Boyds-Leslie Park - Albuquerque, NM

Much of the development of Boyds-Leslie Park was completed as recently as the 1970s, built to accommodate workers at Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories. As Montgomery Boulevard became a popular option for cross-town travel and its traffic increased, the number of shopping centers and restaurants multiplied, creating the busy district with thriving retail that still exists today. Downtown Albuquerque has opportunities to explore the history of the area before European settlement, and it has a number of museums to wander around in as well. Glimmering suits of Conquistador armor and other relics are on display, offering insight into how the West was originally won.

Stocked with a wide selection of dining and nightlife, Boyds-Leslie Park's offerings include Quarters Barbecue a few blocks east. Quarters remains Albuquerque's hometown barbecue favorite, hosting patrons in high-backed booths while they watch sports or dine with family. Grab a combination dinner with pork spare ribs and beef, and be sure to try the onion rings.

Sitting in the center of the neighborhood, Chez Axel features frog legs and other French favorites. Its lunchtime menu includes crepes and quiches served with the vegetable du jour, and all items cost less than $10. Dinner delicacies include imported snails and beef bourguignon, and a three-course dinner for two with drinks costs about $100.

Dirty Bourbon's dance floor trembles in time with synchronized line dancers, as the servers sport Western dress at this rowdy country-themed bar. Live music and inexpensive drinks draw revelers to this rustic, wooden-floored bar that features different live country acts every week. It also offers dancing lessons every Friday before the party gets going.

A few blocks west, catch value matinees on the big screen at Cinemark Movies 8 for as little as $2, or see the very latest in eye-popping 3D and IMAX movies at Regal Winrock Stadium 16.

Albuquerque’s uncongested interstates make it convenient for drivers, and residents of Boyds-Leslie park enjoy fast freeway access using Montgomery Boulevard. Parking stays plentiful and almost always free in the neighborhood. The city’s public transit system sells one-way tickets anywhere in town for just $2. Traditional taxis can be hard to flag, but a number of car services do exist if you call ahead, including Uber. The intimacy and light traffic in the interior of this close-cropped area makes it enjoyably walkable, and cyclists can be seen buzzing along over 400 miles of bicycle trails that connect with safe, dedicated bike lanes on city streets.

One of the most popular holiday events in Albuquerque, the River of Lights at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is accompanied by live music and features millions of lights among holiday- and Southwest- themed displays.

The area’s average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence sits around $603 — average for Albuquerque. More upscale accommodations also exist closer to Uptown, where townhouses and semi-luxury condos are increasing in number. A beer in the area averages $6, and a filling lunch at Chex Axel can be had for around $10. Drivers find Albuquerque inexpensive as well as convenient, with gas hovering around 9 percent below the national average.

Area shopping radiates along Montgomery Boulevard from the retail district just west of Boyds-Leslie Park, including eclectic art, electronic and some notable boutiques. Art gallery Weyrich Gallery emits an aura of serenity and features a high-end selection of ceramic and paintings from local artists. Eye-catching pottery from an array of ethnic styles sits on minimalist white cubes, and the couple who own it provide Feng Shui consultations.

Two levels of high-end entertainment equipment at ListenUp make it a necessary stop for area audiophiles. Take a seat on the couch as you watch state-of-the-art special effects on massive screens, and the staff can talk about electronics for hours.

Monte's Cigar Shop has an upscale lounge perfect for enjoying its selection of fine cigars and pipe tobacco blends. The Monte family has curated some of the tastiest blends and brands of tobacco for three generations, and the exquisite wooden humidor in back has private lockers for customers to store their favorite stogies.

Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods Market both sit nearby for fresh produce and household essentials, and Tokyo Japanese Market has Eastern edibles.

During the summer, ABQ Uptown Growers' Market features farm-to-table produce grown in the Rio Grande Valley, or you can head southeast toward Farmer's Market locals say its produce stays fresher than that bought in large chains.