New Mexico : Safety by City
- Alamogordo
- Albuquerque
- Carlsbad
- Chama
- Deming
- Elephant Butte
- Farmington
- Gallup
- Las Cruces
- Los Alamos
- Raton
- Red River
- Rio Rancho
- Ruidoso
- Santa Fe
- Silver City
- Socorro
- Taos
- Truth or Consequences
- Tucumcari
You “Better Call Saul” if you’re visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The hit show, along with “Breaking Bad,” made this high desert city even more tempting for visitors.
Albuquerque goes by many names – ABQ, the 505, and the most popular Burque (Boor-kay).
It’s a mix of Native American, Latino, and Hispanic influences.
The food is spicy, the nightlife is hot, and the outdoor adventures are sometimes full of hot air.
ABQ is the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World, with the International Balloon Fiesta taking to the skies each October.
Another reason to look up?
The dynamic night skies with stars are so vivid you feel like you could reach out and touch them.
The city sits at a higher altitude than most U.S. cities, so you might need to take a day to adjust.
The elevation is between 4900 and 6700 feet above sea level.
The famous Route 66 runs through the Burque, and it’s not just a derelict road here.
Neon lights the way with restaurants and attractions sure to tap into your sense of nostalgia.
The Buruqe has several distinct neighborhoods, including:
- Historic Old Town: Founded in 1706 and still a cultural hub of the city.
- Downtown: Route 66 runs through it, and the convention center brings many visitors.
- Nob Hill: Tap into your electric side in this vibrant community.
- Airport Area: Not just for the airport. Major sports teams and national laboratories call it home.
- Midtown: University of New Mexico camps area.
- Uptown: A great shopping destination.
- Eastside: Get outdoors and enjoy the foothills.
- North Valley: Right along the Rio Grande.
- Westside: Where you’ll find Petroglyph National Monument.
- South Valley: The Hispanic cultural core of the city.
From ABQ, you are also three and a half hours to White Sands National Park and less than five hours to Mexico.
Warnings & Dangers in Albuquerque
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
There's a medium risk in Albuquerque, but it's bordering on a high risk due to high crime rates. Violent crime has been on the rise in recent years, but property crimes have been going down. We will dig into the data to see how much crime rates impact tourists.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
ABQ Ride is the public transportation system here with 40 fixed routes daily. Through June 2023, rides are free. However, it's important you know about some of the violent behavior reported and caught on camera on some buses. One bus driver said, "We’re dealing with mental illness. We’re dealing with alcoholism, drug addiction, homelessness – on every route, every day." The Route 66 bus to Uptown historically has the most violence. I can't recommend riding the bus, but if you have no other choice, use the utmost caution. Much of the violence is targeted at bus drivers. You can get taxis and rideshares here too, and rental cars are available. Overall, there's a high risk of riding the bus and a medium risk overall. Especially when you consider half of the thefts are related to car break-ins.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Theft rates have been cut in half since 2017. That sounds like good news, right? Kinda. The theft rate is still two and a half times the national average. There's a medium risk, even though pickpockets and purse snatching have also been cut in half over the past five years. Don't walk around with cash, and try to avoid carrying a purse if you can.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Wildfires are the biggest risk here. Even smoke from fires far away can impact air quality. Flash flooding is another risk, and you should never try to cross a flooded roadway. You might get severe thunderstorms here with an occasional tornado. There's a medium risk overall.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
This is another medium risk. The robbery rate peaked in 2017, but even with a decline, it is still four times the national average. About 20% or fewer of the robberies are in public places.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
With a strong military presence at White Sands Missile Range and Los Alamos National Laboratory, on top of the large population, there's a medium risk in Albuquerque and all of New Mexico. There's also a strong Homeland Security presence.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
A recent scam exposed a man posing as a military officer to get money out of women through online dating apps. Fraud was up 64% in 2020, so there's medium risk. Avoid any "too good to be true" deals and never wire money or buy gift cards to pay someone.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
The sexual assault rate is four times the national average, and women need to use a great deal of caution here. This includes avoiding being out at night alone. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be home. Don't bring big purses out with you, and never take a drink from someone if you haven't seen the bartender make it.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Nearly 6000 samples are taken each year to test water for contaminants. The 2021 Water Quality Report shows full compliance and no violations in tap water. This is the only area that gets a low risk in all the safety concerns of New Mexico. Keep in mind that flash flooding could have an impact on water quality. If it floods when you're there, check with the city for any water issues.
Safest Places to Visit in Albuquerque
Tours are a safe option in the Burque, as you’ll be with a tour guide and a large group.
There’s safety in numbers.
You can choose from various tours in the outdoor areas outside of Albuquerque, but one of the most popular in town is the Breaking Bad RV Tours, which takes you to some of the top filming locations for the hit show and follow-up Better Call Saul.
Another tour is available to see some of the broader scope of shows and movies made here, including Transformers and Avengers.
It’s also hard to find an unsafe spot in the skies, so take advantage of all those sunny days and ride a hot air balloon.
There are at least half a dozen options, but Rainbow Riders, Inc. is one of the most popular.
You can watch the sun come up or take in a romantic sunset.
Grab a self-guided tour map, and you can visit the area’s top attractions from the safety of your vehicle.
The Route 66 Tour is one of the most popular, and try to take the ride after sunset if you can to get the full neon-glow experience.
At the west end of Route 66, you can visit the ABQ BioPark Aquarium and go under the sea, then take a stroll in the beautiful Botanic Garden on a 1.5-mile path.
For a cultural lesson, plan a day between the Indian Pueblo Culture Center, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History.
There is so much history here.
Touring these centers will give you a stronger appreciation for the different communities around the city.
The Wildlife West Nature Park is a great place to see unique animals of this region, like javelinas.
There are more than 20 species of animals across more than 122 acres.
If you’d like, schedule an overnight camping trip at the nature park.
If you want to be rattled, take a few hours at the American International Rattlesnake Museum.
The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway takes you more than 10,000 feet above sea level for incredible panoramic views.
Hike in the summer, ski in the winter, and enjoy the natural side of New Mexico.
Petroglyph National Monument is another natural wonder to explore on the west side of town.
From ancient carvings on rocks to volcanic cinder cones, there’s a lot to see.
Stop by the visitor’s center to learn the figures so you can better read the stories told on the rocks during your adventure.
Places to Avoid in Albuquerque
Crime is widespread across the city, with the northwest side of the city having the overall lowest crime rate.
The highest crime neighborhoods are on the south and east sides, mostly south of I-40 and east of I-25.
The closer to the interstate, the higher the crime rate is in a neighborhood.
The city also has a Traveler Safety section on its website and a dedicated phone number from Albuquerque Crime Prevention.
If you have questions about crime prevention, call (505) 768-2006.
You definitely want to do as much as possible during the day and limit nightside travel to the tourist areas like Route 66.
Never travel alone at night, and take taxis or rideshares instead of walking whenever you can.
If you are visiting for the International Balloon Fiesta, book your reservations as early as possible so you can get into a safer part of town and avoid driving long distances.
One additional note – there is a Las Vegas in New Mexico, but it is not THE Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas” translates from the Spanish phrase for “The Meadows,” so the name has nothing to do with gambling, even though the name Las Vegas has become synonymous with that.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Albuquerque
- The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has a great crime mapping function on its website. It’s easy to use and very interactive. Just put in the address of your hotel or a tourist attraction and specify which crime(s) you wish to search for. Add in a customized time range or select week or month. You can see what types of crimes happen in that area. You can also set up alerts for certain types of crime. For example, you want a notification whenever a car theft happens near your hotel.
- ABQ has the most alcohol-related deaths in the country and can also fuel violence due to a lack of self-control and accountability at the moment. Understanding this will help you be more aware if you enjoy the nightlife in Albuquerque.
- If you come from a place close to sea level, the altitude in the Burque might make you a little dizzy or short on breath. Spend your first day or two acclimating to the elevation before you head up to the mountain peak or go hiking at a higher elevation. Drink plenty of water and go easy on yourself. It’s perfectly normal to feel the effects of altitude.
- Homicides reached a state high in 2021 and were up more than 50% from the previous year. Robberies are four times the national average. Do not fight back against a robber and take all steps you can to survive an attack, should one happen. This is a city where a violent attack is more likely to turn deadly. Try to avoid any situation that appears to be dangerous, like a verbal argument starting at a street fair.
- You can sign up for emergency alerts via text message. These alerts cover everything from air quality concerns to food recalls. Text “ABQHEALTH” to 226787 for English alerts, or “ABQSALUD” for Spanish alerts.
- If you want to take the Sandia Peak Tramway, you must buy your ticket online the day before. If you wait until you get there to purchase a ticket, there’s a good chance they’ll be sold out.
- You might hear or read about the War Zone in Albuquerque. This is a section of town known for having very high crime rates and a lot of violence. The “War Zone” is along Central Avenue, between San Mateo Blvd and Wyoming Blvd. There is a horse track in the center of that area, so please keep this in mind when you’re visiting. It’s recommended to avoid this area at all times. Even the light of day doesn’t make it any safer.e
- There are nearly 8,000 known gang members in Albuquerque, and one sign of gang activity is graffiti. If you spot fresh graffiti, you can call 311 from any mobile device to report it. You do not have to leave your name. Never confront gang members directly about any crime, including vandalism.
