About Albuquerque

Come Study in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A.

Image of the United States with New Mexico highlighted and an arrow pointing to where CNM is.

Set in the middle of the state, Albuquerque is New Mexico’s biggest city and gateway to this striking region along the Río Grande. Here you will find abundant Native culture, a lively entertainment scene, filmmaking hotspots, dining, shopping, and the world’s largest balloon fiesta. (New Mexico Tourism Department, 2016)

Albuquerque is a welcoming destination with stunning landscape, 310 days of sunshine, gorgeous sunsets, blue skies, and low humidity. (Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2016)

Check out what makes our city a great place for you to study.

More information about Albuquerque.

Fun Facts

The Sandia Mountains

Image of the Sandia Mountains. The Sandia Mountains run along the eastern edge of Albuquerque and are the first mountains west of the Mississippi River. “Sandia” is Spanish for “watermelon. ” The mountains often give off a pinkish glow at sunset.

A 2.7-mile aerial tramway located five miles northeast of Albuquerque whisks visitors to the top of 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in about twenty minutes. It is the longest tram in North America, and has the third longest span in the world.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Image of hot-air balloons floating over a river. Albuquerque is known as the “Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World” because of the excellent flying conditions, number of resident hot-air balloonists and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Microsoft's Birthplace

Image of Bill Gates and Paul Allen surrounded by computers. While Microsoft is mainly associated with the Greater Seattle area, Bill Gates and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen started the company in Albuquerque, where it was located from 1975 and 1979.

Film Industry

Image of the Albuquerque skyline. New Mexico was one of the first states to offer tax breaks for movie and film production. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, No Country for Old Men and The Grapes of Wrath among many other movies were filmed in New Mexico.

Check out the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Convention & Tourism Department's website for more information.

Living in Albuquerque

Transportation

Cars

Most people in Albuquerque drive. If you decide to purchase or rent a car, you'll need a New Mexico state drivers license. Visit for more information. Contact your adviser if you run into problems.

Buses

Albuquerque has an extensive bus system. Go here for routes and trip planning. You may ride buses for free with a pass that can be affixed to your CNM ID. You will have an opportunity to get this pass at new student orientation.

Train

The Railrunner runs all the way from Albuquerque to Santa Fe with stops in between. Bicycles are allowed onboard. Be sure to carry your CNM ID for a student discount.

Bicycle

Depending on the location of your housing, you should be able to get to where you need to go via bicycle, as the neighborhood surrounding CNM has all the amenities you might need, including grocery stores, clothing stores, and restaurants. If you purchase a bicycle, remember to lock it carefully at all times.

Shuttle

The UNM shuttle is also available to CNM students.

Housing Options

Temporary lodgings at a hotel may be necessary until permanent living arrangements can be secured.