Albuquerque Independent Living

Are you considering assisted living facilities in this high desert city? Good choice. Forbes magazine recently voted Albuquerque one of the "Best Places to Retire," for the city's "terrific weather, low taxes, lot[s] of doctors, modest cost of living." If these things appeal to you, read on.

Albuquerque's cost of living is "modest". According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's a few points below the national average. The state and local tax burden, according to the Tax Foundation, is at 8.4%, one of the lowest in the country. In 2010, the median home price was $174,000 with average property taxes of $1,460. Drivers in the state pay an average auto insurance premium of $1,805.

Albuquerque sits at an elevation of 5,312 feet in an arid, high desert climate. The altitude can be a minor issue for seniors initially arriving in the city. The thinner air makes everything a little harder at first (climbing stairs, jogging, etc.) but your body eventually adjusts. The altitude also makes year-round weather pleasant with over 300 sunny, low humidity days a year. The average January temperature is 31.4 degrees F while July's average is 73 degrees.

Perhaps the one drawback to Albuquerque is the high crime rate in the downtown area. Luckily for seniors, there are plenty of assisted living options around the city. On the edge of the city and at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, is the Tramway Ridge area. Here you'll find the Brookdale Place of Albuquerque assisted living community with views of the cityscape and the mountains. North of the city is the suburb of Rio Rancho, one of New Mexico's fastest growing cities. The high-tech giants Intel and HP have offices here. The Central Community College of New Mexico was just completed. And there is good health care with Presbyterian Hospital. Consider the resort-style Fairwinds assisted living community. South of the city, you'll find the Village of Los Lunas and the Good Life assisted living facility.

To find an assisted living facility in and around Albuquerque, type an address, zip code or city in to our advanced search option. You'll get a listing of the closest communities, a map with locations, and resident reviews.