Albuquerque, New Mexico (population 850,000 in metro area), at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, is a fast growing city with a laid-back, slightly bohemian character and a very diverse mix of cultures, including Hispanic, Anglo and Indian.   The city was founded as a Spanish military outpost in 1706 and was designed with a central plaza surrounded by government buildings (today the section is called "Old Town").  Famed Route 66 runs through the city, and roadside structures from the highway's heyday still remain.  In the 1960s and 1970s, Albuquerque suffered through a period of decline, but today the downtown is revitalized and becoming an urban hot spot, attracting artists and others who can no longer afford pricey Santa Fe. 

Much of Albuquerque's growth is taking place on the outskirts of town, where the desert landscape, often awash in pinks, reds and purples, instills a sense of awe.  The city's overall cost of living is 5% below the national average, and the median home price is $165,000, although expect to pay more for a home in a nicer section of town.  Rents are also low.   There are numerous hospitals, including the University of New Mexico Hospital and a VA hospital, and public transportation is provided by the city.   There are several senior centers, and the city has a fitness program for those 50 or better.   Festivals (wine, balloon, etc.), a zoo, a library system, farmers' markets, a symphony orchestra, malls, box stores, cafes, bookstores, dining (lots of delicious Mexican food restaurants) and all the rest are available.   Life here is very casual and infused with a rich southwestern, Latin American flavor.

Albuquerque's elevation is 5,500 feet so summer temperatures don't rise much past the mid-90s, and winters are generally short with temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s.  And while the climate is usually mild with 300 or more days of sunshine a year and practically no humidity, rains can be intense in late summer, and spring winds can be fierce.  

The generally mild climate, the pretty setting, the laidback lifestyle and the low cost of living are what bring people to Albuquerque.  There are, though, drawbacks to living here. Primary of these is the high crime rate, nearly double the national average, although much of this is due to auto thefts.  The fast growth is not being managed particularly well, with new roads lacking and sprawl evident on most edges of the city (although the new bedroom communities popping up are quite nice).   Albuquerque is also known as a bit of a "good ole boy" town, and newcomers are not always welcomed.  This may give way, though, as the city grows.  

There are other downsides as well.  Water, or lack of it, is always an issue in this part of the country, and Albuquerque's water supply is dependent on a fragile aquifer.  New Mexico is a poor state, with the 5th lowest per capita income in the U.S., and some of this can be felt here.  As in most cities, there are good neighborhoods and bad ones; location is important.  This is not a walkable city.