Rancho Sereno Albuquerque, NM

Like most suburban areas, the Westside neighborhood of Rancho Sereno was born from a need to expand with the city as it grew. It’s a safe, quiet place to live with lots of great local happenings. Take Summerfest: an annual Albuquerque tradition each area neighborhood takes part in, hosting various special events that both build and celebrate community. The 2014 Westside Summerfest featured food, art, live music, a beer garden, and even a grand performance by eclectic funk pop group, Morris Day & The Time.

Another great historical aspect of this neighborhood remains its proximity to the Petroglyph National Monument. Native Americans and Spanish settlers carved designs and patterns into volcanic rock here over 400 years ago, creating what we now call petroglyphs. Petroglyph National Monument, which also serves as a park, allows you to adventure and explore, taking a closer look to experience a glimpse of the past.

For dancing and clubbing, head to downtown Albuquerque. In the Westside, locals like to keep things fun and relaxed. It’s all about tasty food and an “everybody knows your name” feel here in Rancho Sereno. Looking for something with a bit of flare? Try Rebel Donut, a local bakeshop that is, as the name suggests, anything but traditional. With two locations, unexpected toppings, and enticing names such as Watermelon and Breaking Bad Blue Sky Sweet, doughy goodness awaits just a bite away.

For a hardier experience, grab a famous green-chili-topped Laguna Burger over at 66 Pit Stop. Located on Old Route 66 near the Route 66 Casino, big burgers and cheap eats await you in this unexpected, no-frills gas station and convenience store.

In search of a late night haunt? Enjoy delicious nachos, hangover-curing Bloody Mary's, and dive-bar greatness at Effingbar & Grill. Karaoke, live music, and Taco Tuesdays keep the locals coming back.

Safe and accessible, Rancho Sereno provides a great place to explore, especially by car. While driving remains the primary means of travel, lots of local folks enjoy riding their bikes for both pleasure and an environmentally friendly alternative, especially given the area’s scenic bike paths and beautiful New Mexican skies.

Public transportation in Rancho Sereno comes as a breeze: city bus programs Park & Ride and Rapid Ride – with vehicles powered by low emission-producing diesel electric hybrid engines - make travel fast and efficient. Feeling fancy? Residents can call up Uber or hail a taxi cab. For those times when you need to branch out or just need another way to get work, New Mexico’s regional commuter train, Rail Runner, can get you to nearby places such as Santa Fe or Taos, quickly, inexpensively and with a touch of the old Southwest.

When looking for a place filled with fun activities for your little ones, try a child-centric movement class over at The Little Gym of Albuquerque. With more than 35 years of experience, The Little Gym features gymnastics and physical activities for kids as young as 4 months all the way up to age 12.

When residents need a place to stretch their legs or take the young ones for an afternoon of play, plenty of parks provide them with access to green spaces. Parks aplenty await, all within a stone’s throw of this sunny community. Salida Del Sol has slides and swings for the kids, while Tres Placidas allows for a bit more greenery and landscape for walking.

Haynes Park acts as the area’s busiest park and, by most accounts, the best park for almost everything. With a broad range of amenities, including a pool, tennis and basketball courts, and a myriad of community events, this one ranks as a favorite among locals seeking the outdoors.

For a place to go with Fido, stick to the Westside parks. Once there, locals take their pups for a run over at the Taylor Ranch Dog Park. Just next door to the Taylor Ranch library, you can find special areas for different sized dogs and even a for-people-only food truck on bustling summer nights. As residents new to the area often discover in most areas of New Mexico, finding beauty in the outdoors becomes an everyday experience.

While plenty of apartment rentals can be found in Albuquerque’s Westside neighborhood with a one-bedroom averaging $660, most rentals available in the Rancho Sereno area are houses with two bedrooms or more. Expect to spend just above $1200 a month, which comes in less than you pay in the center of the city, and enjoy a nice, quiet, suburban place to hang your hat. Know what else is great? Public buses cost less than a buck, and the gas here remains beyond reasonable; the cost comes much lower than the national average. All this means you can experience the beauty of Albuquerque along with a wonderfully low cost of living.

Got a hankering for a delightful afternoon of shoe shopping? Check out Shoes On A Shoestring, a family shoe warehouse with locations in both the Westside and Eastside of town. Unique and local, Café Bella Coffee Drive Thru helps give you a post-shopping caffeine boost with one of their delicious, red chili mochas. Head over to Petroglyph Plaza to find plenty of shops including Katharoz Cosmetic Boutique, Ace Hardware, and even Private Balloon Flights. Stop in or call ahead to schedule a flight with friends and family. Smith’s Food and Drug, now owned by Kroger's, remains the grocery store locals visit most while living in Rancho Sereno. For a locally owned spot full of organic goodies and traditional health-food store options, try La Montanita Co-op, a consumer cooperative with five locations around the greater Albuquerque area. La Montanita acts as a leader in the local-foods movement, helping farmers and producers get their goods into more stores in the area while building strong community ties.