Albuquerque was founded by the Spanish in 1706. Along with a unique blend of many cultures, beautiful mountain scenery, and temperate weather, the area has since become a hot bed of high-tech manufacturing and research while also maintaining its status as the commercial and financial center of New Mexico. Albuquerque is home to one of the nation’s premier national research laboratories, the International Balloon Fiesta, and beautiful vistas that can only be seen in the sun-drenched expanse of the Southwest.

Nestled between the towering Sandia Mountains and the high plains desert, the city is rich in cultural heritage, breathtaking landscape, and equipped with the vibrant energy of a fast-growing city. The Albuquerque metro area has over 750,000 people encompassing a four-county area in central New Mexico. The two largest cities within the metro area are Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, with a host of smaller towns and suburbs making up the remainder of the metro area. Rio Rancho has grown rapidly since its incorporation in 1981, and today is home to more than 55,000 residents. The city of Albuquerque provides a central downtown district, a well-maintained historical area, an international airport, and the great majority of the industrial, commercial, and residential development.

Albuquerque is a place where three groups—Anglo (non-Spanish-speaking European), Hispanic, and Native American—join together to form a rich blend of tradition and new cross-cultural adaptations.

Living Here

Meet Albuquerque: a refreshing blend of scenic beauty and small town charm with all of the amenities of a bustling city. Albuquerque offers its residents an ideal setting in which to live, work and thrive. The Albuquerque Economic Development website offers additional information about the city.

Things to See

Sandia Tram - Just minutes from the heart of Albuquerque, the world's longest aerial tramway lifts you to the breathtaking top of Sandia Peak. During the winter the tram will take you to the local ski slopes, and during the summer it will transport you to wonderful mountain biking and hiking.

Sandia Crest - The summit of the Sandia Mountains has an elevation of 10,678 feet. You can walk or drive about a mile from the Sandia Tram for an awe-inspiring view from the observation deck

Santa Fe - A visit to Santa Fe (an hour drive from Albuquerque) can be a magical journey. Known locally as “the city different”, Santa Fe offers an eclectic mix of old and new architecture, food, art, and culture. Surrounded by scenic beauty and imbued with 400 years of history and culture, Santa Fe is simply one of America's most distinctive cities.