Parents are moving to Bernalillo...advice? (Albuquerque, Santa Fe: housing, lease, hospital)

[mmckenna]

They are renting a house to be closer to my brother. They are 75 and 82 years old. Any advice or suggestions on local things to do in the area, good restaurants with lots of atmosphere and not too expensive? My father still drives. Anyone been to the farmer's market there? Thanks!

[nm_photojournalist]

Bernalillo for seniors has some positive aspects. It's relatively small, but still only 16 miles from Downtown Albuquerque. Since your father is an older driver,they can take the old U.S. highway south from Bernalillo, and all the way to Old Town in Albuquerque, without having to drive on a freeway.
The best place to eat (economically) in Bernalillo is "The Range" on the main N/S street "downtown." The "Prairie Star" out around the Santa Ana Casino is also very good, but pretty expensive. All the usual fast food places are right there, Sonic, McDonald's, Taco Bell, KFC, and New Mexico's own: Blake's Lotaburger, with the best green chile hamburgers!
Make sure your folks have some good locks on their doors however. Bernalillo has a pretty high crime rate, and that's even though it is the headquarters for both the Bernalillo Police, and the Sandoval County Sheriff's Department.
I'm pretty sure there is not a hospital in Bernalillo.
Most people still shop in the little market downtown. I may have missed it, but I still do not think there is a major supermarket in the Bernalillo area. If I'm wrong, someone correct me please.
The cool mountains are only 50 miles NW in the Jemez Mountains, off US550.
Santa Fe lies 45 miles NE, but you must drive the 75mph, I-25 most of the way there, and that's the slow lane!
The "climate" should be great for them, mild winters and summers like Albuquerque. I wish them the best.
I'm pretty sure the town has a Senior Center...perhaps you can find it on the internet.

[nmguy]

Bernalillo is a typical New Mexico town that is currently experiencing quite a bit of growth, i.e., a new Wallmart in Jan., a few new housing developments near the bosque and just off the main street.

Places that might interest your folks include . . .
• The Clinic
• Abuelita's Restaurant
• The Range Restaurant
• Coronado Restaurant
• Jackalope
• T & T Market
• Raley's Supermarket at intersection of 550 & 528
• NM Wine Festival on Labor Day weekend
• Fiestas de San Lorenzo in early August
• Silva's Saloon
• Several open artists' studios

It seems to be a pleasant place to be during daylight hours, but I'd stay inside at night.

[scottgoff1]

I recently moved to Bernalillo. I had heard of crime issues in Bernalillo and researched a little before moving here. First of all, when I asked people that would imply there was crime issues, no one could really give me any specifics. I did do some internet research and to my surprise Bernalillo had a much lower crime rate than Albuquerque and about the same as Rio Rancho.

Now since moving here, I feel like I live in Mayberry. Everyone is friendly, I can walk to Walgreens, Local Farmers Market, Church, Starbucks, the flying star (when it is built), Abuelitas, the Range, the local True Value Hardware store, and the Rail Runner Station. Although my house is new, my back yard looks out over green pasture with a nice donkey that likes to eat apples or whatever else you might want to give her. I have never felt unsafe here.

There are a few neighborhoods in Bernalillo that I suppose I would stay away from (same as any other place). But these neighborhoods are obvious when you see them.

Scott

[nmguy]

Scott,

Glad to see that you're feeling happy and safe in Bernalillo.

I'm anxious to see what it looks like in a few years, once the RailRunner station area is developed and Camino del Pueblo is re-designed.

Bernalillo has a long history and a lot of potential, given the right city goverance.

Best of luck to you.

[Towanda]

Scottgoff~ I liked your positive informative post about Bernalillo.. It's nice to see on this board. Thanks. And best of luck in Bernalillo.

[mmckenna]

Thank you so much, everyone. I just got back to Massachusetts after moving my parents into their house in Bernalillo. I myself, am moving to Rio Rancho next week, and can't wait!
All of the tips you have given are so helpful. I am also a little concerned about the posts about crime. Fortunately, my brother's parish (he's a priest) is right around the corner, so he will be very close. What sort of crime has there been? Are nighttime break-ins common? Also, does anyone know when the railrunner will start and will it go to the airport? thanks again.

[newmexicomatt]

I am the owner of The Range Cafe...I really appreciate the recommendations here...I must address the crime comments of Bernalillo. This great little town has always had a reputation of being crime ridden. When I first opened the restaurant in 1992 comments from people were often about how crazy I was to open in such a place. Having been in business now for over 15 years I've found that I would much rather be in Bernalillo than in Albuquerque. Is there crime? Yes, is it much greater than anywhere else in New Mexico? NO! My own Mother lived in Bernalillo until she passed last year. She walked to the restaurant and grocery store at night and never had a problem. I have never felt unsafe in Bernalillo at night. There is not a single street that I wouldn't walk at any time of day in Bernalillo. The face of this town is changing with the influx of new people and businesses. Its history and charm are fantastic. I've been coming to Bernalillo since 1972 and it just keeps getting better and better!

[ziaAirmac]

newmexicomatt, first, great restaurant! Thanks for posting your thoughts. It's nice to hear from those that have lived and walked the streets. Second, I wanted you to know that at the top of the 'Albuquerque' forum is a thread about favorite restaurants and there are some kind words in there for yours. ie:

yukon:

To those of you who posted the Range Cafe as one of your favorites - two thumbs up to you! Ate at the one on Wyoming (S of Montgomery) today and it was excellent! For you dessert lovers, the Death By Lemon was, well, to die for! And for my fellow Tex Mex junkies, the salsa was real salsa, not red chile sauce with chopped tomatoes tossed in. Five stars to the Range!

[Devin Bent]

I have never lived there, but have always enjoyed stopping on there to eat at the Range on my way back and forth from SF and ABQ.

To me it still has some of the charm and flavor from an earlier day.

I suppose the one thing we can say for sure is that it will soon change a lot with the RR.