Staying for a week in ABQ - suggestions? (Albuquerque, Santa Fe: renting, hotels)

[bgs245]

I will be visiting ABQ from August 23-27 and have a few questions/requests for suggestions. I'm considering moving out there in a few months and want to get in a visit beforehand. First, some background information:

I'm a 25 year old single male, college graduate, sports fan, not much of a partier but do enjoy going out and being around people my age.

What's the best plan for my week?

What are the places I must see or experience in my short time?

Where should I stay (hotels) during my trip so I'm around some of the action and can really experience the city (I'd like to spend $75/night max)?

What areas should I investigate as potential places to live (renting), based on my description of myself?

And anything else you may want to offer, go ahead

Thanks!

[RandomName958]

You'd probably want to live in downtown or Nob Hill. I'm not sure what hotel rates are like, but that's where you should stay while you're here. I'd suggest renting a car if you're flying in. Public transportation isn't great.

You'll want to walk around Central. That's the heart of Nob Hill and downtown with the highest concentration of restaurants and bars.

If you like hiking, I'd check out the Sandia Mountains. They have a lot of good trails. That's actually my favorite part of ABQ so far.

There's not much else here that's must see. You could check out Old Town, which is pretty touristy. And Santa Fe is only about 45 minutes away. It's also touristy, but is worth checking out. If you ski or snowboard, they have a decent resort.

You could go to an Isotopes game. It's fun to drink beer with friends even if you're not into the game. UNM's basketball team is the most popular sport in town. And there are a few sports bars if you like going there to watch games.

[alloo66]

ABQ Trolley, Old Town, Albuquerque Museum, Biopark, Rattlesnake Museum, Sandia Tram, catch the ABQ ride, UNM, Santa Fe, Presidential Palace, Indian Cultural Center, Petroglyph National Monument, Cortez National Monumument, Corrales, ...thats all for now.