Albuquerque, United States 🇺🇸
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, known for its unique Southwestern culture, rich history, and scenic landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 550,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, with many options for high-speed providers. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is standard. Most banks and ATMs are widely available, with major options including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and local credit unions. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and sourced from the Rio Grande, with regular quality testing. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offering good coverage in the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Chase, Bank of America, and community credit unions are common. Cash and cards widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rentals, typically around $1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are common, with cards accepted widely everywhere. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays, often fully furnished. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like the Econo Lodge or Hostelling International offer budget stays starting around $60/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The BioPark Center offers collaborative spaces and a vibrant atmosphere for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Tia Betty Blue's is known for its excellent coffee and relaxed work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look out for Meetup groups focused on tech and entrepreneurship, often hosted in local venues. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Albuquerque' offer events and community support. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are the primary ridesharing options available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through companies like JUMP and local bike shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach would be approximately 300 miles away at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is serviced by Southwest and American Airlines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers include Delta and United, connecting to larger hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | I-25 and I-40 provide extensive access to and from Albuquerque. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Albuquerque Rail Runner Express serves as a key transit link between cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | ABQ Ride is the public transport system, offering day passes and monthly options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Greyhound and local bus services connect Albuquerque to other New Mexico cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | UNM Hospital is the state's comprehensive care facility with a wide range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Heart & Soul Yoga Studio is a popular local yoga spot. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Planet Fitness and the Albuquerque Academy Fitness Center are accessible options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, with many offering wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash are popular for food delivery in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Green chile cheeseburger; a local favorite featuring New Mexico's iconic green chiles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options like Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café offer extensive plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolate Cartel specializes in handmade chocolates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local farmers' markets provide affordable and fresh food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon offers delivery services, with numerous local retailers also available online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Amazon Fresh offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Central Avenue and the Historic Old Town area are bustling nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Cumbre Brewing Co. is well-known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Truth or Consequences Wine & Tapas offers a cozy ambiance for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks are found at local events and around hotspots like the Albuquerque BioPark. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Options range from Thai at Thai Vegan to Italian at Il Vicino. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sandia Peak Tramway offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Albuquerque Museum showcases local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Town Albuquerque is rich in 18th-century Spanish colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Felipe de Neri Church features one of the oldest churches in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a major annual festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Nob Hill area is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kimo Theatre is famous for its stunning architecture and eclectic performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Downtown Growers' Market offers fresh local produce weekly. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Vortex Theatre hosts a variety of performances, contributing to Albuquerque's lively music scene. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city is known for its murals and public artworks throughout neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with the Oldies offers cooking classes focused on New Mexican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The 516 ARTS Gallery features contemporary works from local and national artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce is housed in a historic building showcasing local culture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Albuquerque celebrates a rich blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sandia Mountains offer excellent hiking opportunities just outside the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Petroglyph National Monument features ancient rock engravings and scenic trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a popular multi-use path along the Rio Grande. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Sandia Crest offers stunning panoramic views and is easily accessible by car. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is a renowned birdwatching locale. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Sandia National Forest allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | UPS and FedEx locations are available throughout the city for shipping and delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iFixit provide electronics and device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables available for recreational play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Language Institute New Mexico offers various language learning courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Albuquerque Public Library system provides several locations for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The South Valley Community Center offers various programs and wellness activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Esports Arena offers both competitive and casual gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Sandia Resort & Casino is popular for gambling and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $300,000 (e.g., 650 sq. ft. studio). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $240,000 (e.g., 650 sq. ft. studio). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $350,000 (e.g., 800 sq. ft. one-bedroom). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $280,000 (e.g., 800 sq. ft. one-bedroom). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $420,000 (e.g., 1,200 sq. ft. two-bedroom). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $340,000 (e.g., 1,200 sq. ft. two-bedroom). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 4.8% - 5.9% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No state-level dividend tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on federal income tax with state-level taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 4.9% - 5.9%, depending on income. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; instead, there is a gross receipts tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules, but U.S. tax principles apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rate is approximately 1.05%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Estimated at around 1.5% of property value. |