- More than 5,550 cars were stolen in Albuquerque in 2021. This is a big problem for local police, and many of these cars make it across the border, never to be seen again. Do not leave any personal identification information in the car when you park it. That means no title, rental car papers, or similar documents. Don’t give a valet or parking attendant anything more than the ignition key. When you park on the street, turn the wheels sharply toward the curb to make it harder to tow.
- APD recommends that you avoid carrying a purse as much as possible. Dress creatively to have inner pockets available to store personal belongings. Don’t carry a lot of cash in your wallet, and don’t dress in any way that might grab attention, like the signature red heel of a Louboutin or large diamond studs in your ears.
So... How Safe Is Albuquerque Really?
Albuquerque, by and large, isn’t a safe city.
It has high crime rates in all categories, even the ones that are dropping.
The main concerns for a tourist will be car break-ins, petty theft, and robberies.
Car break-ins account for nearly half of all thefts, so you need the best safety practices you’ve ever used with a rental vehicle or personal car.
The risks break down like this:
- Violent Crime: 1 in 64 risk
- Robbery: 1 in 301 risk
- Theft: 1 in 32 risk
23% of the violent crime in 2020 was against strangers, and 43% of the violent crimes happened in homes.
There’s less of a risk that a tourist will be a victim of a violent crime, but you just can’t let your guard down here.
I’ve driven myself through Albuquerque several times in my life, both times with a pet in tow.
I can say I never felt the imminent threat as I stopped for breakfast on my way out West, but I also chose specific locations.
For example, I saw a couple of police officers at a gas station, so I stopped to get gas.
I noticed a restaurant in a non-busy area, and I ordered there instead of going to a more crowded part of town.
There are so many amazing things to do in ABQ, but you must be constantly aware of your surroundings.
As much as possible, take in the events during the day.
Leave the “party time” for another city, just to be safe.
How Does Albuquerque Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 31 |
| Deadwood | 80 |
| Sturgis | 80 |
| Pierre | 81 |
| Spearfish | 80 |
| Hill City | 83 |
| Sevierville | 73 |
| Temuco (Chile) | 31 |
| Puno (Peru) | 45 |
| Nara (Japan) | 88 |
| Kanazawa (Japan) | 83 |
| Hammamet (Tunisia) | 78 |
| Sidi Bou Said (Tunisia) | 42 |
Useful Information
Visas
You'll need a U.S. Travel or Work Visa to enter the United States through Customs at the airport or when you cross the border. That will cost a minimum of $160. You'll need to go through several steps of the approval process, including an in-person interview. You will only need to show your visa at the airport, so store it in a safe place during your trip.
Currency
The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the only currency accepted here. There are plenty of places to exchange currency in this large city, and the airport has the option as well.
Weather
Albuquerque is sunny for 378 days of the year, so bring a hat or sunglasses. It rarely gets below freezing here, but winters are somewhat chilly. A warm jacket should suffice. Summers can be hot and dry, so bring extra lotion and a water bottle for hydration. You'll need to drink more water here than in more humid climates. Spring can bring strong winds and dust storms, so those COVID masks might be helpful to avoid respiratory irritation.
Airports
The Albuquerque airport is just 5 miles from downtown, so it's an easy trip to and from, whether by car or taxi. Since ABQ is so isolated, it will be the only airport nearby. For example, if you want to fly out of Phoenix it would be more than six hours on the road.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for your flight, baggage and health protection will be a great way to enjoy the trip with peace of mind. No trip is perfect, but being protected will go a long way.
Albuquerque Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
10 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 33 | 34 | 32 | 29 | 22 | 15 | 10 |
| Low °C |
-4 | -1 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 8 | 1 | -3 |
| High °F |
50 | 55 | 64 | 72 | 81 | 91 | 93 | 90 | 84 | 72 | 59 | 50 |
| Low °F |
25 | 30 | 36 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 46 | 34 | 27 |
New Mexico - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Alamogordo | 73 |
| Albuquerque | 31 |
| Carlsbad | 74 |
| Chama | 73 |
| Deming | 62 |
| Elephant Butte | 73 |
| Farmington | 52 |
| Gallup | 46 |
| Las Cruces | 46 |
| Los Alamos | 71 |
| Raton | 68 |
| Red River | 72 |
| Rio Rancho | 72 |
| Ruidoso | 72 |
| Santa Fe | 32 |
| Silver City | 72 |
| Socorro | 73 |
| Taos | 77 |
| Truth or Consequences | 74 |
| Tucumcari | 73 |
The Albuquerque review is 100% incorrect. Not sure why.
Albuquerque is dangerous but New York City is safe? Whoever made this was either paid or out of touch.
Or just joking
R/wooosh
Must be from Burque
Thumbs down on Albuquerque
I’ve lived here for over 20 years and you are spot on. Albuquerque’s school system runs neck and neck to Mississippi’s year after year. The city/state government is a complete joke. I always say if you have a trailer you wish to get rid of bring it to Albuquerque and it will get stolen in less than 24 hours. NEVER leave anything, not even a dime, visible in you car or it will be broken into. Albuquerque is the worst.
Must not of been that bad, you stayed there for 20 years, lol
We were in Santa Fe in April & had to fly home from ABQ. Every single person we met told us to avoid Albuquerque, being warned we rode around city. One of first interesting things we see is a group of scruffy people stripping a parked car, ok let’s go see famous historic old town, completely deserted. The city is deserted no one except homeless walking around, no cars in any fast-food place. We settle on a best western next to highway, incidentally if you live in Albuquerque, you cannot stay there, place is locked down which is great. Restaurant next door closed early, stopped in our hotel bar & chatted with some construction workers from northern NM. They were warned to stick to the hotel & work, only ventured to gas station next door for beer. I would not encourage tourists to stay there .
this isnt reddit its a site about safety for cities…
IT STINKS!
ALBUQUERQUE IS THE WORSE CITY IN AMERICA!
NUMBER ONE ? INCAR JACKINGS AND OUTRIGHT
CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS THAT WILL PULL YOU OUT AT THE STOP LIGHT, BEAT YOU OR SHOOT YOU AND TAKE YOUR CAR! ALBUQUERQUE IS RUN (DOWN) BECAUSE OF INCOMPETENT, IDIOT MAYOR(S) AND DRUNKEN CRIMINAL POLICE OFFICERS THAT REFUSE TO DO THEIR JOB. THE EVIL WITCH GOVERNOR, GOV. GRUESOM IS A DICTATOR COMMUNIST THAT WELCOMES ALL CRIMINAL ILLEGAL MEXICANS AND GLADLY GIVES THEN ALL DRIVERS LICENSES AND SIGNS THEM UP (ILLEGALLY) TO VOTE FOR EVERY DEMOCRAT!
THATS WHY ALBUQUERQUE IS NO BETTER THAN TIJUANNA, MEXICO!
A TOTAL CORRUPT SEWER HOLE!
STAY OUT IF YOU WANT TO LIVE!
Pros cons and dramatizations
BS THE TRUTH IS THAT NM that Albuquerque is one the most diverse cities in the United states where minorities are the majorities ot also has a large native American population it shares boarders with about 3 different reservation sthat in itself has been plagued poverty abuse and exploitation. Albuquerque also is compassionate city that takes on the homeless from other states also it has historically been refuge for people one these times actually lead to have such a high crime . Lets travle back time and see where more of Albuquerque crime comes from . One biggest contributor was fidal castor in the 80s i know weird right this has been confirmed by 2 lawyers 2 politicians and many real estate agents and basically everyone that know anything about this city.Fidal castro i believe in the late 80s open all the prisons of Cuba many of these prisoners were thought to have been politcal prisoners because of course Castro was a evil communist but actually they werent a lot of them were actually at the time rapists murders and thiefs and bad people and maybe some political prisoners well during this time the USA wanted to help them and mainly the catholic church so they sot refuge with the catholic church and they brought these criminals here and thats begin the huge gang wars of the 90s people with no skills and didn’t know english with propensity to break the law were shoved into what we call the warzone anything east san mateo until like eubank and south of lomas roughly the heart being anything around trumbal park. So these criminals hooked up with Mexican cartels and then hooked up with California cartels then viola high crime. South valley has its own orgin story which i do not know . People flock to Albuquerque because we have great weather especially to be homeless in it is artery to the United states with old route 66 . What tou don’t is i live in the warzone and it is not that bad. Albuquerque also has a ton of natural beauty and was voted most affordable place to have vacation. It is the athesis of communistic it has such a importance on religious freedom and culture here it rich tapestry of many faiths and thoughts. Under lujan Grisham we have had one the best run vaccination program in the USA. Understand bill Bill Gates built Microsoft we had intel we have sandia labs we incredibly diverse thinkers as well. The person who said this is Republican troll that says the same thing in many different forms. Let me also verify some the true things it is not uncommon to see passed out homeless people on the side walk. Like i said we take in more then what we can afford and winters are tolerable and their is huge chairty here. Let me also add are homeless beggars are some of the nicest homeless and thankful people you ever gonna meet, when you say no they tell you god bless you thank you . I went to DC and women asked my brother for some money he gave her a quarter and she said what could i get with a quarter dammit i need a dollar, you will Never see that in Albuquerque i have given a homless perosn a penny and they thanked me and was appreciative. Yes you shouldn’t go walking east of San Mateo and central at night but you are very safe in nob hill and by the university where all the fun stuff is and the east mountains are untouched gem none of this crime applies to the tijers canyon and the east mountains and four hills. There is actually very few places you should avoid international district at night south Valley at night if you dont know it well its easy to get lost. Other than that walk run stop at red lights with ease Albuquerque really love tourist’s and bemused when people think we are part of mexico. Go on are tram do are trials stay in are 5 star hotels for a 2 star price. Visit the rio grande and old time we are like Santa fe but more affordable and have parking and way beyyer places to eat at better prices thank you .
