Bear Canyon - Albuquerque, NM

Dating back to Albuquerque's founding in 1740, Bear Canyon witnessed a number of transitions, from sleepy desert settlements to the thriving residential center of today. The neighborhood lacks a museum presence, although the relatively close city center and the University of New Mexico both host a range of museums, from the University Art Museum to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, to the Rattlesnake Museum.

Bear Canyon has a minimal arts scene and hosts few annual events, although it provides easy access to other events in northern Albuqurque such as the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Fiesta, the world's premiere hot air balloon festival, lifts off each autumn from Balloon Fiesta Park 6 miles to the northwest of Bear Canyon.

Restaurants dot the major roads near Bear Canyon, with everything from fast food chains to high end gourmet dining just a short drive away.

Chez Axel French Restaurant on Montgomery Boulevard brings the tastes and ambiance of a Paris boutique eatery to Albuquerque. Subdued lighting, tactful art and a superb wine collection complement a menu full of expected favorites and daring surprises. Expand your palette with selections such as sautéed frog legs, snails and shrimp flambé.

For lighter fare, Scarpas serves up gourmet brick oven fired thin crust pizza with an authentic Italian feel. Original pizza flavors include the Green Chile Cheeseburger, the Shrimp Pesto and the Chicken Enchilada, which features homemade red chili sauce. Pair your meal with a selection from the restaurant's lengthy wine list.

Although not as plentiful as restaurants, nightlife options can also be found along major roads through and near Bear Canyon, including several sports bars and numerous breweries serving selections of their own brews. Most nights, music plays live at one or more of the area's bars.

Bear Canyon is moderately walkable, depending on where in the neighborhood you begin your journey. Many residents live close enough to walk to the trails around and through Arroyo del Oso Park and Golf Course. Also, with shopping and dining destinations along major roadways in all directions, you can reach at least a few destinations on foot. Beyond the few walking friendly destinations, driving dominates the transportation scene, with bus routes running on major streets such as Wyoming and Montgomery Boulevards. For commuters, multiple streets lead to Interstate 25, which connects to employment and entertainment locations throughout the city.

Some roads in Bear Canyon, such as Osuna and Academy Roads, have dedicated bicycle lanes, creating a safe environment for riders outside of park trails. You can hail a cab at many of the shopping centers, or call ahead for a pick up. Uber also operates throughout the city of Albuquerque.

The 27 hole municipally run Arroyo del Oso Golf Course dominates the green spaces of Bear Canyon. The rolling greens, open fairways and unique water features of course make it ideal for golfers of all skill levels. The city even runs a golf little league for children 8 to 13 years of age. Adult greens fees range from $25 for 18 holes during the week to $31.50 on weekends.

Arroyo del Oso Park, just east of the golf course lives up to its intended athletics focus with numerous sports courts and ball fields, as well as a play ground and a walking trail that continues around the golf course. Sister Cities Park, to the north, sports tennis courts and a large open multipurpose field. Numerous small parks dot the landscape in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The city of Albuquerque hosts events, such as the educational star gazing Star Party and the Balloon Festival, throughout the year at parks all over the city, however no regular events take place at the parks in Bear Canyon.

Living in Bear Canyon costs about average for the city, with a one-bedroom residence renting for around $700 a month. Transit fares run about $1 per ride or $2 per day to travel anywhere in Albuquerque, while for drivers a gallon of gasoline costs about 18 percent below the national average. Patrons of local pubs can expect to spend about $4 for a pint of beer.

Major shopping areas near Bear Canyon include the Far North Shopping Center and other shops along San Mateo Boulevard, numerous stores on Academy Road and shopping centers on Montgomery Boulevard. Large chain stores in the area include Pier 1 Imports, Walmart, Ross and Target.

When you want to update your home furnishings, TEMA Contemporary Furniture carries eclectic and modern furniture to outfit every room in your house. Albuquerque's premiere source for contemporary furniture for over 30 years, TEMA carries everything from sofas to bookcases to patio seating and mini bars.

Boot Barn sells a full selection of western themed clothing, including cowboy boots, jeans, and shirts. For working cowboys and ranchers, the store carries heavy duty work wear, and of course, cowboy hats. Casual cowboys can choose between classic and contemporary casual western styles.

Grocery shopping options are plentiful in Bear Canyon, with Whole Foods, Smiths, Walmart, Albertsons and several other large grocers easy accessible. From June to September, find the Albuquerque Northeast Farmers' & Artisans' Market in the parking lot of Albuquerque Academy on Wyoming Boulevard.