needing advice on relocating to Albuquerque area (Kirtland: neighborhoods, school districts)

[MOfam]

We are a young family with young children wanting to relocate to the Albuquerque area. We have plans to come visit soon to look for areas we would like to live. My husband and I grew up in Missouri our whole lives and we are ready to move. He is in law enforcement and I am finishing up my bachelors degree in nursing right now. We are wanting an affordable, family friendly, smaller suburb with good schools, that, if possible, have mountain views. We are looking for opinions and advice on relocating to the area. Anything would be helpful!

[ziaAirmac]

You're in luck, because just about all of Albuquerque feels like a suburb :-) Due to it's unusual geography (going from a river valley up to the foothills of the Sandia mountains.), Albuquerque has distinctly different 'neighborhood' feels. Also, some neighborhoods kept more trees while others were developed with xeriscape in mind, also affecting the feel of the neighborhood. These are generalizations, but they should give you a head's-up coming into Albuquerque 'blind': Most people feel north of Central Ave is safer and has better school districts. If possible, try to avoid having to cross the river as part of your daily commute (there's only so many crossings, so they end up congested daily). The 1950's developments are nice 'starting family' neighborhoods (check 'Hoffmantown, Princess Jeanne, Snow Heights. Hoffmantown in particular has a couple of great parks.). Be sure to pick up a family pass to the Bio-Park. For one fee (around $70) you can enjoy: The zoo, the aquarium, the bio park and Tingley Beach (don't get excited, it should have been called: Tingley's series of small ponds with some sand around them.). Museum of Natural History and Explora! science museum are also kid favorites. Avoid the area around the Sunport/Kirtland AFB and south of UNM. Have fun!