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I googled the address and it says the nearest bus stop is at "Isleta @ Rio Bravo." Does that help give an idea of which neighborhood I'll be in? I didn't realize that South Valley was so big... ^_^
Well, you are right by the Twisters that was used for filming Breaking Bad in seasons 2 & 3. The name on the restaurant was changed to say "Los Pollos Hermanos" for the TV filming. That should tell you something about the area if you are familiar with the theme of "Breaking Bad." The area is not great. You are close to a strip malls, a grocery store, and lots of fast food places.
The area smells like a sewer during certain parts of the year. I'm not sure why. Maybe that problem has been fixed over the years. I had a friend who used to live out there years ago and the smell gave her migranes.
Another thing not yet mentioned is that to some degree (how much depending on whom you ask), the original Hispanic residents are being displaced by Mexicans and Mexican culture is becoming prominent there while New Mexican Hispanic culture is waning.
I have not spent enough time in the Valley to confirm this but some Burquenos with "400-year pedigrees(tm)" can often be heard bemoaning the fact.
I've never seen "Breaking Bad" so I have no reference for that. I looked it up on tvtropes, and that didn't help much; *shrug* meth addicts are everywhere, even in this little, tiny town.
I'll keep in mind about the smell though. The map shows that I'm very near a waterway so that could have something to do with it...
I'm okay with a "not great" neighborhood, as long as it's not a "No! don't move there! They'll rob you blind and shoot you dead within a week!" kind of place (I've lived in a couple of those too, would rather not again). Ethnicity of the residents does not bother me one way or another.
Isleta/Rio Bravo is a main crossroads of the South Valley (South Valley, New Mexico - Wikipedia). It isn't a bad area (like the ones I listed above) but there will be a lot of commuter traffic congestion.
Just a quarter mile south on Isleta is a very nice branch library (South Valley branch).
If you have a bike, you can ride over the Rio Bravo Bridge (I think it has a bike path) to the popular Paseo del Bosque bike trail on the other side of the Rio Grande, which can get you close to downtown.
The city's sewage treatment plant is across the river, south of Rio Bravo. I have ridden my bike by there many times and never smelled anything. There have been complaints about sewage smells in the Pajarito Elementary area but I think they were resolved. Anyway, that's pretty far from where you'll be living.
An interesting place is the Norbertine Monastery, off Coors, south of Pajarito. Probably too far for you to walk, but a quiet retreat close to the city, if you're into that sort of thing.
I housesat for 2 months in that area, a bit further west near Coors & Rio Bravo. I don't usually drive, so I found that the bike path aries mentioned was really helpful. The shoulder on Rio Bravo is wide so you're not super close to cars.
Downtown is about 20-25 minutes from there on bike, but most of trek is super nice - the bike path is fairly shaded with trees all over. In the fall you can smell green chili roasting riding through there and you can stop at Tingley Beach or this giant park in the summer and get a popsicle from the paleta guy.
I think Abq is best enjoyed without a car, but that's how most people here get around. If you don't have a bike though, I highly recommend you get one, because the busses can be few and far between.
*I almost forgot, you're also pretty close to the New Mexico Rail Runner stop so that'll help you get into town also.
Last edited by abqpsychlist; 01-01-2012 at 08:23 PM..
Reason: *added info
Thanks, y'all. That's just the kind of information I was looking for. I don't have a bike, I have some physical difficulties which prevent me from riding one... but I can walk for quite a ways... Also, public transportation is always helpful. ^_^
I've never seen "Breaking Bad" so I have no reference for that. I looked it up on tvtropes, and that didn't help much; *shrug* meth addicts are everywhere, even in this little, tiny town.
I'll keep in mind about the smell though. The map shows that I'm very near a waterway so that could have something to do with it...
I'm okay with a "not great" neighborhood, as long as it's not a "No! don't move there! They'll rob you blind and shoot you dead within a week!" kind of place (I've lived in a couple of those too, would rather not again). Ethnicity of the residents does not bother me one way or another.
Welcome to the area. You will definitely know you're not in Mississippi anymore!
Another interesting place, a couple of miles south on Isleta Blvd., is the Gutierrez-Hubble House, managed by the county Open Space division. It is a restored 150-year-old adobe hacienda turned into a museum and education space. Check out the website for tours and other events. It will give you a good introduction to the history of the area.
Hi! Saw your post. Our daughter has just graduated from MSU and is moving to the South Valley on Jan. 7th. She will be joining her older sister, who graduated from the W in Columbus. For both -- and for us-- it's returning home, as the South Valley is where elder daughter was born.
But it isn't for everyone. It's diverse, ethnic, eclectic, crazy. Rural, urban, alternative, traditional and much more, in ways that few places are in the rest of the city, or in the country, for that matter.
There are some good areas around that intersection, btw.
Best!
Dale
Be receptive, observant and engaged and you may well love it. Feel free to contact me by pm if you wish.
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