South Los Altos - Albuquerque, NM

The history of the area is closely intertwined with that of Route 66, America’s "Mother Road," which surged with Dust Bowl escapees during the 1930s and has brought the area new residents and travelers ever since. The wayfaring culture of the highway cuts across South Los Altos.

Visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History for an intriguing way to understand another aspect of New Mexico history —find a chilling collection of cold war weapons and other relics of the atomic age. Kids can enroll in science camp during winter and summer breaks to take their first steps toward learning about scientific fields such as forensics and robotics.

South Los Altos residents can grab some of the city’s best burgers at The Owl Cafe or snag spicy salsa and other New Mexican favorites at Sadie’s. Live music and late night drinks are in supply at Cervante’s Restaurant and Lounge.

Perched just north of Interstate 40 along Eubank Boulevard, The Owl Café is a '50s-style diner best known for its award-winning hamburgers. Locals love the Albuquerque melt, featuring one of the eatery’s famous fresh-ground beef patties with grilled onions, Swiss cheese and of course green chile — the state’s official food. Get it with a creamy milkshake and take flight after spending only around $15.

Sadie’s occupies a prominent pedestal in the pantheon of New Mexican cuisine. Its widely exported salsa and popular plates come with a warning for timid taste buds, and locals agree that the enchiladas are the best around. Treating a worthy companion to this Albuquerque gem will cost around $45 for dinner and drinks for two.

Stop by Cervantes Restaurant and Lounge for drinks and live music in a relaxed atmosphere with great food. The front section is a family-style dining room, and the rear’s lounge atmosphere proves lively and inviting. The carne adovada is marinated in red chile sauce for up to 8 hours, and a large plate of it will set you back less than $10. Moviegoers can head up to High Ridge 8 in the foothills or roll down to Regal Winrock 16 at ABQ Uptown to catch Hollywood’s latest offering.

South Los Altos’ location along Route 66 means residents can get a fast connection to anywhere in the city for $2 one way. Albuquerque's public transit system is anchored along the Route 66 — the city's most populous and bus-traveled route — meaning residents of the neighborhood can expect a bus every 20 minutes without fail.

Many make their way west to the city's Downtown Transit Hub, which in addition to its connections to routes serving the city remains the primary station of the New Mexico Railrunner Express. This modern light-rail system travels between the City of Belen in the South and Santa Fe in the north and can be ridden one way to or between either terminus for around $10. Drivers enjoy supreme convenience in this neighborhood that bounds with parking, and residents will find ready access to Interstate 40 that can usually get you anywhere in town within 15 minutes either on its own or via Interstate 25. Taxis are rare, but Uber serves this walkable neighborhood, and cyclists can stretch their legs on Albuquerque’s well-maintained bicycle and pedestrian trails, which can also get folks most anywhere in town.

One of the great thinks about living in South Los Altos remains its recreation haven of the same name: Los Altos Park. Dogs can roam free in their own enclosed, grassy area, and the spacious fields at this free and public park are home to soccer and adult softball. For many youths, the modern skate park proves popular with varied obstacles and vert ramps.

Cyclists in the neighborhood and the city enjoy access to over 400 miles of well-surfaced bicycle and pedestrian trails that have won awards for their utility and scope. Veer east for an uphill workout, or point yourself west for an easy cruise to the river and accompanying trails.

Several annual events occur around Fall in Albuquerque with the New Mexico State Fair taking place each September right in the neighborhood, and October’s International Balloon Fiesta is a stunning sight From South Los Altos’ overlook on the Rio Grande Valley; Los Altos Park provides a perfect view point.

One of the contributing factors to South Los Altos’ appeal is the below-average cost of living; on average a one-bedroom apartment rents for $670. A beer will cost around $5 and a meal usually $10 or less — around average in Albuquerque. If you’re doing drinks and dinner for two at Sadie’s, $45 will cover a couple of entrees and margaritas. Drivers will benefit from the area's gas prices — roughly 9 percent below the national average.

Shoppers can get squared away with western wear at Hillson's or score a fix at Chile Addict, and skaters can nab the necessary and correct equipment for their rolling rides at Skate City before heading to the skate park at Los Altos Park. Hillson's has been selling boots and dealing dusters to cowfolk and others inclined toward western fashion for more than 50 years. It carries accessories like belts and jackets appropriate on the range and in the rancher's club and stocks top-quality hats including those from Resistol and Stetson.

The Chile Addict carries an enormous inventory of treats and chile-themed novelties and is the perfect place to get a gift for seekers of spicy substances. Skate City's proximity to the undulating concrete waves of Los Altos Skate Park makes it a favorite for board-bound travelers. Make sure your skate shoes represent your style when you choose from the selection of Van's Shoe Store, and don't forget to grab a skate key so that you can fine-tune your board at the park.

Nearby grocery stores include Albertsons for meat, produce, and other household items. Smiths has a standard selection, but those looking for the freshest produce head to Sprouts Farmer's market or even the Uptown Grower's market during the summer.