Singing Arrow - Albuquerque, NM

This thriving neighborhood began evolving into what is now Singing Arrow in 1706, as the area was originally established as a colonial outpost for the Spaniards of Ranchos de Albuquerque. As time has progressed, historic artifacts from the battles of yesteryear have been dug up and displayed at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History on Eubank Boulevard.

The natives of Singing Arrows take pride in their culture, handcrafting artwork from scrap metal to create prevalent sights to see along Interstate 25 and Route 66. You could also snag a few sculptures, handmade vases and blown-glass designs of your own from the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival: an annual tradition of artisan wares that takes place in the spring, fall and winter.

Straying away from the norm of chain restaurants and impersonal cuisine, Singing Arrow brims with diners, cafes and eateries that are locally founded, owned and operated. These are the types of restaurants that you would expect and even hope to find in a close-knit community — ones where everybody is friends with everybody else.

Straight Up Pizza values its customers as close buddies, regardless if it’s your first time visiting or your 100th. The locally grown fruits and vegetables add a fresher taste to the pizzas and calzones this restaurant is known for. However, the Devil Dog ranks as most popular, must-try pizza here, combining green chilis, bacon, pineapple and roasted garlic atop an 18-inch crust with mounds of spicy marinara and mozzarella cheese.

Take your taste sensations to new heights with an infusion of authentic Korean and Chinese cuisine at Fu Yuang on Eubank Boulevard. Freshness prevails and the attentive owner delights in teaching new customers about unfamiliar menu items. Described as perfection by frequent patrons, the bulgogi is a made from a scratch combination of potstickers, shredded beef, seasonal vegetables and a blend of Korean spices.

For lovers of nightlife, Lizard Tail Brewing has a laid-back atmosphere and casual at-home feel. Beer-slinging bartenders are artisans in their smooth expertise, serving the best craft brews in Singing Arrow, such as Honey Pale Ale and Oatmeal Brown. Plus, their knowledge of flavors includes a detailed list of beers and ingredients to get you started. You can also request samples before making a final decision.

Interstate 40 lies north of Singing Arrow, following a straight yet scenic path well into the Sandia Foothills. Central Avenue Southeast splices into the Interstate, and both roads are bisected by Interstate 25, making commutes easier and more accessible with two major highways.

Albuquerque International Sunport and Albuquerque International Airport KABQ provide easy navigation for those traveling to and from the Singing Arrow area. There are rental car options available on the spot, and Sunport Shuttle provides quick pick-me-ups to and from airport parking decks.

Train-lovers can hitch enjoyable rides while relaxing in comfort on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express on Cooper Avenue. Cab-savvy travelers can take a ride with Uber, or the Yellow Cab Company on Kinley Avenue.

Lush in green, grassy hills and rolling landscapes, Singing Arrow gives you breaths of fresh, crisp air and countryside scenery to the south of the main metropolis. Singing Arrow Park focuses more on interactive aspects and less on nature, with a community center nearby for recreational sports and get-together events. Picnic with your closest friends, host reunions for your family or sign up to support the neighborhood youth in the After School Recreation Program.

The Elena Gallegos Picnic Area provides more than a place to grab lunch, as the 640-acre park features gorgeous, thriving landscape in every direction. Use your keen observation skills to explore for signs of the booming wildlife in the area, hiking for miles on networking, winding trails that provide access to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, numerous swimming holes and outdoor artwork by Margie O’Brien.

Dog-lovers never miss an afternoon to take their pampered pooches to Canine Skyline Park — a puppy haven of evergreen grasses, plenty of running space and beautiful views of the surrounding foothills. The spacious, gated yard brings playtime fun for pups of all sizes and ages, and plastic baggies are stocked daily to ensure a clean, safe place where dogs and owners can socialize.

Living in the Singing Arrow area requires low-to-average costs, which means the communities are comfortable and luxurious without piling on mountains of debt. Apartments are affordable and the average neighborhood rental rate hovers around $600.

Gas prices run around 7 percent lower than the national average. ABQ Tramways has multiple daily rides for $1 per passenger, but you could purchase a bus pass to ride all year long for $225 annually. You can expect to shell out $5 for a beer at the local bars.

A couple of modern convenience and chain stores have made their way to Singing Arrow, such as Ross Dress for Less, Hobby Lobby, Walmart and Costco, but this neighborhood makes shopping a personal, friendlier experience with locally founded and operated craft, beauty, grocery and apparel shops.

Sports fanatics will love searching for memorabilia from their favorite teams at the House of Football and knitting enthusiasts can pick up ideas for a new project or two from the Stitcher's Garden.

Every corner in the Singing Arrow metropolis seems to be riddled with consignment shops. People with varied interests and hobbies could find something anywhere, and those with specific needs simply have to look around to find a store that suits their personality. Singing Arrow truly has something for everyone when it comes to shopping for wants and must-haves.