I don’t know if it’s the most diverse, I only heard 2 languages spoken there ( English and Spanish ). Mostly Spanish and white folks there. Natives, too. Not much diversity if you ask me…but, still a beautiful state and I never had any problems in Albuquerque and I lived there for 12 years.
Do not move here
Bull ……..
Why is that?! It is dangerous but its worse than dangerous
George is correct
Don't believe everything you read
It’s a nice place people like to exaggerate like in this comment by george.. he’s probably an uptight person that expects more or thinks he’s entitled to everything in life.. I’ve lived south of albuquerque all my life and I south valleyits not that bad like people are saying.. it’s just the drug and homeless issues that are killing the city .
Wrong
Albuquerque is not the most dangerous city in US Albuquerque is ranked 2nd most dangerous city in u.s. I think
Don't Believe the Negative
You OBVIOUSLY are not from New Mexico you racist bigot. New Mexico (Crack open a history book) was originally part of Mexico. Also, living in New Mexico most of my life, I have yet to experience a car jacking, robbery or violent crime. I have met LEGAL people from Mexico here doing the jobs you wouldn’t demean yourself to do. New Mexico is full of culture, art and beauty if you’d pull your head out of your ass long enough to look. It’s predjudice people like you that give New Mexico a bad name. How dare you word vomit over my lovely city and state. We Burquenos don’t want you. Take your hate to another state! I’ll keep the amazing food, people, scenery and culture.
As long as they still have that killer green Chile, I don’t care if my car gets stolen. Also as a skier, Taos is a great resort for maniacs like me. Blake’s Lottaburger…. I’ll take 2.
… um, you obviously need to crack open a history book if you think that New Mexico was ‘originally’ part of Mexico. Sure, before the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 or so, NM was part of Nuevo Mexico/Mexico for a short time, but before that it was part of Spain’s ‘Nuevo Mexico’. In addition, there’s that whole ‘Anunnaki Remnants’ and ‘Chaco Canyon’ and the original enslavement of the Navajo/Dine and other native groups, and the Anasazi (meaning ‘enemy ancients’) thing… which can even be read about a bit in Jared Diamond’s ‘Collapse’. As for ethnic otherism, skin-color otherism, and religious otherism, family-name otherism, I have never lived in a state that so openly hated black people, Mexican’s (no matter what ethnicity they are), non-catholics, and educated people… there is also a ‘special hatred’ for non-hispanic whites (conveniently forgetting our Scandinavian, German, and Italian past). I have even lived in Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas (in addition to numerous other states). Hispanics here call people ‘f’n ‘guerros’, which is incredibly ironic seeing how Hispanics are guerros by definition (also, many Hispanics here are ethnic Sephardic Jews and many of them don’t even know it). Don’t even get me started on buying property here, especially in Northern NM. People show up with guns to poach and steal, while explaining that they actually own the property that you bought (or a family member or close friend really owns it and they have permission, or an easement, or your land is really a public park and you just don’t realize it-not a joke) and the police tell you not to defend yourself, but to ‘run away’ and ‘try to call law enforcement’ (also not a joke). Shoot someone that has a gun, is in your house, stealing? Guess who is probably going to jail? You. That is right, the property owner. And you can bet the guy you shot will have his cousin as the corrupt sheriff officer and his uncle’s best friend as the judge. New Mexico is definitely full of culture, art, and beauty (amazingly good food, green chile, tacos, and sopapillas). Without a doubt. However, god-forbid you have to go through the neighborhoods near the VA hospital at any time of the day or night. I have lived in many foreign countries and I have never seen anything like that. It wasn’t like that even 10 years ago, nonetheless 20… and people like you think we don’t have a drug and homeless problem. NM’s nepotism and corruption is unlike anything I have ever seen in the US before (I even lived in Chicago once…) In addition, it is clear in these comments who the real ‘entitled’ NM people are… they are the ones telling you how amazing it is and that there are no problems. Walk even a week in my shoes and you will be running back to New York (or whatever other privileged city you migrated from) or you will be horrified how violent and obnoxious your ‘beloved city and state’ treat those that are ‘not like you’ when they don’t have the ‘correct last names’. How do I know these things? I have lived through them (and much, much more). This is my home. I live here and I dare any of you bastards to tell me this is not my life and/or these things haven’t happened to me or to blame the stupid Democrats or Republicans. We are a defunct and dying state that is incredibly racist, corrupt, and nepotistic. We are only getting worse and it is because people keep putting their head in the sand, telling themselves how awesome we are, while blaming politcs/political parties, instead of working to make things better and actually holding our leaders, police, and schools accountable… As a ‘way too simple’ solution… get rid of the drugs and most of the homeless and violence will go away as well. Maybe then we can start bragging about how awesome our state can be…
Whoever wrote this has never visited Albuquerque
Wow buddy, but delusional aren’t we?
on point
Exaggeration of the bad....
Do you live there or have you ever lived there? I’ve been in Albuquerque over 30 years and just like any big city there has been decline. However your exaggeration is completely unfounded. And if you do live there…why are you still there?
Decline in many big cities is the result of foolish Democrat/Leftist policies that are soft on law enforcement, and big on give-away programs. Yes, I have lived in Albuquerque and it is typical of such governmental mismanagement. Clean up the criminals and get them off the streets. Take the illegals and send them back home.
#1 in car jackings? Can you site the source?
Chicago has the most carjacking.
??
Apparently whoever wrote this has never been to Albuquerque.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone being mugged in Albuquerque or pickpocketed.
This review is extremely comical maybe you should do some research before you post these.
Per capita New York is a lot safer than Albuquerque. Same with Chicago….I’ve lived in all 2 cities and ‘Burque is the shittiest out of all 3, which is very surprising to me, because all the people in Abq seemed to be nice….go figure
Accurate
I live in NYC and I felt unsafe when I visited Albuquerque. In my opinion it is much safer here.
They’re not gonna mention that the cartel runs this city lol..
Albuquerque is safe.
Wow I have been living here for 12 years. The description given here sounds unrealistic. I live in Old Town, right next to downtown. The only crime I have experienced is getting my bikes stolen out of my backyard. We didn’t have a gate. There is crime but its more likely to be non violent crime. Stolen Cars, and petty thieves. You are perfectly safe to walk on the streets during the day, and a few neighborhoods that I would’t walk down at night. But doesn’t every city have a neighborhood like that? I don’t know what experience the writer had in Albuquerque, but its 98% incorrect.
If the cartel runs this city, they certainly keep it on the down low. No evidence of that in my life here.
Have lived here for nine years and have had the same experience as Venae. Statistically, we do have a lot of property crime. But I have never felt unsafe walking in any area of this city. I would avoid Southeast because of gangs. But every city has a “bad” area. And I’ve actually delivered for Meals on Wheels in Southeast and had NO trouble. I’ve had nothing stolen in 9 years. No break-ins, have not been the victim of any crime. So, I know it’s out there but I think, like most large cities, the victims of violent crime tend to know one another. Instead of writing this bullshit, the person should actually visit the city.
Albuquerque sucks
My experience in Albuquerque sucks! We buried my 17 year old nephew one day, next day Still distraught I accidentally parked in the very end parking spot at mcDonalds did not see the damn sign which was covered by a tree that said Starbucks customers must not park there! I went in came back 5 minutes later to my car booted!! The heartless, cruel bitch took my last 75$ I had for my trip home I hate hate hate that stupid city!
clueless
You really need to watch the local news.
You need to stop watching local news
I’ve been there a hundered or so times and never had to use my gun once while I was there. Bloomfield is a lot more dangerous of a town.
Disgusting place to live
Totally wrong. They are ABSOLUTELY correct. God, I’m more than glad I moved out of the shithole.
Why would you give a 5 star rating then?
Don’t miss out on a visit to NM!
I am proud to be a citizen of Albuquerque/Corrales. I am aware that there is auto theft and we are high for murders; however, if you look at those statistics closely, the murders are mostly bad guys on other bad guys. I’ve traveled all around the world – I use common sense and situational awareness to keep myself safe. This review is very disappointing as I’m sure it will deter visitors to our beautiful, multicultural, interesting and historically rich state.
