Academy Estates East - Albuquerque, NM

The history of Academy Estates East is closely intertwined with that of the Albuquerque Academy, the private high school spanning roughly 300 acres of rolling desert hills that crown the northern side of the neighborhood. The land the school is on was once part of a much larger tract that included the surrounding neighborhoods, and over the years the school's land has been pared down and developed with upscale neighborhoods like Academy Estates East.

A great place to get to know more about Albuquerque's most famous pastime is the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. There are story events and other fun activities for kids at this glass and steel balloon-shaped building, and locals can ring in the New Year with music and fireworks at the museum's annual Manhattan on the Mesa celebration.

The available dining and entertainment options in or near Academy Estates East are wide-ranging. The Barley Room caters to the late-night crowd with live music and dancing, and the assortment of craft and local brews is hard to beat. Dragon Wok is a favorite for lunch, and if you like flavorful Chinese food made quickly, call in a lunch special - it costs $6.25, and you can pick it up five minutes later. Residents of Albuquerque's northeast heights rely on Dragon Wok for staples like lo mein and beef-fried rice, and if you're not in the mood to go out, the delivery service is as fast as their kitchen.

Seekers of evening drinks and music can unwind at the Barley Room, where the selection of regional and seasonal beers is complemented by the extensive menu of bar food favorites. Patrons love the laid-back environment and generous portions, such as the half-pound Jack Daniels BBQ burger topped with an onion ring, two kinds of cheese and whiskey-infused barbecue sauce.

Moviegoers will find silver screens playing second-run showings of popular theatre hits at Cinemark Movies 8 for as little as $2 a ticket. Century 24, a more modern complex with 24 screens and theaters capable of showing the latest 3D movies, is also nearby.

Academy Estates East residents usually drive when it comes to getting around the area, and the available parking and proximity to Interstate 40 make owning a vehicle convenient. Albuquerque is an Uber-friendly city, but roving taxis are rare, so call ahead to schedule a pickup. Residents rely on the city’s public transit system to reach just about any destination within the city. If you’re a cyclist, you’ll agree that Albuquerque’s award-winning system of bicycle trails makes it one of the most bike-friendly cities anywhere. Pedestrians will also find their fair share of trails, making it easy to run errands on foot.

Nestled between two of the larger open space areas in the city and just miles from Albuquerque’s foothills, Academy Estates East is well-positioned for recreation.

Nearby Arroyo del Oso Park and Golf Course is one of the largest in the area, featuring almost 300 acres of public recreation space and a 27-hole golf course. It’s also home to a playground and different ball fields and serves as the host for fall and spring soccer events. Bring a furry friend, and let him or her stretch any tight tendons along the park’s paths.

Albuquerque’s system of well-maintained bicycle and pedestrian paths total over 400 miles around the city, and cyclists in Academy Estates East can coast west down toward the river and the trails that flank it, or point themselves east for a more strenuous uphill excursion.

Albuquerque’s singular and not-to-be-missed annual event is the International Balloon Fiesta, which goes up every October and can be enjoyed from almost anywhere in the city as the horizon and then the sky becomes overwhelmed with colorful, silent spheres.

At $645, the average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment in Academy Estates East is higher than average for the city. The quiet open space to the north and west create a stiller presence in the area, and little-trafficked side streets contribute to the safety and serenity that residents pay a little more to enjoy. Locals have a wide array of luxury apartments to choose from in the area, with prices naturally climbing based on the number and quality of amenities.

The average prices of beer and meals are pretty standard for the Albuquerque at around $6 and $11 respectively, but fine dining is also available for $100 or so per couple — also standard for the city. Albuquerque’s extensive transit system can get you anywhere in town for $2 per one-way ticket, but drivers will find gas prices appealing at about 9 percent lower than the national average.

The intersection of Wyoming and Academy Boulevards at the heart of Academy Estates East is a commercial crossroads for the city, and a wide variety of retail options are available as a result.

Southwest Grape and Grain is a little out of the way but offers home brewing enthusiasts an assortment of essentials for creating beer and wine. The staff is friendly, and they love to guide aspiring brewers to hops and flavorings that match the profile of the concoction they want to create. Albuquerque’s burgeoning craft brew scene is evident in the popularity of this ingredient and equipment shop that caters to novices and experts alike. Closer to Academy Estates East is Now We're Cooking, a specialty kitchen utensils and appliances store that can help you find just the right tools to make a good meal to accompany your home-made brews.

For festive arrangements made by an award-winning local florist, Shannon Loves Flowers is a go-to shop in Academy Estates East. Shannon is known for her inspired and out-of-the-box creativity, and she follows up on all orders to ensure customer satisfaction. Expect Shannon’s flowers to last a lot longer than those from a grocery store or flower chain store.

Groceries can be easily grabbed at nearby Albertsons, which carries fresh meats and produce along with household essentials. Those preferring organic and specialty foods can walk into Whole Foods, and the very popular and simply named Farmers Market is known for high-quality produce.