This is the most diversified of the quadrants. It includes the North Valley area where prestigious residential and rural horse ranch properties parallel the east banks of the Rio Grande River. Across the river on the west side (referred to as the West Mesa) you will find traditional subdivision developments. The west side has been host to a major percentage of the city's growth in the past five years. Dozens of homebuilders offer affordable housing opportunities, some starting below $130,000. 

This quadrant is primarily rural and agricultural and often referred to as the South Valley. However, there are areas located within this quadrant with residential subdivisions including the renown Old County Club neighborhood. Lushly landscaped and quiet, this neighborhood is considered one of the most desirable locations in the city. 

Most of the expansion in this quadrant has been near the base of the Sandia Mountains. The Sandia Heights area has a high desert setting with spectacular views of the city lights. The northeast area is primarily residential and includes housing in a variety of price ranges. The University of New Mexico area is extremely popular and provides middle and high income housing. Some of the most affluent subdivisions lie within this area, including Sandia Heights, Tanoan, High Desert and Glenwood Hills. 

In this quadrant you will find Kirtland Air Force Base which includes Sandia National Laboratory and the Albuquerque International Airport. Housing developments include Four Hills which has a desirable country club, the well-established Ridgecrest area and the refreshingly contemporary Willow Wood. 

 Note: Driving time across the city boundaries is approximately 20 minutes. 

Albuquerque was founded in the year 1706. Its average elevation is 5,314 feet. 

Albuquerque is roughly 133 square miles. The Albuquerque Metropolitan Area is home to about 750,000. The elevation ranges from 4,900 to 6,500 feet. The metropolitan area of Albuquerque includes the city of Albuquerque, the surrounding areas of Bernalillo County, and the communities of Rio Rancho and Corrales in neighboring Sandoval County. 

Albuquerque enjoy four distinct seasons, but all are characterized by sunny days. Humidity averages a comfortable 43%. Temperatures ordinarily average a high of 77 degrees and a low of 42 degrees year-round. Annual rainfall averages about eight inches a year. 

Although Albuquerque receives snow several times each winter, annual snowfall averages a total of only 11 inches. Sandia Peak Ski Area, only a 30-minute drive from the city, averages 183 inches. 

The Albuquerque real estate market was rated second among the top 100 markets in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report in April 1994. For 2004, the average selling price of an existing single-family detached homes in Albuquerque was $183,490, according to the Albuquerque Metro Board of Realtors. 

A national average of 100 points. 
Albuquerque - 101.2

New Mexico has a graduated state income tax. The statewide gross-receipts tax of 5% applies to essentially all goods and services. The total gross-receipts tax in the Albuquerque Metro Area range from 5.375% to 7.125%.

Albuquerque was founded in 1706. It is one of the oldest inland communities in the United States. Albuquerque's elevation is 5,314 feet - the highest metropolitan city in the American mainland. Within a day's drive of Albuquerque are nine national monuments. Albuquerque is the Hot-Air Balloon Capitol of the U.S. The city hosts the annual International Balloon Fiesta - the largest international hot-air balloon competition in the world. The event lasts 9 days, features more than 900 balloons and 1100 pilots every year, and draws crowds of more than 1.6 million people. The Rio Grande Zoological Park is considered one of the finest zoos in the country. Cochiti Dam, 45 miles northwest of Albuquerque, is the second-largest dam west of the Mississippi. The aerial tramway just east of Tramway Boulevard in Albuquerque stretches 2.7 miles up into the Sandia Mountains. It has the longest span of any tram in North America and the third longest of any in the world, and it is the longest single-span tram on Earth. The median age in Albuquerque is 35.7. Intel Corporation, whose plant in Rio Rancho is one of the largest employers in the state, is the world's largest producer of computer microchips. In addition to containing approximately 1,000 miles of interstate highway, New Mexico also contains the oldest capital city in the U.S. (Santa Fe), the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. (Acoma's Sky City), and the largest known caves in the world (Carlsbad Caverns).

• Average cost of a single-family home in 2004 is $182,490.
• South Valley and southwestern areas: Average list price is $133,504.
• North Albuquerque Acres: The average price is $534,210.
• Paradise Hills: Average price is $173,602.
• Downtown: The average cost is $144,070.
• Corrales: The average home rose to $423,120.
• Rio Rancho: Average price is $133,808.
• Placitas: Average home prices hit $336,481.
• East Mountain Areas: Average price is $202,324.
• Bernalillo: The average price is $198,660.

