Stonebridge Pointe - Albuquerque, NM

Stonebridge Pointe was founded by Spain in 1706 in honor of the Duke of Albuquerque, and settled as a farming community. It was a strategic military outpost along the Camino Real.

The establishment of the railroads allowed this area to attract tourists, many of whom came to heal from tuberculosis and other ailments. Historic Route 66 also helped this area prosper as the car culture took off, and it played an important role in the Atomic Age as the home of Sandia National Laboratories.

Stonebridge Pointe has no museums to speak of, but nearby Albuquerque houses the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum.

The closest annual event can be found in North Valley. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta lights up the sky each October, with hot air balloons and awe-inspired fun.

Stonebridge Pointe contains a relatively small area, so most of the nearby restaurant choices sit outside of the neighborhood's borders. Even though there is no central restaurant location in Stonebridge Pointe, neighboring areas have establishments that serve a diverse range of food styles, including American, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, barbecue and Japanese fusion.

Rose Garden serves generous portions of Chinese food, including succulent dumplings, flavorful orange chicken, and beef with broccoli. Locals love that they get a lot for their money and enjoy the friendly service provided at this casual joint.

Ironwood Kitchen serves American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a laid-back setting. Local favorites include the hot pastrami sandwich and breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, cheese, chili and your choice of bacon, ham or sausage. Because Ironwood Kitchen sits across the street from Marble Tap Room, a local watering hole, it's a great place to go to grab a bite to eat before you start drinking.

Dion's serves pizza and Italian favorites in a casual setting, and it has a reputation for providing fast service. Though it gets loud and chaotic in Dion's at times, it's an alternative to fast food, and the staff churns out pizzas, salads and subs at a record-breaking pace. Locals recommend adding green chili to your pizza, an area tradition that everyone needs to experience. Stonebridge Pointe's high standards and impressive residential qualities impact the area's nightlife. Nearby Rio Rancho has several popular options for bars. Located on a local golf course, Desert Greens Bar and Grill has a panoramic view of the greens as well as a full restaurant menu and sports bar. Whether you're pulling up a chair to settle in and watch a game, or you just want to relax after a round of golf, you should order a side of green-chili fries with your drink.

Marble Tap Room, on Albuquerque's west side, serves several house brews on tap, while live music occurs every weekend. Occasional food trucks bring food to thirsty customers, so you can enjoy some of the best food and drinks in the area.

Stonebridge Pointe sits just outside Albuquerque, making it easy for locals to drive to their destinations. Interstate 25 serves the area to the east, and I-40 sits a little further south. You’ll find parking here easy to come by, and inexpensive for the most part.

Those preferring to use public transportation will find commuting into the city easy using the city’s light rail system, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express. ABQ RIDE operates a number of bus lines in the area as well, but several transfers may be necessary.

You won’t find it easy to hail a cab on the street here, but can call a local cab company or schedule an Uber pickup very easily. Residents don't typically walk for transportation purposes because they have to leave the neighborhood to complete their errands. There are a few bike lanes, and the flat terrain and limited traffic make it safe for cyclists.

Ventana Ranch Park is Stonebridge Pointe’s closest playground and picnic spot. It features swings and an obstacle course for the kids, as well as big open fields perfect for birthday parties and running around with dogs. Ample parking makes it easy to find a spot regardless your arrival time.

Drive south, toward Albuquerque, to find Mariposa Basin Park. The park houses a volleyball court, baseball diamond, horseshoes and lots of room for kids to run around. Picnic tables and grills make this a great spot to bring friends and family on the weekends.

Stonebridge Pointe doesn’t have any annual events, but residents drive to Albuquerque to attend the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, which happens each year in April and showcases the area’s Native American cultural traditions and dances.

Stonebridge Pointe’s cost of living sits slightly higher than the city average, with a one-bedroom residence renting for around $1,000 per month. It costs $1 to get to Albuquerque from Stonebridge Pointe via bus. A beer in a local pub will run you around $4-5, and gas prices sit around 16 percent lower than the national average.

Stonebridge Pointe lies within a tiny residential area, so most of its nearby shopping options sit outside its boundaries. You won't find any luxury or high-end retail establishments in the area, but a Wal-Mart Superstore, Costco, Target and the Cottonwood Mall sit near the Coors Bypass NW.

Visit Double J Sporting Goods on Ridge Rock Avenue to purchase hunting, fishing and offroading supplies. The shop carries a range of archery supplies for those who prefer to hunt with a bow and arrow, as well as clothing and other accessories needed while you brave the great outdoors.

For boutique shopping, head in to Albuquerque. It houses a mixture of boutiques that sell women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and shoes. With so many shops that sell designer brands, most locals come here for special event outfits.

Albuquerque’s 2 Time Couture has contemporary clothes and designer brand clothing in gently used condition. Friendly service allows you to relax and shop without feeling pressured, and locals love that they can sell items to receive store credit.

Stonebridge Pointe’s has limited grocery store options, most of which sit in the nearby Westside neighborhood. Smith’s provides locals with grocery items and prescription refills, as well as movie rentals. It carries a large selection of natural and organic food too. Natural Grocers sells fresh produce and grocery items, along with dietary supplements and natural body care.

The closest farmers market can be found along Rio Grande Boulevard NW in the North Valley/Los Ranchos area. The Los Ranchos Growers Market provides seasonal produce, arts and crafts and music in a pleasant outdoor spot.