Why you'd want to live in Albuquerque

Perhaps best known for the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and as the setting for AMC's hit show "Breaking Bad," Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful metropolitan area. Sitting at the crossroads of New Mexico's major highways (Interstates 40 and 25), Albuquerque has long attracted new residents with its favorable economy and artistic atmosphere. Albuquerque residents have plenty to keep them busy, from the art galleries of Old Town to the historic Native American sites all around the region. The Albuquerque BioPark's zoo, gardens and aquarium are popular with families, and a host of museums are great places to spend the rare rainy day. While its nightlife is tame by big-city standards, Albuquerque has a robust culinary scene that features local red and green chile peppers, and includes nationally recognized wineries and breweries. Albuquerque offers quick access to outdoor recreation, such as hiking, mountain biking and even skiing in the Sandia Mountains that border the metro area to the east. The Rio Grande that flows through the city center is a playground for kayakers, and miles of walking and cycling trails wind through its wooded banks. via realestate.usnews.com