Westside - Albuquerque, NM

As with much of Albuquerque, the Outer West Side was originally home to Native Americans before the Spanish built settlements in the 1700s. The land had many uses over the centuries, although until the later half of the 1900s, these were predominantly rural. The urban areas expanded to the foot of the cliffs of West Mesa. Designation of Petroglyph National Monument in 1990 halted the westward urban expansion.

Museum seekers travel to central Albuquerque, where numerous museums exist, including the Albuquerque Museum, the Rattlesnake Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Other than at the Petroglyph National Monument, the arts are also represented more in the big city, with downtown's gallery's, music venues and theaters the most practical options for seekers of art. The monument hosts a number of annual events, such as the Zuni Carving Show, featuring handmade stone carvings.

Only two restaurants, both fast food chains, exist in the Outer West Side. A cluster of establishments on Coors Boulevard represents the closest sit-down dining options, with a number of chain restaurants, some international cuisine and a few local eateries. Visit Pericos New Mexican Restaurant for a family-owned business, which has been in operation for over 30 years. Try the homemade chile or a monstrous half-pound burrito. The restaurant serves over 20 different burritos, as well as enchiladas, stuffed sopapillas, tacos, and tamales.

Mimmo's Ristorante & Pizzeria dishes up a range of Italian classics. This includes giant calzones, pasta, and pizza. A lunch buffet with pizza and salad draws in the lunchtime crowd on weekdays, while weekends bring special menu selections, such as linguine with mussels.

Limited nightlife options exist in the area, with Coors Avenue home to a few chain pubs and a handful of local bars. For greater nightlife options, residents head to downtown Albuquerque. Effingbar and Grill features 14 televisions to catch all the big games and hosts live local music and karaoke throughout the week, with daily lunch and drink specials. The restaurant specializes in steaks, hot dogs, and burgers, with other standard pub fare also available.

While Transit routes 92 and 94 service the area, with both heading downtown, driving remains the predominant means of travel in the Outer West Side. Highway 345, the area's main roadway, easily connects commuters and travelers to Interstate 40. This allows for easy access to central Albuquerque. For those needing a ride, Uber and numerous cab companies operate in the neighborhood, although pickup must be arranged in advance, as hailing a cab is unlikely.

Highway 345 and Ouray Road provide dedicated bicycle lanes and trails, while residential streets are generally safe for walking and biking. However, with few close destinations for most residents, walkability remains low. Drivers park for free throughout the Outer West Side.

Numerous lengthy trails, a visitor's center and over 24,000 petroglyphs carved in stone by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers greet you at Petroglyph National Monument, a 7,244-acre desert park set on a series of mesas just west of the Outer West Side. The west side of the monument features five dormant volcano cones. The monument hosts events throughout the year, such as art exhibits, tours and workshops.

Ouray Dog Park gives your canine friend the opportunity to run leash-free, while Rincondada Park caters to the sports minded with tennis courts, soccer fields and a basketball court. The undeveloped Vista Allegre Park and minimally developed Katherine Nicole Park provide open spaces to explore and enjoy the New Mexico sun. El Rancho Atrisco Park serves children with two playgrounds and a basketball court, while the adjacent Ladera Golf Course features 18 holes and an average adult greens fee of $25. In addition to events at Petroglyph National Monument, several area parks host rotating city of Albuquerque parks department events and workshops.

Life in the Outer West Side costs slightly less than the average in Albuquerque, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for right around $700 per month. Transit riders pay $1 per bus ride or $2 for an all day pass. Drivers pay about 15 percent less than the national average for a gallon of gas. When out at a local pub, patrons pay around $3.50 for a pint of beer.

Minimal shopping exists in the Outer West Side, although a short drive east brings residents to a commercial area along Coors Boulevard. Shoppers interested in specialty and boutique stores must drive a bit farther.

Jack & Rascals, about four miles to the northeast, supplies your pet with everything it needs. The locally owned business features all-natural food, as well as professional dog and cat grooming, including bathing, brushing, nail clipping and teeth and ear cleaning.

Other than light groceries at the neighborhood Walgreens, grocery shopping also requires a drive to Coors Boulevard, where a Walmart supplies grocery needs. A slightly farther drive to Central Avenue, on the south side of Interstate 40, brings you to an Albertsons and a QFC. During the summer months, farmers markets throughout Albuquerque provide local farm fresh produce, meats and goods, with either the downtown or Los Ranchos markets closest to the Outer West Side.

For year-round fresh local meats and dairy, Keller's Farm Stores, an Albuquerque butcher since the 1940s, carries everything you need. In addition to fresh cuts, the shop stocks a large supply of smoked and roasted meats, as well as farm-fresh eggs and an extensive list of hard-to-find cheeses. Keller's also sells some other groceries, caters events and features holiday specials to help make your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner a complete success.