Nob Hill, University Area: The Ridgecrest areas lies just south of the charming and historic Nob Hill District, which features some of the city's most enjoyable shopping and dining opportunities. Also nearby is the University area, which also offers proximity to the busy arts and culture scene of the city's college community. 

Downtown Area: Even closer to downtown is the affluent and exclusive Huning Castle or Country Club neighborhood near the Rio Grande. Small, tightly-knit, lushly landscaped, and quiet, the neighborhood is widely considered one of the most desirable residential locations in the city. Several less exclusive neighborhoods are also near downtown - many deeply rooted in the history of the city. 

Northeast Heights: The city's Northeast Heights, which stretch into the foothills of the Sandia Mountains along the eastern edge of the city, contain several of Albuquerque's most upscale and affluent area - Tanoan, Glenwood Hills, Sandia Heights, Four Hills - but contains a wide variety of other neighborhoods as well, including many rental opportunities and condominiums. 

The Valley, North and South: For a more secluded, rural setting, properties in the North and South Valley areas include many comfortable homes surrounded by massive cottonwood trees, expansive fertile acreage, and proximity to the Rio Grande. 

The South Valley tends to be more affordable, the North Valley more exclusive, but both areas offer short and very convenient commutes to work in the city. Adjacent to the North Valley, the village of Corrales, with an abundance of small crafts and antique shops (and superb dining options), offers many similar features. 

West Side: The city's West Side also boasts neighborhoods such as Paradise Hills and development communities like Taylor Ranch, which abuts the Volcano and La Boca Negra parks - both Open Space facilities. 

East Mountain Areas: Outside the city, the East Mountain area is gaining popularity with people who seek a more rural, scenic, and secluded alternative to city living. Communities such as Tijeras and Cedar Crest both feature cozy, neighborly atmospheres, easy commuter access to I-40, and green surroundings of tall-trees and soft grasslands. 

Rio Rancho, just northwest of the city. 

A planned community less than 30 years old, the city is enjoying explosive growth and phenomenal economic development, mainly rooted in the recent expansion of the Intel Corporation microchip plant there. 

Rio Rancho's popularity has increased most sharply among first-time buyers and retirees drawn to the city's planned developments, attractive prices, and the Rio Rancho Country Club with its golf course and swimming pool. 

Placitas offers sites with more land, bigger homes, continuity of architectural style (the community embraces Pueblo and Territorial building styles), a bit more distance from the city, and overall higher prices. 

It has the convenience of a small commercial area containing an art gallery, a convenience store, a post office, an outstanding restaurant, and little else. 

Bosque Farms/Las Lunas: two smaller towns just minutes away from Albuquerque off South I-25 which are rapidly gaining popularity as bedroom communities for Albuquerque commuters. For those who want to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and savor a more simple way of life these communities are hard to match. 

AS ALBUQUERQUE GROWS, SO DO THE DEMANDS on its diverse education system. From the Albuquerque Public schools to the University of New Mexico, the quality and range of programs in the city continues to increase in step with Albuquerque's population. As the flagship university, among New Mexico's six four-year institutions, UNM defines a regional and national standard of excellence with its 11 degree-granting programs and distinguished research facilities.

• The APS district is the 25th largest district in the nation, with more than 95,000 students. The district's area covers 1,243 square miles, serving all of Bernalillo County. 
• APS includes 76 elementary schools (K through grade 5), 23 middle schools (6 through 8), 11 regular high schools, and five alternative high schools for students with special needs. All APS schools offer special educational opportunities for handicapped and gifted students.
• APS funding comes directly from state revenues and is distributed equally to all of the schools. APS alone lays claim to 15% of the state legislature's annual budget for the entire state - and fully 50% of the legislature's General Fund. APS also relies on local property taxes (by mill levy votes) for capital projects.
• You can reach the APS Central Office at 505-842-8211. APS's Community Relations department (505-842-3606) also sends out a comprehensive information packet, including district-boundary maps. 

One of the most popular events is the balloon glow, in which balloon pilots light their burners to illuminate their balloons in a spectacular nighttime tableau. Since then, it has become one of the fiesta's main attractions. 

A ride in a balloon will cost $135 to $175 per person, depending on day and time, for an almost hour-long ride. Call World Balloon Corporation (505-293-6800), the fiesta's exclusive ride concessionaire.  Besides taking an aerial jaunt, people wanting to do more than watch and partake of the food offerings can get involved by joining a balloon chase crew. The fiesta has a committee set up to handle the crews. To sign up, or to get information on the fiesta, call 505-821-1000.