This made me reconsider
Unfortunately it does, yes. I’ve made some extensive research and it all comes down to the same: (very) high crime rates, same for Santa Fe. I’ve visited five continents and lived on three, so I know my around. But I want to enjoy my vacation, and not worry constantly. Having said that, the US is a dangerous country by and large anyway, so no need to add to this..
moved here in 1948. LOTS bigger but i am still NOT afraid to walk around the block any time.
Not bad at all
I live here 15 years — 2 bikes stolen (the first one was my fault left it on the bike ramp for 2 days unlocked), broken window in the car (my fault left it next to the Zuni area) — purse stolen, some toys left unattended on the sidewalk — nothing else. I live not in the best city area — it’s OK, but nothing special. I can walk around neighborhood any time. Also, I drive through the most dangerous part of the city at least several times a week (during the night as well) — nothing terrible, just ugly dirty place (but NY, Boston, SF, LA all have places worse than that
Venea, you must never travel west of Tramway or south of Paseo del Norte. Burque has not been safe since the 90’s
If you travel here, be aware of your surroundings at all times.
The nineties were actually the worst period for crime in Albuquerque. It’s the era that gave rise and meaning to the term War Zone for the Trumbull/La Mesa area. Crime in Albuquerque now is nothing compared to then and is going down overall, especially property crime.
yep
ABQ is safe and unique
Albuquerque is a safe city. Of course there’s bad parts. But it’s a small city so the bad parts are small as well. And trust me no tourist will stop in the bad part of town to walk around. First off there’s nothing there to do and secondly it doesn’t look that nice and you can instantly tell you’re in a bad part of town. The bad parts of town are along Central Avenue from about Eubank to San Mateo. But it’s no different than walking in Manhattan if you walk around there
Must not be looking around much anymore. It’s all turned into a bad part of town. Used to be the war zone kept all the drugs and crime within its boarders now the zombies roam the city stealing, vandalizing, and yes killing the fine citizens of ABQ. Other reviews are correct this is a town infested with illegal aliens and drugs, run by a democrat mayor and governor that welcome an open border policy. Lived here 25 years and finally retired. Cant wait to leave wish it was tomorrow. Do yourself a favor go anywhere else and don’t ever move here to raise a family. We won’t even mention our DUI problem.
Vehicle thefts
It’s true about the vehicle thefts, though. My son lives there, in a nice part of town, and his truck was stolen out of its parking spot in the middle of the night, at his apartment complex. Fortunately, it was found a month later. However, I’ve visited ABQ many times, love it, and am looking forward to visiting again.
Your analysis of the review is what is 100% incorrect. This article has Albuquerque nailed. It’s a shithole. Why anybody would want to come here is a mystery to anybody who has ever been here.
Where do you live?
What part of the review was untrue? In my opinion just going off the review itself would make me think that it is more pleasant that it actually is.
*GOOD: USING *CAUTION!
I suggest from my reading the information listed here: Research your visits, Ask questions, Network, with others, and Always Pray for guidance; Protection, wherever you go!
Remarks By: A. M. Holloman
Albuquerque is wonderful!!!
I live in Albuquerque, but hike at the Rinconada Canyon Trail, which is a popular tourist attraction. I make it a point to talk to tourists, and always hear glowing reports of their stays in Albuquerque. They comment on the friendliness of the people, the wonderful food, and the interesting things to do here. Everywhere you visit has challenges, and you need to be sensibly vigilant, but Albuquerque is a great place to visit.
Not Accurate!!
Natural disasters?? No hurricanes,no tornadoes , no earthquakes , no flooding,
So lightening is a problem? Stay out of the weather!!! The sun ? They have it in Florida as well. Use common sense, you’ll be fine!!
Wild fires are natural disasters, and we deal with them every year. If not the flames, at least the smoke inhalation for three months at a time over the summer.
god help us all
Everything here is completely true Albuquerque is the devil’s realm on our holy earth. Avoid this hellscape by all means. The local government has completely capitulated and aides terrorism to neighboring North Dakota. I will destroy them.
On my way to Denver Co
Nah, I just love how not only food it’s great, but driving in and out of the City and neighborhood is another thing, I’m saying is very low traffic, exception of (rush hour)
7 am -9:30 am
And in the evening same 4-6:30
Also ppl not in a hurry, it’s just not in their every day life, places to visit are not that many, but it is worth visiting
(Just avoid casinos)
Try Old Town
Also the wonderful Mesa (coming from the East towards the west)
In the evening is so nice , specially Spring and Fall.
What?
Since when do we neighbor North Dakota??
Geographically challenged
Exactly! Clearly a nonsense reply.
DO NOT GET THE PIZZA OF HUT!!!
The Pizza which is sold at the Hut on Lomas is a truly wretched place. There was no greater fear for my safety nor that of my cabbage patch dolls hidden in the truck of my 95’ Chevy Camaro. I have never wanted more in my life to contract the black plague than during my time in Albuquerque. If I ever see a Hut of the pizza I will wrap my limited edition hello-kitty Backpack chain around it’s slimy corporate neck and strangle it like Princess Leia in Star Wars. There is something truly depraved happening in this God Forsaken place. BE WARNED! That being said the homeless man I met was very polite and even helped to carry some of my bags. Unfortunately I haven’t found the luggage depot which he had said I could find my bags at following the complimentary bag polish.
A Customer has spoken!
Weird as hell
what do you even mean
Good fiction for those who really get into Breaking Bad!!
Albuquerque crime, doesn’t seem as bad as other cities I’ve visited, including here in Chicago. I think the review that Albuquerque has one of the highest crime rates in the country and is unsafe, is really a crock.
Sure there is crime in Albuquerque, just as there is in most cities, and I’ll even say the property crime in Albuquerque is just a bit higher than some similar sized cities in the U.S., but the review on this web page is frankly a work of complete fiction, obviously written by an armchair traveler who either has never been to Albuquerque, or was there for a very short time, and relied on outdated sources of information.
I was really upset until I read that terrorism in Albuquerque was medium…then I began to laugh at how ridiculous this page is.
Abq. Is an amazing place.
I was born and raised in Albuquerque. This is totally inaccurate. You make it sound like its terrible. Its actually a beautiful place to live in. The south valley is where you want to stay away from. Theres no natural disasters. It’s hot and windy. The weather provided is inaccurate also. Sounds like whoever wrote this has never been there .
Well if you only been to ABQ, you have nothing to compare it too. I travelled and lived in 6 cities the past 10 years for work. ABQ was definitely the worst.
Small little big town with a crime problem
I agree. I lived in Albuquerque for 25 years and have seen it go downhill. Every week on the news there is a report of a car theft and especially at hotels along I-40 and I-25. Car break-in’s and car theft are prevalent during major events in the city. Drivers are rude and rules are ignored, lots of road rage. It is a routine event to see drivers going through stop lights long after the light has turned red. Lots of road accidents and uninsured drivers. The main streets are not well taken care of and many parts of the city look run down. The statistics for 2020 show Albuquerque is #2 in car thefts after holding the record at #1 for three years, and #1 in burglaries/thefts.
We have since moved out of Albuquerque and New Mexico and the only thing we miss is the green chile enchiladas. It’s a cool name and the climate is pretty nice but not enough to overlook the problems that will continue to plague Albuquerque. The poverty rate is high and wages are low, housing and food are expensive. and there are not enough law enforcement, there never was in all of the 25 years I lived there. It’s sad, but Albuquerque could be so much better if people would just venture out to see other cities and how they are run.
Worst place
You are so right. Its too bad so many people here hate all of the “outsiders” that move in with all our (good) ideas we’ve learned from seeing how things are successfully done in other cities. They’re obviously doing so well on their own with the last place education and high ranking crime rates. I heard the mayor speak at an event after he was elected echoing these xenophobic sentiments. And that’s why the last 4 years have seen even worse crime here. The next 4 will be the same.
ABQ is alright if your smart!
Moved to Santa Fe in 1982 and traveled the whole state for the USGS ! Moved to Edgewood the Sandia Park! Love the culture and food! I have really never had a problem but I head to the barn when the sun sets! Don’t go to bars!
Albuquerque is lovely
Albuquerque has so many parks, different kinds of cuisine and breweries. All food and drink is at a great price. I’ve lived here my whole life and not had a problem with crime. The balloon fiesta every October is a sight to behold. Whoever wrote this literally based it off of “breaking bad.”
Life long resident
I was a lifelong resident of Albuquerque for 50 years. The review is NOT 100% accurate, it is way WORSE. The crime is extremely bad, homeless on every street cornerAnd if you do not have any anti-theft device on your car sleep with one eye open or just say goodbye to your vehicle it will be stolen. Murders are printed on the back pages of the newspaper because they are so common. The food is EXCELLENT but keep in mind it could be your last meal. Albuquerque is the armpit of the United States and for this reason I got my family and myself out of there.
Don’t even visit.
I have lived in Albuquerque since 1978. You should not look people in the eye as a general rule, people take it as a threat. Don’t walk to your mailbox unless you have your little buddy with you. Take a beautiful drive down historic Route 66. Make sure you have a barf bag.
I am fortunate enough to have traveled a lot. This is absolutely the armpit of the United States. The generally mild weather, lack of humidity, and the vastly different topography that’s offered throughout the state do not make up for the filth and crime. Then move you say. My grandchildren are here; therefore I am here.
