[Balloonmeister]

Have lived in ABQ since 1964. Have also traveled extensively in the US and Europe. While ABQ isn't perfect (tell me a place that is), we have enjoyed living here. The climate, with four seasons, isn't too excessive in any of them. No hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. Average precipitation is 8" per year, with most falling during summertime thunderstorms. Our house on the east side of the city is at about 6000' and the valley with the Rio Grande river running through it is at about 5200'. It is not unusual to be able to go snow skiing at Sandia Peak in the morning and come back to the city and play golf in the afternoon during the winter.
No one has mentioned the kind of unique cultural aspect of ABQ with the Native Americans pueblos, Hispanics and whites - very interesting and an example of how all cultures are embraced (the Gathering of Nations, a Native American event held each year in ABQ, is the largest event of its type in the world).
Also, ABQ is home to the famous Pit, the underground arena where the University of NM basketball teams play. The Pit was the site of the memorable 1983 North Carolina State NCAA Championship win over Houston, with NCS coach, Jim Valvano running all around the court. The Pit is regularly in the top 25 for attendance every year and was voted one of the top arenas by Sports Illustrated.
Also, there is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held the first week of October, which is the largest ballooning event in the world with over 550 hot air and gas balloons participating.
Some one said all of the roads are straight - just not true - there are numerous great driving roads, with minimal traffic, all around ABQ. The High Road to Taos is a great drive as is the enchanted circle in northern NM.
NM is a relatively poor state, highly dependent on federal gov't spending for its nuclear weapon laboratories (Los Alamos and Sandia) and its military bases. But as one who has lived here for a long time, I can attest that it is a very pleasant place to live.