Alphie’s Concrete Service Area

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, has a rich and complex geography shaped by natural landscapes, cultural history, and modern development. Its location along the Rio Grande and the base of the Sandia Mountains gives it unique physical features, while its neighborhoods, zip codes, and political divisions highlight its urban character.

States and Regions

Albuquerque is located in the state of New Mexico, in the southwestern United States. It sits in the Central Rio Grande Valley within the New Mexico Highlands and is considered part of the American Southwest region. It is one of the main urban centers of the state and anchors the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

Indigenous Lands

The city is surrounded by and interwoven with Indigenous lands. Neighboring pueblos include:

• Sandia Pueblo (north of the city)

• Isleta Pueblo (south of the city)

• Laguna Pueblo and Acoma Pueblo (to the west)

• Santa Ana Pueblo (to the north, near Bernalillo)

These pueblos have historically influenced Albuquerque’s culture, trade, and geography.

Counties

Albuquerque is the county seat of Bernalillo County, which is the most populous county in New Mexico. The metro area also extends into parts of Sandoval County, Valencia County, and Torrance County.

Metropolitan Area

The Albuquerque MSA includes Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties, with over 900,000 residents. It is the economic and cultural hub of central New Mexico, stretching north to Rio Rancho and south to Los Lunas and Belen.

Physical Geographic Areas

• The Rio Grande runs through the center of Albuquerque, providing water resources and defining much of the city’s landscape.

• The Sandia Mountains rise immediately to the east, reaching 10,678 feet at Sandia Crest.

• The West Mesa, a volcanic escarpment, lies on the city’s western edge, featuring extinct cinder cones such as Vulcan, Black, and Bond volcanos.

• The Bosque is the riparian forest along the Rio Grande, preserved in several parks.

Neighborhoods and Districts

Albuquerque has dozens of distinct neighborhoods, including:

• Old Town – historic district founded in 1706

• Downtown – business and civic center

• Nob Hill – known for Route 66 culture and nightlife

• Uptown – shopping and commercial hub

• North Valley and South Valley – semi-rural areas with agricultural traditions

• Westside – large suburban developments on the mesa

• Four Hills, Ventana Ranch, Taylor Ranch, Barelas, Huning Highland, and the International District (formerly the War Zone)

Zip Codes

Albuquerque has over 30 primary zip codes, including:

• 87101–87125 (central and downtown areas)

• 87144 (northern areas toward Rio Rancho)

• 87120, 87121, 87114 (Westside neighborhoods)

• 87106, 87108, 87110 (UNM, Nob Hill, and Midtown areas)

• 87111, 87112, 87123 (Foothills and Eastside areas)

Protected Areas

Albuquerque is home to several major protected areas and parks:

• Petroglyph National Monument (over 24,000 ancient rock carvings on the West Mesa)

• Cibola National Forest (surrounds the Sandia Mountains with hiking and wilderness areas)

• Rio Grande Valley State Park (Bosque trails along the river)

• Elena Gallegos Open Space, Balloon Fiesta Park, and Paseo del Bosque Trail

Cities, Towns, and Villages Nearby

• Rio Rancho (just northwest, in Sandoval County)

• Los Lunas and Belen (south, in Valencia County)

• Corrales (a village along the Rio Grande north of Albuquerque)

• Edgewood and Tijeras (east in the Sandia Mountains)

Wards and Precincts

Albuquerque is divided into 9 City Council districts, each represented by an elected councilor. At the electoral level, Bernalillo County breaks the city into numerous voting precincts for state and federal elections.

Special Economic Zones

While Albuquerque does not have official “SEZs,” it does maintain several business corridors and economic hubs:

• Mesa del Sol – a large planned community and business district

• Downtown Albuquerque Innovation District

• Uptown Business Improvement District

• Sandia Science & Technology Park (near Kirtland Air Force Base)

Summary

Albuquerque’s geography is a layered blend of natural landscapes, Indigenous history, and modern development. From the Sandia Mountains to the Rio Grande Bosque, from historic Old Town to sprawling suburban Westside neighborhoods, the city is a mosaic of regions, cultures, and ecosystems. Its zip codes, precincts, and neighborhoods reflect the complexity of a city that continues to grow while honoring its deep historical and geographic roots.