Albuquerque is a **** hole ……
ABQ is terrible do not move here
This article is 100% spot on. From someone who has lived here for 25 years (and planning a move out of here). Though I can say that we’re no longer #1 for car thefts (still at #2) yay! New Mexico is the worst in the nation for children, worst when it comes to drugs, crime, suicide, rapes and ABQ is littered with transients. The police are basically non-existent and expect long wait times if you call and for whatever you report not to ever be investigated. We have rape cases sitting in storage for years, judges who let repeat offenders free, and the criminals know this state is a safe haven for them because there are no consequences. Take my advice, do not move here. The FOOD is the ONLY good thing about this city but if you stop take it to go cause odds are your car will be gone before you’re done eating.
Were not the worst we leave that to the real south
Alabama Mississippi Arkansaw and Missouri imperticular saint louis update your states
ABQ-collude, corrupt and incompetent and
Albuquerque is the sewer of the US. So glad I cashed out after 20 years. Moving there was literally the biggest mistake of my life. That place is so corrupt from the politicians to the society in general. Lying is the norm and the education, along with everything else, is rated at the bottom of the US. NM is a beautiful place to explore the geology, hiking and the outdoors but you need to be street smart and protect all of your belongings at all times. I have never met a collective group of more stupid people in my life. Sorry to say, but it is the truth. Good place to visit, but you don’t want to live there. The cost of the damage it does to your family due to crime and corruption makes it more expensive to live then CA, NY or NJ. Watch out for those realtors! They are not to be trusted with home values. It took me years to do my research and collect sale prices on homes because it is a non-disclosure state, probably put into law with the help from the realtor’s lobbyist. They play with the homes sold when they give you the comps. And no person in their right mind would sign that blatently one-sided realtor contract where they have no fiduciary duty to the seller. I finally found one that agreed after much negotiation and proof based on the data I had. It was $50,000 more than what they wanted to list it for originally. It sold in one week! I’m outta there, finally!
Nope
Get out of your north valley home and drive around this hole. Hopefully u wont get car jacked while stopped at a red light. If not good chance your car and personal property will be stolen while it’s parked. Gangs and proximity to the boarder make this a haven for crime and murder. Maybe we will be #1 in homicides this year, if not we will be top 5. Good for you Abq
Albuquerque Is The Land Of Enchantment
This idiot probibly never even been here
I’d love to know what natural disasters this
guy thinks are here except for a stray tornado
every 25 years or so the only weather here you
have to worry about is fire season and some killer
winds as far as crime everyone has crime neighbor
hoods there no safe city and if you think there is
Your stupid
enchantment and meth……….
Moved away due to crime
We moved to beautiful East Tennessee in 2018 because crime just kept escalating. Lakes, mountains and safety in our gorgeous new location. We miss our friends and family and the dry, sunny air, but not much else. We’ve made new friends. We easily ship green chile to TN. NO regrets.
Unique city
I have lived all over the world. Albuquerque is unique but not unsafe. Common
sense keeps you safe as is true in any other place. The difference in Albuquerque is
the easy living. There is always something interesting to do, never any stress and
a gorgeous day every day. The government is progressive and competent. Police
are easy to contact and responsive. People who live here do so because they want to
be here which produces a very simpatico culture. Ask the Breaking Bad stars about
their experiences while filming and you will only get positive responses. Some even stayed after the production was over.
Incompetent
The city government is too progressive and even more incompetent!
I dropped someone off and let me tell you IT IS EXTREMELY dangerous!!! I have been to some poor states with gang’s drugs etc and by far this place was the worst!!!! I would not get out of my car for any reason nor did I stop at any red lights in fear of someone taking my car and I have 2 little girl’s that were with me!!! They were terrified!!!! The feds need to take control of the shit that is happening there it’s unbelievably a disgrace to any state in America!!!!
All of u shut up
Your all just arguing i bet you all havent been here
Don't endanger your family.
People in Albuquerque don’t know what landscaping or home maintenance is.
The place is dirty and rundown.
Go to Google street view and check it out.
Scum City!
One of the worst places I have ever been. I’ve been to 46 states and other than Detroit, this is the worst. A guy pulled a gun on me in a campground because I took too long crossing the street.
Not Breaking Bad
Who wrote this article, Jessie Pinkman?
That review is hilariously wrong. Yes, Albuquerque (and New Mexico in general) does have higher than average crime rates, but it’s hardly the Mad Max dystopia this review makes it seem like. My parents live in the ABQ area, and they almost never feel unsafe (and neither do I, when I visit).
Don't live here. Just don't.
The people that say GOOD things about this place, have probably never been outside of it. When you’re in one of the worst places in America, you’ll obviously think it’s good. Why? Because you’re used to it. Because you have never been anywhere else. These people that write these KNOW what they’re talking about. They do this by statistics, surveys, hundreds of thousands of people TELLING THEM that this place sucks total balls. You people need to grow a brain. Seriously. I lived here for 2 years and it was the WORST 2 years of my existence. Never would I have thought that I would be mugged 5 minutes away from my house in broad daylight. And that happened three times. THREE. No, I was not in a gang, and no, I talked to literally no one and knew maybe two people, which were my manager and my coworker. I have traveled to way over 20 states and I can say this town.. no, this STATE, is complete shit. It is hopeless. The wages are shit. The environment is shit. The people are worse than shit. All of you need to travel elsewhere because you have NO IDEA what you guys are talking about. Or you do, but you’re one of the lucky few that does not endure what most people do. Like, come on. Look it up online. Do some RESEARCH. It isn’t that hard.
I thkught Paris France was worse in crime and homelessness
I have been to 4 different countries and 15 states . Paris is way more dangerous 2008 than Albuquerque
It’s funny how you can make such a generalization. I have lived in Albuquerque and experienced enough crime. I decided to move to Denver in 2009 and the first week we were there some guy was shot and killed in his car at a stop light. Then the mass shootings and everything else.
The first day/time I visited Austin, Texas, my buddy and I were going to get food early in the morning and we saw a police chase with the guy trying to escape into a mall. The fool was running back and forth and the police refused to get out of their vehicles. It was funny to watch and made me realize that the crime in other states and cities is similar to each other.
I’ve been warned about Dallas and Houston Texas a lot. There is a big car even there every year and I’ve had friends’ car trailers and motorcycles stolen in minutes. I’ve recently visited Denver again and that place is completely changed and the drugs and crime is up from 2009.
The point is, no matter where you go, there is crime. Just pay attention and the odds of something happening to you is slim.
Weather is good, Food is amazing, best culture(s) and great people for the most part. BUT… Not, repeat Not a place to raise a family or visit. Crime is bad and happens all over the city, not just the Southside. Any one that says its not that bad is full of it. I LOVE my shity city (lived in and/or visited 10 other states) because i was born here and lived here for 30+years but its a shit city, with crooked you know who’s.. who are just as bad as the illegal gangsters. This place is the land of Entrapment not Enchantment. Come on vacation leave on probation. If you choose to visit, stay in groups, get in early. Stay off Central. Now of course this is not Vietnam of the 60s or Chicago.. but if your asking, is ABQ safe.. hell NO!
Why do they not mention that.
The cartel runs this city
Scary
I just have an interview with a professor in University of New Mexico. I check the safety degree of the city and it sounds so scary. I am not sure if I should go for PhD. Probably not.
Let’s make the distinction shall we?
The land and the surrounding area that Albuquerque sits on are magnificent, holy, and awe-inspiring.
The man-made thing city called Albuquerque is, however, a dangerous, negatively-charged place. For real.
Are you the kind of person who enjoys fearing for your life on the freeways and city streets?
Do you get excited carrying a very large knife as you open your garage up in the morning to pull your car out?
Do you smile widely at the loaded Smith&Wesson 9mm handgun sitting on the table by your bedside every night?
Do you like not looking people in the eye because a simple glance here means the possibility of violence?
Do you enjoy neck and face tattoos and the wonderful loving energy of gang members and ex-cons?
How about helicopters overhead?
How about non-existant red light cameras?
Because the police force/city is so poor they can’t afford red light cameras?
If you answered yes to any of the questions, then you will LOVE the city of Albuquerque.
Some people rave about the food. they are way off. I can’t even find good words to say about that.
Correct
Agreed.
It was a nice place long long ago- born and raised there- wouldn’t move back for any reason- blue states are just crime havens
albuquerque sux
Albuquerque is horrible. The state is run by socialists, you are lucky if you don’t get hit by someone who has several “DWIs”,the judges just keep letting them go.The police don’t do much for traffic control, my wife & I try not to go out between the hours of 7 to 9 am people are late for work & are running lights & signs speeding weaving thru traffic, 11to 1pm cause few peiople take their lunch to work any more,& 4pm to 6pm they are all in ahurry to get to Walmart, apperantly the police don’t care, & don’t be stupid and go walking at night. Also the governor is a dictator,go some where else !!!!
i have lived here since i was 6 (60+ years). both sets of grandparents moved to albuq as well as aunts and uncles. all from new york originally. i would say my family thinks it a great place to grow old.
