Renaissance - Albuquerque, NM

Renaissance sits in the center of the city and straddles one of the major routes for getting across the Rio Grande. It benefits from this boost in activity and influx of different cultural characteristics of Albuquerque. In the 1980s, the neighborhood sat apart from the city, and tumbleweeds were the main occupants. Century Rio 24 was constructed in the early 1990s, and its stadium-seating and massive screens made it the most modern theater around. Fans flocked to see the flicks, and as the area became a destination, restaurants and retail sprang up, over the years accumulating into the sea of chain and theme dining seen today. Each year, hot-air balloons lift over the city’s North Valley and drift over Renaissance and during the Balloon Fiesta each October. The Anderson-Abruzzo Museum chronicles the history of this high-flying sport and hosts camps for kids to learn about the science behind it.

A preponderance of offices and light industry in the area means Renaissance has a high daytime population, helping nearby lunch spots thrive. Local lunch spot Nick & Jimmy's departs from predictable chain-fare. The appetizers are made fresh in this establishment, and diners enjoy freshly served prime beef and seafood in time to get back to the office. Even better, most entrées cost under $15.

Casual Nexus Brewery takes pride in its signature selection of careful craft brews and soul food. Chicken and waffles complement honey chamomile wheat beer, and entrées cost less than $12. If you're with a gang of friends, ask for a private room and a few pitchers.

More local beer flavors sit just up the street at Chama River Brewing Company, and its copper bar keeps your glass a little bit colder. Only a few minutes north, Century Rio 24 has massive screens playing the latest IMAX and 3D movies.

Drivers can hop on Interstate 25 or Interstate 40 beyond in minutes to reach every area of the city in just a few minutes. The city generally enjoys uncongested freeways, and parking stays free outside downtown and Nob Hill. You can call an Uber or call for a taxi; don't expect to hail one, though. A bus ticket costs $2 in Albuquerque and will get you anywhere in town, one way.

Cyclists roll along the 400 miles of surfaced trails that make up Albuquerque’s modern and forward-thinking network of trails, and difficulty ranges from gentle downhill coasts to hair-rising mountain trail traverses. Biking to work is fast gaining popularity in Albuquerque, and these routes are continually being expanded and improved along with the dedicated bike lanes along many city streets with which they connect.

Free and nearby recreation abounds in the area, including a number of area parks and the Bosque — a shady system of trails along the wooded edge of the Rio Grande — to the west. Cross the river and see inscriptions dating back more than 2,000 years at Petroglyph National Monument. They include pictograms from Pueblo Indians and religious messages from Spanish explorers, and the park’s visitor’s center avails visitors of maps and background information. Northeast of the neighborhood, Arroyo del Oso’s and 300 acres of grassy hills and a 27-hole golf course hosts one of the larger open spaces in the city. It also hosts a dog park and playground for toddlers. An outstanding element of Albuquerque outdoor life continues to be the availability of a comprehensive bicycle network. It includes hundreds of miles of varying difficulty terrain, including trails for recreation and efficient paths for commuting.

Rent in this center-city location with fast freeway access stays above-average for Albuquerque at $765. The area enjoys quality schools and well-funded city services, partly reflected by the cost of rent. A meal can range from less than $7 to well in excess of $120 at Pappadeux or other nearby concept chains. The price of beer also runs the gamut, but will generally cost around $6.50 – slightly above average for Albuquerque. Parking stays free and abundant in Renaissance, and a bus ticket anywhere in town costs just $2. Expect to pay 9 percent less for your gas compared to the national average.

Area shops gather along Montgomery Boulevard, although the area's big-box member stores west of the freeway draw residents from the north seeking bulk foods.

For a unique shopping experience, visit a local music shop. Just south of Montgomery sits Robertson and Son's Violin Shop. Its hundreds of fine musical instruments seem out of place outside Europe, and the vault brims with rare and unusual specimens.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the expertly baked pies from New Mexico Pie Company. Its creations include Pumpkin Praline and Razzledazzle Rhubarb. Grab these tasty goods in five-inch tins to take home. Call ahead with an order for custom pies, and the baker tries to accommodate you.

Golden Flower Chinese Herbs has Oriental and modern formulas curated by attentive experts. It also has classes on acupuncture and other traditional treatments at its location south of Montgomery Boulevard.

Locals pick up their meat, produce and household essentials at Albertsons, to the east of the area. Massive member stores Costco and Sam's Club also call Renaissance home. A bit further south lies Whole Foods Market if you want organic groceries. Head east to the ABQ Uptown growers market or south to the Downtown Growers' Market (held in historic Robinson Park) during the summer for farm-fresh produce.