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I am more familiar with SLC than ABQ, though I have visited both.
SLC is a growing, family-oriented area heavily influenced by the LDS church. SLC itself is a relatively small city, surrounded by a sprawling metro area from Ogden in the north to Provo in the south. The comparisons to Southern California are real, both in the endless sprawl, and the air pollution. Cost of living is not bad, and the weather is a modified Rocky Mountain climate, with chilly winters and mostly hot summers.
ABQ, while city population is larger, lies in a smaller metro area. I can't quote crime stats, but my understanding is ABQ has more crime. Both areas are dry, growing, and are considered desirable. The "feel" of both cities is "southwest", probably more so in NM just due to geography. I think the hispanic influence is obviously greater in ABQ.
Both of these cities are pretty comparable metro wise, but the actual city proper population of ABQ is almost 400k more than SLC. So in terms, Albuquerque feels a little bigger.
I would choose Albuquerque, but I'm sure Salt Lake City is a good choice also.
Salt Lake City by far. ABQ metro land size is even smaller than Vegas, where the northern tip to southern tip is only a 30 minute drive. It's metro and urban area is a lot smaller than Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City, on the other hand, the Urban land area is 120 miles long (known as the Wasatch Front), stretching from Santaquin (just south of Provo) all the way to Brigham City (just north of Ogden). Yeah, people are comparing it to Southern California, but you still have plenty of outdoors activities. They have really revamped the parks, and it seems like now that I have moved back here, there are a whole lot of activities planned in the who region. When I was out in ABQ, it was in the middle of nowhere, and not a whole lot to do. Although the Wasatch Front has 2.6 million people, it is still worth it.
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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Originally Posted by mastersins
Salt Lake City by far. ABQ metro land size is even smaller than Vegas, where the northern tip to southern tip is only a 30 minute drive. It's metro and urban area is a lot smaller than Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City, on the other hand, the Urban land area is 120 miles long (known as the Wasatch Front), stretching from Santaquin (just south of Provo) all the way to Brigham City (just north of Ogden). Yeah, people are comparing it to Southern California, but you still have plenty of outdoors activities. They have really revamped the parks, and it seems like now that I have moved back here, there are a whole lot of activities planned in the who region. When I was out in ABQ, it was in the middle of nowhere, and not a whole lot to do. Although the Wasatch Front has 2.6 million people, it is still worth it.
Wrong! I think Albuquerque has more to do. Your post just has numbers and measurements. What else you got? SLC metro is just as isolated as ABQ's.
I prefer the food (New Mexican food is awesome), the artistry and proximity to unique cities with artistic character like Santa Fe and Taos. The climate is better (not as chilly but still four seasons) , and I definitely prefer the architecture in Albuquerque. Salt Lake City does have a more well developed infrastucture and transit system and no one can argue on the spectacular setting at the Wasatch Range with its world class skiing. However Albuquerque is no slouch with plenty of ample outdoor recreation on the periphery and the Sandia mountains are also pretty awesome and the nearby Sangre de Cristos have good skiing and lots of mountain reacreational opportunities including some fabulous geothermal hot springs resorts. I find Albuuquerque a bit more fun and eclectic and neighborhoods like Old Town and Nob Hill in ABQ more colorful and interesting than SLC's Sugar House and Trolley Square. Aluquerque has a very palpable cultural element with strong Hispanic, Native American, and Aglo traditions, less white bread than SLC. I think New Mexico is a bit more live and let live also. SLC metro may be substantially larger, but Albuquerque and nearby Santa Fe definitely offers more character.
Albuquerque if you enjoy culture, diversity, scenary, mild four seasons, distinct cuisine and much more.
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