Sad State of Affairs
I just left Albuquerque and I can say this article is 100% correct. It is really sad what has happened to this city. It was always a little rough but now it is ridiculous. The crime starts in Edgewood, NM 30 miles east of Albuquerque and continues through the city. Everywhere you go windows are busted out and covered with plywood. Grocery stores have security and sometimes police in them. Everything in the stores is locked down, even the bathrooms. I went to a Neighborhood Market off of Cutler and it was literally the worst grocery store I have been to. It was like a 3rd world country.
I feel bad for the locals. There seems to be two classes there. The people that are like the frog in the boiling pot of water analogy and people that are mad about the situation and may actually want to leave the city.
I read someone on here talking about diversity and nice homeless people, and ludicrous things like vaccine mandates and how good a job the governor has done. Obviously group 1. Diversity is fine. Homelessness is rampant here which goes hand and hand with drugs and crime. Albuquerque is either a sanctuary city or receiving money to take these people. The locals don’t even seem to know. They say they are sent down from Colorado and are even in a lot of the hotels downtown thanks to a program. So be mindful of that with your family. The governor may have gotten everyone vaccinated (good job, I guess) but she basically shut down New Mexico during COVID. Sound decision to deny people work in an already poverty stricken state. I don’t understand these people. Watch you city and state fall apart around you but continue to vote the same way. You are truly ignorant.
The second group is mad about the situation and admits the short comings of the government and is rightfully mad. I met a lot of people that have left or plan to leave in the near future.
I will be back for the outdoor activities but I will not stay in Albuquerque again. I will go out of town and stay at Airbnb and if I want to ride or hike do that and stay out of the city for the most part.
People are right the food is great, scenery and outdoors are awesome and great bike shops and some cool museums.
What I say sounds mean but just do some searches and you will quickly see Albuquerque is truly a crime ridden city on the decline.
Like anywhere in U.S.
I am Retired U.S. Navy, been all over the world and the States. I lived in Albuquerque for 16 years growing up. Went to High School on the west side of town and grew up in the South Valley. Poverty is wide spread, poor wages, gangs are prevalent and their ways visible in many areas of the city. Theft and drug related murder have always been high however, this is more related to homeless, gangs and drugs / trafficking.
The food in this area is Fabulous and you cannot find better anywhere on the planet. The people are friendly, like living and enjoying life. Yes there are problems but I could be describing any city in the U.S. or most of the world.
If you want to travel to Albuquerque don’t get involved with drugs, be vigilant, pay attention to what you are doing and you should have no problems.
I’ve lived here for 7 months and I love the food and culture but I’m nervous of all the crime plus all the homeless people and bad drivers up and down Central can’t wait to leave here and go back to California I’d rather deal with the fires than all the poverty and crime I am a born and raised women from here but it’s no good to live anymore
Oh man, I’m moving there from California. How long ago did you write this? Was hoping Netflix, Google and Amazon moving there would make it better. Half the people on this thread say it’s fine, the other half are making me rethink everything.
Dont put you family in danger.
Companies move to Albuquerque and then leave after finding out about the crime, bad school system, & drug problems. Call Centers use to set up in ABQ because of the cheap labor and the local government paying them to set up shop. Then they found out most of the people cant pass a drug test. The call centers have packed it up.
ABQ not for the fearful.
Most of the negative reviews are using conservative talking points, complaining that the police are underfunded, that the governor is a socialist, that they have to cling to their gun to survive this “shithole,”. Total fear-based trumpy bullshit, I’ve lived in several other eastern and western states, use common sense and you’ll be safe here. If you yearn for 1950’s white america move to Iowa. If you understand that poverty sometimes has hard outcomes, but that people also overcome challenges in amazing ways with incredible depth and perseverance, then come and visit or live.
R u kidding me.
Nope it’s a crime infested hole. Don’t care about the politics when guns are the normal. Lived her 25 can’t wait to leave
Albucrimeque
Albuquerque is a dreadful place to live and visit! My first time in this city I was staying in a hotel and have to of the windows of my car smashed overnight! I lived there for two years and couldnt wait to leave. Every time you go to a store (Home Depot, Walmart, Grocery Store..) somebody will ask you as you leave your car for money. I stopped at a gas station and while I was fueling some guy came up to me with an empty gas can and said “let me get some of that” (wtf) Dirty city, poor city, crime infested city, no economy city, no place to get a good meal city, definately nowhere to get a good pizza in this awful place. The only things good to come out of Albuquerque are Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Also by the way the actor that played Jessie on BB was mugged twice while filming the show. Hahah!!!!! Everybody raves about the green chili which is really nasty!
I live here and I grew up here – I have dealt with 5 burglaries In less then a year this year. Most years, we usually have some sort of property crime to deal with, but this year takes the cake. Two of the property crimes were pretty minor, stolen amazon packages and stolen rakes from the back yard. You really can’t leave anything out, and I mean anything, if you expect to see it again. Leave nothing in your car either, it will get broken into at resturants or in front of your house. The city parking department is also more then happy to drive through neighborhoods and ticket cars, which at this point just feels like another theft. Don’t expect the city to do anything about the constant theft of your property though. My advice, don’t live here.
Hmm, not bad at all.
Goods & bads like anywhere. To all the A holes trashing this place, screw off & don’t come back. We’re good w/ that. I ask that others keep an open mind.
Abq is a lower income city. What comes w/ low income areas? Yes, drugs & crime. But it is usually more localized to certain areas & income levels/lifestyles. If you’re a stuffy New Yorker who ‘needs’ 24/7 excitement of city life, this is not the place to live. If you enjoy the outdoors, nature, scenery, sunshine, arts, culture, good food, moderate climate, openness, privacy & more, it’s decent. Drivers are stupid but roads are not packed full like they are back east. Per capita there is supposedly more crime than most cities, but it is a small city. It’s more property crime. Know what cars are not the targets of theft. Don’t walk around like a target & you won’t become one. In 35 years of living here my vehicle has been broken into twice. That’s it. Yeah, there are homeless begging on some street corners, but live & let live. Don’t let negative idiots deter you from visiting. It’s a different kind of city. There are many good things here if you look for them. Maybe not the best place to raise a family as education is below nat’l avg., but there are private schools. Like anywhere, do your research before coming. It’s not a hidden gem but it’s been good.
While I love Chicago, & still visit, I’m happier in ABQ.
The city is safer than the horrible article says
Absolutely overblown review originally and even more ridiculousness in the comments trashing the city overall because we have isolated incidents of gang related crime and auto theft issues.
But to say anything like the city is overall unsafe to travelers or noncriminal residents is nearly as insane as saying we have moderate natural disaster danger because you might get sunburned or that the terrorism threat is medium because there have been like two mass shooting events over the past 30 or so years.
I’ve lived in Albuquerque off and on for years, and also lived in other cities across the US, both larger and smaller. The bad areas here are not as bad as the bad areas of Chicago or the gang controlled parts of Californian cities and they’re easier to avoid. I’ve lived in other cities that were and felt safer, but none that are the size of Albuquerque or any larger.
In over forty years of myself and family living in Albuquerque we have experienced one vehicle being stolen (and then recovered), some unfortunate minor theft by people hired as in-home help for my aging grandfather, and one theft of cash stupidly left visible in the unlocked car when I was delivering food in a more suspect part of town. I’ve experienced worse crime and theft personally in much shorter periods of time living in both Minneapolis and Denver. And have seen much worse during considerably more brief trips abroad.
I don’t know what these people who claim to have experienced multiple thefts or muggings in short periods of time are doing or where they are going but I suspect they are making themselves appear to be ridiculously easy targets.
In summation, Albuquerque is safe for people who want to follow the law as much as most any other city, you should always practice good situational awareness and not walk around with your head buried in your phone or go to areas that appear unsafe, just like you should do everywhere you ever go. I mean, unless you just like being a crime victim.
And if you think the food here isn’t great you are welcome to go someplace else because we’re better off without your tasteless *ss anyway.
Don't risk it.
You left out if you go to your neighborhood park you’ll end up getting stabbed by the used syringes in the grass.
You left out when you park at any of the many recreation sites around Albuquerque you’ll come back to find your car gone or broken into.
There are panhandler on every corner all over the city and the city is run down. Most of the people don’t want to work.
The people park car on the landscaping up to their front doors so their cars wont get stolen.
Albuquerque is more like northern Mexico than a New Mexico.
It’s lost its true New Mexican flavor. Even the food isn’t what it use to be, most of the old original restaurant’s have closed.
Sorry for not mentioning those things that have never happened to me or anyone I know anywhere in Albuquerque, I didn’t feel it necessary as they are not the reality I have seen or heard of in this city.
If you really have faced those issues that is unfortunate but I have no idea where you are going in town to find that stuff because I haven’t seen anything you mentioned aside from some panhandling.
Albuquerque is probably safer than this site
Reverse image searches for everyone listed on this website “about us” page revealed they’re all stock images.
If you believe this site is wholly trustworthy you’re likely the kind to be victimized by crime wherever you go because you’re naive and gullible.
Mexico vs Albuquerque
If you’ve lived in Albuquerque you will understand the follow:
In Mexico you don’t drink the water. In Albuquerque. You don’t go out unless you’re in armed groups.
