Sandia Foothills - Albuquerque, NM

Considered part of Albuquerque’s foothills, which encompass the eastern edge of the city, Sandia Foothills' aptly named hills overlook the city and the Rio Grande Valley. Science and technology jobs at nearby Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Labs pay well, making the area a very attractive place to settle down. World War II and the increase in activity at these federal installations brought in a steady population and economic base that continues to grow. Some of the area’s development occurred as recently as the 1980s and the area feels more contemporary than many other parts of the city.

The nearby National Museum of Nuclear Science and History curates a collection of weapons and other military equipment, much of it partly developed by engineers and technicians of the nearby Air Force base and National Laboratories, many of whom still make Sandia Foothills their home.

Lunchtime often means calling in an order to Szechwan Chinese Restaurant for its sweet and spicy specialties. The bargain is unbeatable, and for less than $7, patrons pick up a filling mid-day meal. If you need to stay at the office during lunch, this restaurant specializes in large orders.

Enchiladas are the order of the day at Perea’s New Mexican Restaurant, where their high-quality ingredients and carne adovada keep patrons coming back for more. Watch out for the heat of the green chili, and be sure you and your companion bring your appetite — the portions are huge.

The honest Irish atmosphere at O’Niell’s clean and roomy tavern holds character without being pretentious. Bartenders pour the Guinness according to Irish custom, and edibles are available styled on dishes from the Emerald Isle. Have a steak and boxty — Angus steak with a Guinness demi-glace — while you watch some European football.

For the movie lovers out there, head to the United Artists High Ridge 8.

Drivers find the area convenient and inexpensive with uncongested freeways and ample free parking. Tramway Boulevard and Interstate 40 conveniently intersect just south of the neighborhood, providing a high-speed option for drivers going in any direction. Uber drivers do service the neighborhood, as do the more traditional ride services--always book ahead as roaming taxis are not the norm. Public transit in the area only costs $2 for a bus ticket to anywhere in town. Albuquerque has been recognized as a national leader for its bicycle trail system and continues to expand the number of surfaced, maintained miles of trails that connect with dedicated bike lanes on city streets.

Parks abound in Sandia Foothills, with options for basketball and tennis in addition to acres of grass and jungle gyms for toddlers to tear it up — and they’re all free. The high desert affords unique opportunities for outside enjoyment, and cyclists find particular pleasure in the arid plains that flank the city to the south and west and mountain biking bliss along the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.

Los Altos Park is the nearest park with an enclosure especially for dogs, and the park is a recreation destination of its own with acres of amenities along with a pool and skate park. Hinkle Family Fun in the center of the area has miniature golf and one of the best arcades in the city, along with a go-kart racetrack, and for around $20 you can enjoy a number of its attractions.

The bicycle trails in and around Albuquerque hold esteem as urban examples of progressive planning. Residents ride shady trails near the river or test your endurance 2,000 feet higher at the base of the mountains. Must-see annual events in the area include the New Mexico State Fair, which draws tens of thousands of people from around the state each year, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which draws close to 1,000,000 from around the globe.

Average rental in the area for a one-bedroom accommodation hovers at about $648, only slightly above average for Albuquerque, and gas in the area sits 9 percent less than the national average. Quenching a thirst for a pint of beer costs around $6, which is pretty on par with the rest of the city.

At Indoor Flea Market, the merchandise changes every day and includes such varied items as plants and apparel. Keller’s Farm Store sells specialty meats and other high-end edible specialties from its store north of Sandia Foothills. Thanksgiving turkeys and holiday roasts are in high demand here, and patrons sometimes call weeks in advance to reserve theirs.

Grocery stores spread throughout the area, and include traditional household and grocery stores like Walmart and Albertson’s as well as membership stores such as Sam’s Club. A seasonal grower’s market sits a few miles northwest at ABQ Uptown and occurs during the summer on Saturdays and Tuesdays.