along, since the concerts are BYOS (bring your own seating).

The Details

While the list hasn’t been announced yet, each concert will revolve around a popular theme. In the past, themes have been dedicated to specific genres or composers, like last year’s night of music by Glenn Miller, a popular big-band trombonist from the Swing Era.

In addition to the music, attendees can also enjoy food and drinks from a local food truck, and the Balloon Museum will be extending their hours and offering free admission.

About the Bands

Both the High Desert Jazz Band and Albuquerque Concert Band are totally made up of volunteers from the community!

The High Desert Jazz Band is a registered non-profit that started in 2012, and now has around 17 members that give their free time up to practice and perform American Jazz.

The Albuquerque Concert Band has been around a little longer—over forty years—and has over eighty players in the ensemble. Most members of the band aren’t all full-time musicians, either. You’ll find lawyers, engineers, doctors, teachers, and a whole slew of diverse backgrounds in the group!

Other Happenings this Summer

In addition to the free concert series, you’ll find a few other major events happening around Albuquerque this summer. We recommend checking out these highlights:

Heights Summerfest: June 8th
Festival Flamenco: June 15th – 22nd
Albuquerque Folk Festival: June 15th
Freedom 4th: July 4th
Route 66 Summerfest: July 20th

Find Your Home in Albuquerque

Whether it’s enjoying live music, celebrating local arts and culture, or ringing in the summer season, the Albuquerque community is one-of-a-kind.

Are you interested in finding your new home here? Take some time to browse our area guides, take a look at our buyer resources, and give us a call when you’re ready to get started!

Get Involved this Spring with These Albuquerque Events

access_timeApril 2, 2019personSusan Feil

Temperatures in the low 70s, warm sunshine and blue skies, blooming flowers and plant life—spring in Albuquerque is one of the best times of the year.

As the weather warms up around the city, so does the events calendar. With everything from free museum days to holiday celebrations, Albuquerque has an event for just about everyone.

Here are the can’t-miss events happening around the city this season.

Free First Wednesday at the Albuquerque Museum

The Albuquerque Museum is all about celebrating and educating visitors on the rich art and history of the city. The museum regularly hosts events like sculpture garden tours, walking tours through Old Town, and art workshops.

Don’t miss out on your chance to see all that the museum has to offer—totally free of cost—this Wednesday as part of the monthly First Wednesday event!

When: April 3rd

Aquarium Overnights

The Aquarium Overnights are your exclusive chance to see what happens at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium after dark! Think Night at the Museum, but at the aquarium (and minus the exhibits that come to life).

Learn a little more about the ocean species that call the aquarium home, participate in games and activities, watch themed movies in the theater, and even get up-close-and-personal with a few animals at the touchpool!

When: April 19th

First Sundays at the Museum of Natural History and Science

Once every month, the Museum of Natural History and Science opens its doors to New Mexico residents, free of charge.

Wander through the exhibits—including the current featured exhibit on the brain—and learn a little more about the unique history of the state and ecosystem!

When: April 7th

Earth Day Celebration and Children’s Seed Festival

With Earth Day happening later this month, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is ready to celebrate with the annual Earth Day and Children’s Seed Festival!

Activities at the event will include fun lessons on seed diversity, seed ball crafts and artwork, and special seed-themed trivia, perfect for guests of all ages.

When: April 20th

Water Planet Day

Hosted by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Water Planet Day is another event-filled and educational Earth-themed celebration.

Sit in on demonstrations from water organizations from all around the state, and learn everything from how to make a wind turbine to what it takes to create a working well model.

When: April 27th

Run for the Zoo

Celebrating its 34th year of operation, Run for the Zoo is your chance to get active for a good cause! The Run offers tons of events, including a half marathon, a 10K and 5K run, a 5K walk, and a 1 mile fun run, all benefiting the Albuquerque Zoo.

Once the races are over, the top male and female participants in each age group will receive medals. Plus, your race number gets you free entrance to the zoo for the day!

When: May 5th

Make the Move to Albuquerque

No matter what your interests are, you’ll always find a way to get involved around Albuquerque.

If you’re thinking of making a move to the Albuquerque area, give the Feil Team a call! From helping you through the real estate process to giving you info on the area, we can help you have a successful and stress-free relocation journey.

Dive in to Local Arts & Culture at the Latest Albuquerque Museum Exhibit

access_timeJanuary 7, 2019personSusan Feil

One of the benefits of living in a place like Albuquerque is the chance to learn about and experience a variety of cultures. The Albuquerque Museum strives to showcase works, pieces, and stories from a wide spectrum of people, and the latest exhibit is no exception.

“Visions of the Hispanic World” has been on view at the museum since November 10th, 2018, and it will stay on display until March 31st, 2019. Organized by the Hispanic Society of American and curated by the Executive Director Mitchell A. Codding, it’s truly a can’t-miss exhibit.

“Visions of the Hispanic World”

A woman at an art exhibit The exhibit as a whole details the narrative of cultures in Spain and how their influence and heritage grew within the area and still does today. Over 220 works are included, covering 3,00 years of time and history. Some of the works have never even been exhibited before!

