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The Global Insight

What is the oldest neighborhood in Albuquerque?

Author

Robert Miller

Updated on March 27, 2026

Old Town
Old Town was Albuquerque’s first neighborhood. More than 300 years after its founding, it remains a center for culture, architecture, shopping, art and cuisine. Old Town was established in 1706, when a group of Spanish families settled here, not far from the Rio Grande.

When was Old Town Albuquerque built?

Buildings. Most of the historic buildings in Old Town were built between 1870 and 1900, though some are older. Only one building, San Felipe de Neri Church, is proven to date to the Spanish colonial period.

What is Albuquerque New Mexico famous for?

Albuquerque is one of the cultural centers of the Southwest. There are many museums to visit, including the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, National Atomic Museum, Albuquerque Museum, University of New Mexico Fine Art Museum, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History.

What do you call a person from Albuquerque?

Albuquerque is sometimes called ABQ, but some locals know that if you call it that or the 505, you’re probably new in town. Better to stick to “Burque.”

What are the bad neighborhoods in Albuquerque?

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Albuquerque, NM

  • Quigley Park. Population 1,186. 332 %
  • La Mesa. Population 7,610. 231 %
  • Montgomery Heights. Population 621. 209 %
  • Jackson Area. Population 1,352.
  • Kirtland Community. Population 1,340.
  • Crestview Bluff. Population 1,685.
  • Elder Homestead. Population 1,990.
  • Enchanted Park. Population 1,799.

Is it safe to walk around Old Town Albuquerque?

I feel perfectly safe walking around Old Town both day and night, just sticking to the immediate blocks around the plaza, and around Rio Grande Blvd. Central can get a little dicey going towards downtown but I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous. Just use common sense, stick together and you’ll most likely be just fine.

What is the best area to stay in Albuquerque NM?

Albuquerque’s Old Town is the best district to stay for sightseeing. The surroundings of the Plaza Vieja have all types of accommodation. Here, you can find luxury B&Bs, 3-star chain hotels and a few budget options.

Is Albuquerque safe?

OVERALL RISK : HIGH When compared to nearly all other American cities, Albuquerque has an extremely high crime rate, so no – it cannot be considered a safe city. Use caution on the streets of this city both when it comes to petty crime and violent crime.

What is the bad part of Albuquerque?

The worst neighborhoods in Albuquerque include places such as Encanto Village, Quail Ridge, Alta Monte, Quigley Park, Wildflower, Trumbull Village, La Mesa, Kachina Hills, Yale Village, and Central Hill. Be sure to steer clear of these areas when visiting or moving to Albuquerque.

Is Santa Fe better than Albuquerque?

If you want to stay in a place and just walk around and visit, then stay in Santa Fe. It is more expensive, but the touristy areas are closer together. If you want to use one place as a center location for day trips, stay in Albuquerque. Albuquerque is cheaper and there is a lot to do close by.

How old is Old Town Albuquerque New Mexico?

At A Glance: Old Town. Old Town was Albuquerque’s first neighborhood. More than 300 years after its founding, it remains a center for culture, architecture, shopping, art and cuisine. Old Town was established in 1706, when a group of Spanish families settled here, not far from the Rio Grande.

What kind of architecture is in Old Town Albuquerque?

Most of the architecture in Old Town is adobe, in the Pueblo-Spanish style. These traditional buildings have flat roofs and stuccoed walls with rounded edges, and their ceilings are supported with heavy wooden beams called vigas.

When was the city of Albuquerque New Mexico founded?

In 1706, Albuquerque was founded as a villa of Nuevo México, New Spain Albuquerque was founded in 1706 as an outpost as La Villa de Alburquerque in the provincial kingdom of Santa Fe de Nuevo México.

Which is the oldest church in Albuquerque New Mexico?

When the original adobe church collapsed after the long, rainy summer of 1792, the townspeople rebuilt, and in 1793 the San Felipe de Neri Church was completed. Today this adobe church, with walls that are five feet thick, is the oldest in Albuquerque; its white towers mark Old Town from a distance.