Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the state's largest city, with a population of more than 600,000 people. Our country has developed a love of New Mexico, particularly in recent years. The state has come to represent a spiritual escape from urban congestion. That's not to say, of course, that New Mexico doesn't have its share of sizeable cities; Albuquerque certainly fits that description. Nevertheless, despite its urban amenities and conveniences, and wealth of local businesses, Albuquerque has managed to maintain a pace comparatively slower than other metropolitan regions of the country. Informality rules here, a trait characteristic of the Southwest. Residents here enjoy a landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by the rugged Manzano and Sandia mountain ranges.

Albuquerque is home to the Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories, University of New Mexico, and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, among other world-class resources. The city's geographical location and the presence of a major airport allow tourists easy access to the ever-popular Santa Fe and Taos, as well. But Albuquerque gives people plenty of reasons to stick around. In addition to its national forests, Indian reservations, shopping (in Old Town), vibrant artist population, and numerous historical offerings, perhaps the biggest draw to the city is the annual Kodak International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air ballooning event in the world. The opportunity to see these colorful balloons take flight against the desert landscape draws thousands of tourists here every year.

The climate here is friendly. Temperatures in December and January average in the high 40s, and summer temperatures usually remain no higher than the low 90s with low humidity. In the higher altitudes, visitors and residents still need jackets in the summertime. In addition to the weather, many relocating families are drawn here by the reasonable home prices and diversity of architecture. Many builders place particular emphasis on energy-efficiency in their homes, and local architects design their projects to coexist with the landscape, capitalizing upon breathtaking views, using lots of glass, and incorporating elements from the Southwest, Mediterranean, and other influences. Homes in the area tend to blend in with the terrain; instead of clearing nature to build homes, builders often use nature to create a project that reflects the region and its culture.

Albuquerque's history is a fascinating one. Evidence of the earliest inhabitants has been estimated at 25,000 years old, although some scientists argue that 10,000 years may be a more accurate figure. That particular piece of evidence was a collection of bones found in 1936 in a cave located in the northwestern sector of the Sandia Mountains in 1936. The Anasazi Indians, who lived in the area from 1100 to 1300, were among the region's earliest residents. They established many communities throughout northwestern New Mexico and linked them through various communication and transportation networks. The Anasazi left their mark upon the land. Today, you'll still find an abundance of cave dwellings, kivas and crafts preserved from their early days in northwestern New Mexico.

New Mexico has an abundance of Indian pueblos, including the Cochiti Pueblo, which, despite its small size, is comparatively prosperous and more resort-like than New Mexico's other 18 pueblos. Many pueblo residents earn their living by selling crafts and other handmade wares. Pottery, jewelry, and baskets are just a few of the items sold by native craftspeople. Visitors to northwest Albuquerque who are looking for a broad introduction to the region's pueblo heritage may tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (call 505-242-4943 for more information). The center offers various performances, exhibits, crafts, dances and demonstrations year-round and at no charge to the public.

For more information about Albuquerque -- particularly its artistic offerings -- head to Collectors Link, an interesting site filled with links to the city's various galleries and studies, as well as a museum directory and some helpful information on other cultural opportunities.

Published: September 17, 1998

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