Albuquerque is geographically divided into four quadrants which are officially part of the mailing address. They are NE (northeast), NW (northwest), SE (southeast), and SW (southwest). The north-south dividing line is Central Avenue (the path that Route 66 took through the city) and the east-west dividing line is the BNSF Railway tracks. Although this is technically the division of the city, in casual conversation locals use the perpendicular interstates I-25 and I-40 to divide the city into quadrants.
NE quadrant
This is an area that has experienced housing growth since the late 1950’s. Some of the most affluent regions of the city are located here, including the Las Lomas-Roma neighborhood, the Netherwood Park neighborhood, the Academy Hills neighborhood, and many neighborhoods in the far northeast corner stretching beyond the actual city limits into Sandoval County. It abuts the base of the Sandia Mountains and contains portions of the Sandia Heights neighborhoods, which are situated in or near the foothills and are significantly higher, in elevation and price range, than the rest of the city. Running from Central Ave. and the railroad tracks to the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram, this is the largest quadrant both geographically and by population. The University of New Mexico, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, the Uptown area which includes both Coronado and Winrock malls, Journal Center, Balloon Fiesta Park, and Albuquerque Academy are all located in this quadrant.
One of Albuquerque’s landmark features is the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. For an unforgettable evening, punctuated by one of the most awe-inspiring views in the western United States, take a ride on the tram to the top of the mountains where you can enjoy a sunset meal at the High Finance Restaurant. Elena Gallegos Park offers miles of trails through the sage and juniper hills. On the north end of the mountains, La Luz Trail winds to the soaring heights of Sandia Crest, where hang gliders ride the warm air currents that rise from the valley floor.
NW quadrant
The City of Albuquerque engulfs the village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque and borders Corrales in the northwest valley. The rapidly-developing area on the west side of the river is known as the “West Side” or “West Mesa” and consists primarily of traditional residential subdivisions. Here the city proper is bordered on the north by the City of Rio Rancho. This is one of the fastest growing areas in America.
City of Rio Rancho
In 1961, Rio Rancho Estates, Inc. (hereinafter, “AMREP”) purchased 55,000 acres as an investment. In the years immediately following the purchase, a plan was created to subdivide the property into tens of thousands of lots and sell them using mass marketing and mail order techniques.
By 1966 the 100th family moved into the community and by 1970, “Rio Rancho Estates” had grown to 91,000 acres with the purchase of an additional 35,000 acres of King Ranch property. AMREP continued its interest and involvement in the community and established its role in the development of the emerging City as builder, land developer, economic development coordinator and leader in the construction of affordable housing.
The 1990’s were Rio Rancho’s monumental steps forward with respect to its ability to mature as a City – from bedroom community to a self-sustaining City. The City acquired the Water and Wastewater Utility, established its own school district, solicited the development of several post-secondary educational facilities, elected to become a “Home Rule” Chartered community, achieved the second lowest crime rate in the State of New Mexico and encouraged the development of a variety of business through the development of efficient public/private partnerships and through incentives such as industrial revenue bonds. The city currently has over 70,000 residents and in 2005, Rio Rancho became the first U.S. city to offer citywide voice-over-WiFi service.
Old Town
Whether you stroll through this historic district on your own, or take a tour with the Albuquerque Museum, Old Town is the perfect place to begin exploring The Duke City. At the heart of this district is the original central plaza that is lined with over 100 quaint little shops. Like everything else in Albuquerque, a visit to Old Town is a delightful mix of old and new, with sights that range from Civil War cannons to the Church of San Felipe de Neri. A stroll around the plaza will give you a glimpse into the rich history of the area as well as a taste of the tremendous artistic talents showcased in places like The Adobe Gallery. Stop in at The Candy Lady for a delectable chocolate. Go further back in time with a trip through the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, or satisfy your childlike curiosity in the Explora! Science Center. You can stay in the area in the modern luxury of the Sheraton Old Town, or in the elegance of a bed and breakfast like the Bottger-Koch Mansion.
SW Quadrant
Traditionally consisting of agricultural and rural areas, SW quadrant is often referred to as the “South Valley”. This includes the old communities of Kinney, Los Padillas, Mountainview, and Pajarito. The Rio Grande Valley offers the visitor a glimpse of what the Spanish explorers saw in the 15th century when they rode north along the Rio Grande del Norte. The economic diversity of the city unravels as you follow Rio Grande Boulevard from north to south. Some of the homes in the south valley have withstood the test of time for hundreds of years. Nestled among these ancient dwellings are the Albuquerque Country Club and the Rio Grande Zoological Park. A new addition to the south valley is the Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Gardens, where you can dine with the sharks in their exclusive restaurant.
SE quadrant
This eccentric area is a mix of art deco, Spanish colonial, Pueblo and modern architectural styles. It has undergone a recent facelift and the Nob Hill Merchants Association has revitalized and reclaimed this formerly run-down neighborhood. Once-bland strip malls now house a mix of retailers, galleries and coffee houses that cater to students from the nearby University of New Mexico as well as the locals who drop in for a little gossip. Closer to the university are a variety of restaurants, delis and sidewalk cafes that offer fare from the far reaches of the world.
Just east of the Nob Hill area lie the New Mexico State Fair grounds, home of the sixth largest state fair in the U.S. Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories, the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute main campus, the Albuquerque International Sunport, University Stadium, Isotopes Park, and “The Pit” (University Arena) are all located in the SE quadrant.
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