UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
| liv score 583 How We Calculate Our Data |
|
|---|---|
| Civics | 43 |
| Demographics | 59 |
| Economy | 61 |
| Education | 59 |
| Health | 54 |
| Housing | 50 |
| Infrastructure | 69 |
#67. Albuquerque, NM
Pop quiz: In what city can you enjoy year-round sunshine, eat some of the best food in the world, ski on the weekends, sample amazing local beers, hike among petroglyphs — all without breaking the bank?
Answer: Albuquerque.
This magical New Mexico city earned a place on our Top 100 Best Places to Live list for all the reasons above, but it scored particularly well in the amenities category, thanks to a long list of parks, museums, restaurants and fun things to do that keep residents entertained.
Looking for a job? Livability named Albuquerque one of the 10 Best Cities for STEM Workers in 2018, and the city is also home to a growing startup scene and many TV and movie productions.
Local Obsession: Chile peppers are so iconic and central to cuisine here that the unofficial state question is, “Red or green?”
Climate Described in 6 Words Or Less: Golf and ski in one day.
Top Industries: Albuquerque has carved out a reputation as a hotspot for STEM jobs, but it also deserves credit for its film industry opportunities and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Local Dream Job: Location scout for the many TV shows and movies that are filmed here.
Quintessential Meal: Huevos Christmas (huevos rancheros with red and green chile)
Favorite Weekend Activity: Enjoying the sunshine and amazing natural spaces surrounding the city — from hiking to snowshoeing to horseback riding, Albuquerque residents love taking advantage of the amazing weather and getting outside.
After-Work Meetup Spot: Hit up The Copper Lounge for great food, amazing cocktails and karaoke on Wednesdays.
Best Brewery: La Cumbre Brewing Co.
Beloved Bookstore: Page 1 Books
Free Way to Have Fun: Hiking in the Sandia foothills.
Hidden Gem: Golden Crown Panederia, an amazing bakery serving up super homey pizza, biscochitos, and seriously cute vibes.
– Winona Dimeo-Ediger
Read More:
11 Reasons to Start a Business in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is One of the Best Cities in America for STEM Workers
City of Stars: Albuquerque is a Great Place to Take in the Night Sky