Albuquerque recently was rated by Money Magazine as one of the top 10 places to live in the country, but Francis and many othe residents say it should top all such lists.

Albuquerque is a high-desert city with elevations ranging from 4,900 to nearly 6,500 feet above sea level. The climate consists of low humidity and abundant sunshine. Annual rainfall is between 8-9".

With our mile high altitude and low humidity, summertime is pleasant even with our 90 degree weather. Evenings cool off to the perfection of comfort and often summer afternoon rains begin the cooldown earlier than sundown.

Winters are primarily mild with occasional snow. Temperatures average in the 50's but often rise into the 60's for weeks at a time. It is not unheard of to ski in the morning (at Sandia Peak) and golf in the afternoon in one of the many golf courses in the area.

The Sandia Mountains to the east of the city protect the area from many of the storms that often swirl around it. Annual snowfall ranges from less than 10" near the Rio Grande (which flows through the city) to 100" on Sandia Peak which provides facilities for downhill and cross-country skiing.

Many residents of the city have cheerfully given up the lawns they were use to elsewhere to opt for southwestern landscapes featuring colored rocks, drought-resistant plants and less maintainence.

The Albuquerque Public School district is the 27th largest in the nation and covers a geographic area of 1,243 square miles.

The visual and performing arts are part of the Albuquerque lifestyle and the city has a host of museums. It also boasts the "Longest Tram" in the world and each October the most photographed event in the world: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held.

The city is divided into 4 quadrants (which cover 18 areas): NW (includes North Valley and Westside), SW, NE, SE. In addition there are residential areas outside the city limits in all four directions. See our description of each of the 18 areas for an idea about what each part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area has to offer.

The city and surrounding area also offer numerous golf courses:

• Albuquerque Country Club
• Cochiti Lake Golf Course
• Coronado Village Golf Course
• Four Hills Country Club
• Paradise Hills Country Club
• Rio Rancho Country Club
• Tanoan Country Club
• Tierra Del Sol Country Club - Belen
• University of New Mexico - North Course
• University of New Mexico - South Course
• Valle Grande Golf Course

For additional information see: Albuquerque Golf Courses

Some of our other favorite Website Links:

Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

Albuq. Convention & Visitors Bureau

Albuquerque Int'l. Balloon Fiesta

Schools/Education

Albuquerque Public Schools

Albuquerque Academy

University of New Mexico

Technical Vocational Institute