The pieces on display are all part of the Hispanic Society’s own Museum and Library collections, and will include things like archaeological artifacts from the Iberian Peninsula, art work from Islamic Spain, and manuscripts from a variety of ages, as well as sculptures, decorative arts, and paintings. The pieces date all the way back to the Medieval Age and stretch to the early 20th century.

The goal of the exhibit is to allow New Mexican residents to both observe the larger world culture, as well as see how their own region was influenced by the Hispanic world.

Part I

An ancient bust The first part of the exhibit takes place November 10th through March 31st and will deal with the oldest works. The Ancient, Islamic, Medieval, Golden Age, Colonial, and 19th century Spain and Latin America will be showcased. Works from this periods will be by artists including El Greco, Velázquez, and Zubarán.

Part II

Part II will take place from December 22nd to March 31st. While it covers a significantly smaller period, – painter Francisco de Goya through the 1920s in Spain – it still offers a wealth of material. Often referred to as the father of modern art, Goya had an enormous impact on the artistic that still shows up today.

Visit the Exhibit

Since the exhibit is a special, limited-time feature at the Albuquerque Museum, visitors will have to pay an extra fee to gain admittance. Children under 12, however, don’t have to pay, and there is no charge during the museum’s free days.

Avoid the lines, and purchase your ticket ahead of time here!

Find Your Home in Albuquerque

Here in Albuquerque, we’re always ready to learn more about the people around us, and learn from others. So when you move here, you can expect to be welcomed with open arms into the tight-knit communities!

Are you looking to make the move to Albuquerque? The Feil Team is here to help! Feel free to contact us with any questions or to get started today.

A Holiday Guide for the Best Winter Events in Albuquerque

access_timeNovember 27, 2018personSusan Feil

December is almost here, and the holiday season is finally upon us! Although we may not have Jack Frost nipping at our nose here in Albuquerque, there are still tons of chances to deck the halls and get in the holly jolly holiday spirit.

From light festivals to Christmas parades, explore a few of the highlights happening around the area, and plan our you schedule of festivities.

Hanging of the Greens

A wreath hanging on a wall. One of the oldest traditions at the University of New Mexico, the Hanging of the Greens features almost 14,000 luminarias, making it one of the biggest luminaria displays in the area. Although it takes place on campus, the whole community is invited to attend.

Students will carol across campus, singing Christmas classics, as they walk to present the university President with a wreath. Stick around for the reception afterwards, and bring an unwrapped children’s book to donate to the children’s hospital.

Date: November 30th, 5:45PM

Location: UNM Bookstore

Twinkle Light Parade

A close-up of twinkling lights. One of the biggest and best celebrations in Albuquerque, the Twinkle Light Parade brings together hundreds of floats, marching bands, light displays, and holiday themed appearances.

The parade starts just as the sun starts going down, so the twinkling lights of the floats and parade vehicles cast a comforting glow over the city. Come out and celebrate the holiday season with the community, and enjoy this family-friendly event.

Date: December 1st, 5PM-8PM

Location: Historic Nob Hill

Old Town Holiday Stroll

An outdoor holiday market. The Old Town Holiday Stroll is a great opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of Old Town while you celebrate the holidays. Not only will there be a tree lighting ceremony, but all of the shops and restaurants in Old Town will be open for business!

Enjoy warm hot chocolate, live musical performances, and all of the holiday sales at Old Town retailers. If you can’t attend the celebration in person, it will be broadcast live on KOB 4!

Date: December 7th, 5pm-9pm

Location: Historic Old Town

The Bugg Lights

Various Christmas ornaments. A celebration that dates back 48 years, the Bugg Light Festival is a holiday institution. The festival features over 300,000 lights, tons of festive decorations, over 100 Christmas trees, and much more.

Opened nightly from Tuesday to Sunday until December 30th, visitors can enjoy holiday food, drinks, and fun — plus free admissions! If you want to donate to the festival, all proceeds will go towards continuing the tradition and local non-profits.

Date: November 24th-December 30th, 6PM-9PM

Location: Belen Harvey House Museum

Luminaria Tour

A hanging lantern. The Luminaria Tour is undoubtedly an Albuquerque Christmas tradition, and it’s celebrating its 54th anniversary this year. Bringing together community members on the night of Christmas Eve, the ABQ RIDE takes attendees on a guided tour through the warm luminaria lights in the city.

Although tickets for this year have sold out for the official ride, you can still take your own tour through the lights, from the Convention Center to Old Town. Plus, you can remember to buy your tickets early next year!

Date: December 24th, 5:30PM-7:30PM

Location: Downtown Convention Center

Celebrate the Holidays in Albuquerque

With twinkling lights, Christmas traditions, and festive community events, Albuquerque is full of the holiday spirit. Don’t miss out your chance to be a member of this active community — find your new home in Albuquerque today!

If you have any questions, want more information about events, or would like to schedule a home showing, don’t hesitate to contact the Feil family real estate team!

Have A Blast This Summer At These Albuquerque Attractions!

access_timeJune 5, 2018personSusan Feil

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!

5 Reasons to Drop Everything and Move to Albuquerque Right Now

access_timeFebruary 1, 2018personSusan Feil

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.