About Albuquerque

Born as a city in 1706, it is believed by most that Albuquerque is named for the Duke of Albuquerque, which refers to the European Spanish town of Albuquerque. It is located on the famed highway Route 66, in the middle of New Mexico and occupies opposite sides of the Rio Grande. It is the largest New Mexican city and the 33rd largest city in the United States, right behind Tucson, Arizona in the 32nd place, as of 2010. Almost half of the people residing in New Mexico are living in this diverse metropolitan area with over 70 different ethnicities calling Albuquerque their home.

Noted institutions include the Albuquerque International Airport, University of New Mexico, Intel, Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories, the Rio Grande Zoo, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and the Petroglyph National Monument. The Sandia Mountains encompass the eastern portion of the city. Current day population hovers around eight hundred, thousand people. That is a lot of people for one location! Famous people born in Albuquerque, New Mexico include actor Seth Adkins, golfer Notah Begay III, actress Anabeth Gish, actor Neil Patrick Harris, film director Jay Roach, television writer Rick Rosner, UFC fighter Diego Sanchez, television personality Lauren Sanchez, fashion model Elyse Sewell, actor French Stewart, boxer Johnny Tapia, race car drivers Al Unser, Junior, and Bobby Unser.

The climate and atmosphere are described as dry and pleasant. Winter does come, but it does not last long. But, there is plenty to do if this is your point of destination. You are sure to be sated if your desire is shopping, golfing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, skating, swimming, walking, running, biking, dining, museums, casinos, nightlife, and an awesome assortment of events. Just the number of different cultures in one area make for an impressive array of events. And there is no other state that claim to be the balloon capital. Every year, in October the Albuquerque skyline is lit up with an array of over seven hundred balloons. Can you imagine the vibrant colors, the energy and the excitement?

Written by Lyndsey Morgan