In Mexico you better have car insurance. In Albuquerque you better have life insurance.
In Mexico they speak Spanish. In Albuquerque they speak Burque and 505.
In Mexico if you crash your car the police show. In Albuquerque no one shows up.( Police Are shorthanded.)
In Mexico they have old streets. In Albuquerque they tear up their streets, run out the local businesses out and drive empty buses up and down Route 66.
In Mexico people live in tent along the fence line. In Albuquerque people live in tent lining the streets and filling the parks.
In Mexico they have the cartel. In Albuquerque they have politicians.
In Mexico the people don’t want a dictator. In Albuquerque they elect one in every 4 years.
In Mexico the people are fleeing the country. In Albuquerque the people are fleeing the State.
In Mexico they might steal your car. In Albuquerque they will steal your U-haul and your car.
In Mexico the government has no money. In Albuquerque the government waste money on large letters. They move the letters around every so often just to keep the waste of money flowing.
In Mexico you can’t find a cop. In Albuquerque they look all over the nation for a cop only to find one just sitting outside city hall. (Oh Look, its the New Police Chief)
In Mexico the local people pray for change. In Albuquerque only GOD can save it.
This is very accurate , theft is considered a normal thing to do in albuquerque .Be careful
Carjackings, Home Invasions, Rioters
A few years ago an elderly woman in my ABQ neighborhood had her home invaded by druggies and they beat her to death. It’s not surprising – this city has one of the highest violent crime rates per capita, and absolutely THE highest car theft rate. Curious about terrorism claims and Albuquerque? The rioters wrecked Central, and do you remember the national uproar over the Onate statue shooting in the summer of ’20?
Stay away. ABQ does not care for its own citizens, much less tourists.
Not much good to say
While the scenery is nice, outdoor activities are available to partake in, it’s a sad situation here. Property crime stinks, everything not bolted and locked down is likely to be stolen. The homeless population in this city is an ever growing problem with no end in sight. Every intersection has between 1 and 5 people panhandling, and it’s not that they’ve been wronged by society, it’s that they don’t have to do anything more than this to feed their drug habits. The ones not panhandling are out commiting theft at stores, or your house, still all to feed their drug habits. What’s worse is their sense of entitlement about it all. They get mad and violent at times when caught shoplifting, or if you don’t hand them money when they ask…disgusting.
The education system stinks. It has the feel of an inner city (like Detroit) school system in a city only a fraction of the size of one. Second worst literacy rate in the country. Also, through 2020, was ranked 2nd worst environment for children (learning and otherwise) during the pandemic. Parts of the city that once bustled with commerce and business are now heavy with despair and boarded up businesses. I’ve been here 24 years, and would jump at an opportunity to leave.
Rating is total nonsense
It’s like whoever gave Albuquerque this abysmal rating has a personal grudge. A poor natural disasters score for too much sunshine? That’s really fishing for something negative to say. I will admit that Albuquerque has a lot of crime, but I felt much less safe when I lived in Dallas which received a very decent score. Although the homicide rate is heartbreaking, as mentioned by others it occurs among members of a certain demographic and doesn’t affect the majority of the population at all. Yes, there are a lot of homeless, but it’s sad, not scary. Property crime is very location specific. There are definitely areas I wouldn’t live in, but my neighborhood has no issues. Car break in is a wide spread problem. The solution is to not leave ANYTHING visible in your vehicle. Fortunately, traffic is never very heavy because Albuquerque has terrible drivers. Not cutthroat aggressive driving like Dallas, but plenty of stupidity. While I am very happy to live here, I can understand that it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea. However, there is absolutely no reason to avoid visiting. Albuquerque has a plethora of facinating places to go and things to see, and you will be perfectly safe while you are here.
It’s not deadly but it’s not safe either
I sort of agree. Albuquerque has some beautiful scenery in the surrounding areas, the ballon fest is awesome (dope heads don’t get your hopes up), and if you visit you’ll probably spend your time driving in and out on I40 and I25 because the vistas are in the surrounding counties and in the city…it’s really a bit sketchy. When you think of downtowns…Downtown NYC is Times Square, which is a lot like Disney these days. It’s clean and there are costume characters. Downtown ABQ on the other hand, has a unique attraction, the worlds largest homeless wild animal park. No tents, the characters roam free and pass out on the sidewalk. NYC has the, seriously, the Police and the BRC Outreach teams. As soon as someone tries to sleep one off in a doorway, the police or the BRC comes along and wakes the person up, and engages them until they agree to board a van and go to the shelter. Most homeless people get help and get up and out of the streets due to exhaustion. ABQ might try a similar tactic, because people don’t travel and take vacations to dodge the homeless and step over needles to get into their car and drive to the Mall. Although not Beirut, Albuquerque does top the list or maybe it’s number two this year in auto thefts. And there is a lot of vandalism. Property crime like fires set in ones yard, and smash and grabs by throwing a brick are pretty popular. Murder rates are somewhat high. It’s also true that random acts of violence against citizens are not really all that common. It’s not super dangerous, but it’s hard to say it’s safe. I think the biggest problem is it’s difficult to find a commercial zone that’s free of problems. Nob Hill is a cool area with a lot of homeless, crazy people. Downtown is largely boarded up and closed. Theres a hat store…and a hat store. Wait is the hat store still open. There a decent district around Target, the Uptown Plaza, and the Coronado Center Mall; but it’s not very walkable. Crossing the streets is treacherous. Sure you can drive from parking lot to parking lot, they’re not far apart, but really, is that a tourist thing to do?
Auto theft to save the day!!
Auto theft is high, sure, but that really contributes to safety here in ABQ, because driving a car is dangerous and if someone steals it, you can’t engage in the dangers of driving anymore!!! And property crimes aren’t really all that bad. Heck we expect some vandalism, fires, smashed windows, and damage. And when you expect it, it’s really not dangerous, it’s really “more of the same”. Seems to me the real danger is out there in Maybury. Crime is so rare there, that when it does happen, it’s really dangerous!
Barista packing heat...
So bad here the coffee shops have in store security…
Use common sense and avoid certain areas of town just like you’d need to do in any city with a population of more than 900,000 people. The majority of the city is made up of normal, middle class subdivisions that vary in age, design, price range, and are not at all dangerous. I’ve lived here 38 years. It’s been more than 20 years since my vehicle has been broken into twice. Once I forgot to lock it and both times had valuables in clear sight on the front seat.
Contrary to what some of these posts suggest, the population in our metro area has grown at a steady pace of about 2-2.5% per year for the last 30 years. While that doesn’t sound impressive, it’s a faster growth rate than Denver, Tucson, San Diego, Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, Portland, Spokane and many others during the same period of time. Our population has grown at almost the exact same pace as Phoenix, Dallas and San Antonio. We have also had an uptick in the number of inbound moves in recent years, ranking among the top 10 metro areas for inbound moves. Sandia Labs recently added 1,900 positions, with average salary over $100k/year. Amazon’s facility will have 1,000 full time positions to fill. Intel has added or relocated employees here. The healthcare industry has grown, and organizations like T-Mobile, Fidelity Investments, Lowe’s Customer Service, FedEx, Tempurpedic, Jabil, Northrup Grumman, Boeing, The FBI, Netflix, NBC Universal, UnitedHealth, Comcast/Xfinity, HP, and Virgin Galactic all have offices or operations here that provide good employment for a significant number of people in the metro area. Our average home price is approximately $305,000 currently, median is $265,000, and historically our housing market is very stable.
Weather is great most of the year, except for windy days on and off during March & April. Scenery and natural beauty of NM is gorgeous. Lots of outdoor activity from open space trails, mountain hiking & biking, trails along the Bosque/river, and easy access to skiing, golf, camping, hunting, weekend road trips, lively college basketball games, minor league baseball and pro soccer. Santa Fe is less than 1 hour away, with world class restaurants, art galleries, pottery, jewelry, Santa Fe Opera, 10,000 Waves, Resort Style Hotels, and more.
Traffic is minimal compared to other larger cities. Extreme weather is rare. The airport is easy to fly in and out of.
I’m not blind to the challenges that ABQ faces, or areas where improvements are needed. But , I’m not ignorant enough to believe that the city is run by the cartel. Homeless people aren’t standing on the street corners of my neighborhood. My house has never been broken into, and neither has either of my parent’s houses. I’ve never been held at gunpoint or robbed or mugged or pickpocketed. I’m not scared to go out at night. None of my cars have ever been stolen. I avoid the areas of town where crime is a problem, just like I would do if I lived or visited any other city.
I’ve sold real estate here for more than 15 years, helping many people relocate to the ABQ area, or Rio Rancho, and I’ve helped people sell their properties when they were relocating away from this area. The number of customers moving here has far outweighed the number of customers that were leaving.
Actually very nice
C’Mon – really – I’ve been to Albuquerque at least 10 times for work and vacations. It has always been a nice place to visit, eat, walk around, tour, shop…..
It may have some crime, it may have various areas of low income, but to say or imply it’s as bad or worse than east Houston, or Chicago, or New York, or parts of El Paso, Los Angeles? I highly doubt that…..
