One Of New Mexico's Best Retirement Spots Is A Charming Albuquerque Suburb With Stunning Mountain Views

The southwestern states entice many retirees with their warm weather and dry, desert air. Known for its sun-drenched canyons and rich history, New Mexico is a popular place to hang your hat when you reach your golden years, and one of the best retirement spots in the Land of Enchantment is a sought-after suburb northeast of Albuquerque, nestled at the foot of the Sandia Mountains.

Sandia Heights is an affluent neighborhood famed for its slow living and the kind of mountain vistas that will make you stop and stare. This 1.7 square mile area is located only 16.4 miles from the closest airport, Albuquerque International Sunport, which you can reach in less than 30 minutes without traffic. Alternatively, the I-25 runs directly through Albuquerque, and from there you can get to Sandia Heights via NM 423 or NM 556. The suburb is conveniently located around a one-hour drive from the historic and artsy city of Santa Fe, and roughly 30 minutes from downtown Albuquerque. 

This places it in a prime position for seniors seeking a calm locale to settle down while still having access to city amenities and entertainment when the mood strikes. Ranked the number one place to retire in all of New Mexico on Niche, Sandia Heights might have everything on your retirement bucket list: Captivating scenery, safe streets, 310 days of sun each year, and locally loved establishments ideal for midweek meetups. Nowhere is perfect, but Sandia Heights certainly comes close.

Tucked into the base of the Sandia Mountains, the Sandia Heights neighborhood climbs up into the foothills to create a picturesque community that appears one with nature. Low crime rates, a small population of just 3,083, and a median resident age of 63.3 make this a wonderful spot for aging adventurers, but keep in mind that house prices certainly reflect the impressive views. The estimated median house price was $623,500 as of 2023, which is more than two times the national average of $303,400. Still, the cost seems to be worth it, as Sandia Heights is ranked the third-best place to buy a house in New Mexico.

The Homeowners Association takes the aesthetic of the area seriously, so depending on their location within the suburb, residents must follow certain regulations. For example, bright lights around your property must point down, noise must be kept to a minimum, and only dogs and cats are permitted as pets. This helps protect Sandia Heights' natural charm and tranquil ambiance. 

The traditional Pueblo-style homes in the vicinity must also be painted in natural, muted tones to blend into the surroundings, keeping everything tidy and understated. One resident wrote on Niche, "I have thoroughly enjoyed living in this part of Albuquerque [...] It is a peaceful, quiet neighborhood that is full of pleasant people. Aside from the lovely residents, the view is completely breathtaking! The sunsets are especially beautiful."

To see the tranquil suburb and the awe-inspiring landscape from a truly unique vantage point, take the 15-minute ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, which lifts you 10,378 feet up the mountainside to see panoramas stretching for 11,000 spectacular square miles. You can head up Wednesday through Monday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and tickets cost $34 for a round trip, or $29 for seniors. For a treat, stop off atop the mountain at TEN 3 Thursday through Monday for a cocktail with a view, and look out for the pinkish hue of the mountains as the sun goes down. If you're up there in October, Sandia Peak is a great place to watch the world's largest hot air balloon festival, which sees hundreds of colorful balloons take to the skies over Albuquerque.

Active retirees in the area can indulge in hikes and time outdoors during the milder months from September until November, which is considered the best time to visit. The foothills boast 2,650 acres of trails to explore, but less than 10 minutes' drive away is the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area, a favorite spot with five easy, safe routes. The Pino Trail Loop is rated 4.7 stars on AllTrails, with previous hikers mentioning that it's a gratifying trek with bathroom access. One hiker said, "Absolutely beautiful and short if you're looking for an easy trail!"

This scenic park was almost developed in recent years, but local non-profit Save The Elena Gallegos helped protect this special place. Co-founder Katrina Sanchez told KOB4, "This was a fight to protect the last undeveloped open space in Albuquerque [...] to maintain this incredible resource that we have of undeveloped wilderness in our own backyard."