AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Albuquerque, NM — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Albuquerque neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,100/mo
Median Rent
564,559
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Kirtland Air Force Base
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Albuquerque? What Renters Need to Know

Albuquerque is very affordable by western US standards, with a median rent of about $1,100/month. Nob Hill and the Northeast Heights run $1,200-$1,300 for quality housing, while the South Valley offers options well under $900.

Quick Facts

Population 564,559
Median Rent $1,100/mo
Top Employer Kirtland Air Force Base
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,100 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Albuquerque median rent is $400 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Albuquerque is Kirtland Air Force Base, making the Nob Hill area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Albuquerque

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Nob Hill

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 7/10
#2

Old Town

Score: 82/100
Safety B
Walk Score 65
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 7/10
#3

North Valley

Score: 79/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,150
Schools 6/10

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#4

Northeast Heights

Score: 83/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 48
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 8/10
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#5

Uptown

Score: 78/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 6/10
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#6

Rio Rancho

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $1,250
Schools 7/10
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#7

South Valley

Score: 59/100
Safety C-
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $850
Schools 3/10
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#8

East Mountains

Score: 76/100
Safety B
Walk Score 18
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Albuquerque Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Albuquerque Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Albuquerque renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Albuquerque.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Albuquerque properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Albuquerque

What is the average rent in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque is very affordable by western US standards, with a median rent of about $1,100/month. Nob Hill and the Northeast Heights run $1,200-$1,300 for quality housing, while the South Valley offers options well under $900.

Is Albuquerque safe?

Albuquerque has struggled with elevated property crime and vehicle theft rates, which residents should factor in. However, neighborhoods like Nob Hill, Northeast Heights, and the Old Town area are considerably safer than city-wide statistics suggest, and community policing efforts have improved in recent years.

What is Albuquerque known for?

Albuquerque is known for its stunning high-desert landscape, the annual International Balloon Fiesta (the world's largest), green and red chile cuisine, proximity to Santa Fe and Taos, and its role as a hub for national laboratories including Sandia National Labs and Los Alamos.

How is the weather in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually at an elevation of 5,312 feet, making summers warm but not oppressive (highs around 90-95°F) and winters mild with occasional snow. The dry climate and consistent blue skies are major quality-of-life draws.

What industries drive Albuquerque's economy?

Federal government and defense — particularly Kirtland AFB, Sandia National Labs, and the Air Force Research Lab — dominate Albuquerque's economy. Healthcare, higher education (University of New Mexico), and a growing film production industry (Breaking Bad effect) round out the major sectors.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.