Albuquerque is more more relaxed and enjoyable than some make it out to be.
Ran down, not nostalgic!
I’ve lived in Albuquerque since 1967 and it has turned to crap… anymore who thinks otherwise,lives hidden from it’s reality. If you live in the S.E. area, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I have a group of heroin addicts living in a shack they made out of trash in our neighborhood, where children have to watch them piss and shit, right across the street from them… shooting up and trashing the hell out of a once clean field, with trash from the dumpsters they dig through and littering it EVERYWHERE!!!!..And it’s been almost a month and the police drive by it all day long and don’t do shit!… It’s ok if you can afford to live in a safer neighborhood, but most can’t. And the reason the crime is so bad,is because APD allows it. I would move in a heart beat if I can ever save up enough. The people posting how much they love Albuquerque and how safe it is,is either in a safe expensive area or they are the problem. The Governor is alright, but the people are assholes and a lot of the mexicans here are very racist against white people too. All in all…. It’s not a bad place if you have money… but aren’t all cities like that?…. Albuquerque goes out of it’s way to ignore what they call the international district (GHETTOS) when it comes to keeping the city clean. To each his own, but I think this is one of the biggest shit holes in the US….. NOT THE BIGGEST!…one of them…. and I’ve traveled all over the US.
Mean Town Blues
I have lived in Albuquerque off and on over the last thirty five years or so. When I was a starving college student I lived in the war zone ( International street gang zone) and the student ghetto and later in life in a very “nice” hood in the east foothills. While living in the student slums over by the university the big problems were (and still are i think) attacks on women and petty theft and burglary. These crimes were rampant ( and still are I think.) There were no police because college kids were just temporary citizens here so the city could not care less about their welfare or safety. I assume the situation is still the same or worse.
When I lived in the war zone i did not leave my house without a ninety pound German Bulldog and a Luger pistol and an Italian switch blade, I only had to fight off would be muggers once ( I am an expert martial artist ) and I had to chase off a couple of burglars once while I was trying to eat breakfast.
The hood in the foothills has much nicer houses but worse crime. In the ten years or so that I lived up there we had about a dozen murders within about a half mile radius.
The police here are out gunned and feel under attack- because they are. On the other hand, they have routinely killed citizens for holding plastic spoons or rolling a car window down and god forbid they catch you homeless in the foothills!!! Calling the police might be a lot more dangerous than just confronting the bad guys yourself.
Racism.. a little I guess. The older generation of people who speak Spanish tend to be a little stand offish to people they perceive as being people who do not identify as coming from a potentially Spanish speaking background.
The last few years have seen a BIG increase in white people being very racist and violent. Frankly, certain white people around here are dangerous ans I try to avoid redneck looking guys nowadays because they all carry guns and chips on there shoulders.
Education in Albuquerque… a couple of the private schools are OK I hear.
Albuquerque is a mean town . Keep your door Glocked and your bulldog hungry!!
Sure
I will say/agree that Albuquerque has its share of crime, and depending on which part of town you’re in, could be better or worse. I will also say, I’ve lived in big cities in California, Nevada, and Utah, and I can’t say that it is any worse here than what I’ve seen/experienced in other cities. New Mexico in general is a beautiful state that has great things to offer. Homelessness, Drugs, Crime, Poverty, and shitty government are part of most cities. If one chooses to move to get away from such things, I say good luck finding a place that doesn’t have any of these problems.
Every day life
Homicides, gang activity, robberies, car thefts, all that s*** you guys are complaining about is a normal day to me. We get our EBT walk to the circle K, see a shooting right there. We just keep walking enjoying our day cause that s*** is normal here in burque.
Exaggeration. Six of One, Half Dozen of the Other
Lived in the SE Hills here for 16 years. It’s not the best neighborhood, but it’s being gentrified and I’ve been in many that were WAY more ratchet than mine (Lower East Side, Bed-Stuy in the late 80s, parts of Boston and SF). Someone killed across the street a few weeks ago, a family money dispute, not random at all. Most of them are around here. Happens. Maybe I’m just jaded, but someone visiting the city and going to museums and walking around downtown (during the day and being vigilant) has very little to worry about.
They don’t call this the Wild West for nothing, and there is a lot of celebratory gunfire, public exercisers of Second Amendment rights, neighborhoods you don’t really want to visit (but as a visitor would have little reason to), and random crime. Confirm auto theft and car break-ins are a real problem. Police response is slow to nonexistent. There are a lot of drugs here, and if you go looking for trouble, you will find it for certain. The hookers tend to rip you off or arrest you because they’re undercovers. Plenty of methheads, but they’re not hanging around the nice restaurants or the zoo. People drive like Pakistani cabbies. Armed road rage is a thing – don’t flip people off.
Say it out loud – “This is the Wild West”. It is and be prepared for that.
If I were from out of town and really wanted to explore Albuquerque and its surroundings, I’d recommend a guide. It’s good if you know someone here who can take you around and keep you out of the worst areas. Imagine you’re traveling in a foreign country where a lot of people speak another language (or several), you don’t really know what to avoid, and the culture is not what you’re used to. You are. Albuquerque used to be part of Mexico (lots of Mexicans here didn’t cross the border, the border crossed them in the 1840s, families that have been here for hundreds of years), it has a huge Native American population, it’s a very old city, and it’s at a major crossroads. Think Cairo, Delhi, Harlem when considering the hazards of Albuquerque, not Topeka. Weird bad stuff happens here, it’s not always the kind you’re familiar with, but it’s very unlikely to happen to you if you don’t go looking for it.
I kinda like it here. I have more issues with my annoying phone Becky neighbors than serious crime. Good weed. Cheap liquor. Sunshine. Not as bloody hot as Phoenix or Houston. Pretty sunsets. Can ride a motorcycle year round.
The Moscow (Russia) subway can be much scarier than most of Albuquerque.
Albuquerque is probably one of the worst cities in the US for crime, next to Chicago. We just passed our murder record, our burglary record, and our rape record. It was not mentioned here, but a clear indication of the crime is the train graffiti. It is drastic top-to-bottom things, done in broad daylight. Unless you love graffiti, don’t visit Albuquerque. The place is basically a subdivision of Hades.
Never had a problem in 12 years
I live at Cochiti Lake. I’ve been to ABQ many times. It’s a city and has city problems. Not the worst not the best. I went downtown and walked around to speak to some of the homeless. Never felt unsafe. I always am aware of my surroundings where ever I go as we all should. Never had one problem while there. If you can walk around the streets around homeless camps I think you are pretty safe. Lighten up people. It’s an interesting place, it’s a CITY
Good life in Albuquerque
I have lived in Albuquerque since 1973. Obviously I am home. I love the weather. I love the Sandia mountains and have hiked most trails with a friend not a group. I spent most of my time here living alone and only once have I had a home broken into when jewelry and tv was stolen. In the time I have lived here biking, walking and clubbing sometimes alone without incident- I’d say that my experience is better than it might have been in Boston, Dallas, or LA and most other cities. Culture and diversity is here for anyone willing to see and learn. I have met people here who are friendly and generous. I recommend a visit. Jan, 2022
Crime Cesspool
Albuquerque is a crime-ridden city. It has a revolving door for criminals. Drug addicts and homeless people are everywhere. Anyone that says otherwise has clearly checked out of reality and is cool living in an uncultured, uneducated, poverty-filled cesspool. It is not diverse, every crime here warrants an excuse and comparison to Chicago. Avoid.
Lived in Abq 18 Years
I lived in Albuquerque for 18 years I grew up there then moved to los angeles. I definitely feel safer living in LA. It is a very safe place for tourist as long as you follow a few rules. 1 don’t go downtown alone especially at night. 2 Avoid Barelas and the south valley. 3 as much as it sucks to say watch out for homeless people they can pull knives or will shoot up in front of you (in my experience). If you are visiting to see the Sandias or the Balloon Fiesta those are absolute musts. Albuquerque is stunning when it comes to nature. The danger really comes in the gangs, schools, colleges, and anything car related. If you are planing on driving yourself around beware New Mexico drivers are very violent avoid all driving conflicts possible.
Stolen Vehicle from the Airport
In less than 6 months, our car was stolen from the airport. APD has been doing a great job at investigating and we did recover the vehicle (totaled) a week and a half later. With that being said, the the article seems to be spot on with the carjackings. Luckily, ABQ is a short stop before being stationed somewhere else with the Air Force and we won’t have to call it home forever.
Great place
Great place. Lots of opportunity in this city because I became a millionaire in under 1 year in this city.
It’s different and that’s good.
Gosh, there are a lot of negative reviews. How about a good one? I’ve visited many times and always had nice time. There’s so much to do, the natives very accepting and it has a relaxed laissez-faire lifestyle unmatched in the US. I lived in DC for most of my life, that’s a dangerous city. I’ve traveled the world and appreciate ABQ’s openness.
Sketchy
I spent ONE NIGHT here, and saw: A crazy person screaming in a restaurant, and they had to have the cops called on them; an old, white car missing license plates, which gives drug-dealer vibes. I saw both of these sketchy things in the course of ONE NIGHT. Would not recommend.