Del Norte - Albuquerque, NM

Spain ruled the area that would become Albuquerque in the 1600s. The name derives from alba quercus or “white oak.” The neighborhood of Del Norte was settled in 1706, and it still retains much of its original Spanish heritage. Del Norte, or “of the north,” became Albuquerque’s fastest-growing suburb as the city’s growth began to sprawl northward and more affordable housing was required.

Though Del Norte supports no museums, nearby Old Town has several, including the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum and the Albuquerque Museum. For arts, most residents drive south to the Public Academy of Performing Arts for student performances or to Peggy Neuman Fine Arts, where spiritual artworks are put on display.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival brings a sky full of gas balloons each October, along with food, music and merchandise.

Though New Mexico is generally famous for its Mexican food and green chilies, it's relatively easy to find barbecue, Middle Eastern, burgers, Lebanese, Vietnamese, German and sandwiches in this area. Many restaurants are clustered along San Mateo Boulevard and Montgomery Avenue NE.

San Pedro Middle Eastern Restaurant gets great reviews from locals for its hummus in particular, served warm with a side of pita. Its affordable platters come with rice and a side of hummus or tabbouli with fresh bread. This place lets you get a lot for your money. Try the beef or chicken shawarma or vegetable combo platter for lunch or dinner.

Marley's Central Texas BBQ brings a taste of the Lone Star State to Albuquerque with brisket, spare ribs and chicken slow cooked with no sauce. Served in a small, casual dining space, your meal comes with sides that include pinto beans with fresh herbs and New Mexico green chilies, coleslaw, and bacon potato salad.

If you're in the mood for American food, try Billy's Long Bar, serving traditional breakfasts of bacon and eggs and sandwiches, salads, and burgers for lunch and dinner. This place has a warm and friendly vibe, and it boasts a large menu of small-plate appetizers if you just want a snack and a drink with friends.

Nightlife gets going on the weekends in Del Norte, centering around the bar scene. Most are gathered along the area's main drag, San Mateo Boulevard. During the week, things are usually a little quieter in the nightlife department. Sports fans head to Billy's Long Bar for friendly, fast service, dozens of beers on tap, and a welcoming dive bar vibe.

Del Norte has minimal public transportation, but is a highly walkable neighborhood. There are some bike lanes, making it safe for cyclists. If you plan to bike, though, be prepared for Albuquerque's endless sprawl. Like many other neighborhoods in the area, Del Norte can be spread out.

Del Norte is accessible to I-25/U.S. Route 85 to the west, along Lincoln Road NE or Osuna Road NE, and I-40. Most locals prefer to drive in this area, since parking is relatively easy depending on where you go and at what time. What you find is likely to be inexpensive metered parking or free.

Public transportation is primarily limited to buses, with trains and other options centered in the downtown area. Hailing a cab is easier at the airport or downtown than it is in Del Norte. You’ll likely have to call a cab service to pick you up, or arrange an Uber pickup.

Nearby parks to Del Norte include Ed Leslie Park, situated on two acres of green space, and Montgomery Park, with walking paths, benches for meditating, and dog-friendly romping areas.

All parks are kid and dog friendly, as long as you’re willing to clean up after them. Exercisers and fitness folks are also welcome, from yoga sessions to raucous games of touch football.

Del Norte itself has no summer festivals or events, but the nearby downtown area hosts the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival and the Grecian Festival, among others.

Del Norte has a cost of living that is approximately equivalent to Albuquerque’s average. It costs around $1 to get from Del Norte to the downtown area, and the median price for a 1-bedroom residence is around $658 per month, although you can typically find much lower prices.

A beer at a local Del Norte pub runs around $4 to $5. Gas prices are around 15 percent lower than the national average here.

Many of Del Norte's shopping options can be found along San Mateo Boulevard. NE, with chain stores such as Ross Dress For Less, CVS and the Burlington Coat Factory represented.

However, you can also find smaller options that attract locals, like Stomps & Threads for quality women's lingerie and Shelton Jewelers for special jewelry needs, as well as cleaning, plating and repairs. Shoes On A Shoestring provides discount prices on men's and women's shoes and accessories. This area doesn't support much high-end or luxury shopping - for that, you need to go to downtown Albuquerque.

Albertson's is the primary chain store selling groceries in Del Norte, but smaller grocers like Smiths carry a variety of convenience and grocery items for residents.

The closest farmers market is the Albuquerque Northeast Farmers and Artisans Market, selling fresh produce, flowers and crafts on Tuesdays from June through September.