Kirtland AFB: A Military Mom’s Honest Take on Albuquerque, New Mexico

Oh…New Mexico?…

When you’re a beach soul—having spent over a decade on the East and Southeast Coast—never once living anywhere West or Southwest… and you get orders to Albuquerque, New Mexico—be honest about your first thoughts.

Because mine were:

• Nobody ever talks about New Mexico.
• Desert. Cacti. No beach.
• What is even in New Mexico?
• And how do you spell Albuquerque without autocorrect doing all the work?

Cue inner panic.

PCS Research Spiral: Activate

Like any seasoned military spouse, I went straight into research mode.

Step 1: Facebook group searches.
Step 2: Click Join (approximately seven times).
Step 3: Use the search bar. Ask all the questions.
Step 4: Submit new questions anyway.

And then… the responses rolled in.

Honestly? They scared me.
Especially the ones from locals.

“We’re ranked last in education.”
“High crime.”
“It’s a medical desert.”
“This is the first PCS in 20 years where we only considered living on base.”

I flooded my husband with screenshots, comments, and crime maps.

Even he started to worry…

Post-PCS Reality Check

Fast forward through:

• • PCS chaos
  • Unpacking purgatory
  • Our first holiday season here

And I can say this with my whole chest:

New Mexico has my heart.
Forget the fear. I’m in love.

When I said I wanted to live somewhere with four seasons again, I pictured:

• • Tennessee
  • The Virginias
  • Somewhere Midwest-adjacent

New Mexico was never on my bingo card.

And yet? I could happily stay here.

So let me unload why—and help you get plugged in just in case you receive orders to Kirtland Air Force Base.

First – Quick Geography Refresher: 

You’re Not Alone. If you’re anything like me—and most people I’ve talked to—this part is for us. (And if not, you can laugh. It’s okay.)

USA Map Recall: 🥁 Drum roll…

• • Arizona is to the left of New Mexico
  • Colorado is directly above
  • Texas is the right-hand neighbor

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)

You’re welcome.

“But What is Even in New Mexico?”

Short answer?
Everything (except the ocean).

New Mexico is wildly underrated when it comes to landscape and natural beauty. You’ll find:

• • Mountains
  • White sand dunes
  • Forests (7 National Forests!)
  • Canyons
  • Caverns
  • Hot springs
  • Waterfalls
  • Rivers (the Rio Grande is the 4th longest river in the U.S.)
  • Lakes
  • Lava fields
  • Extinct volcanoes (YES, volcanoes)
    

And somehow, the sunsets and stargazing make all of it even more magical.

5 NM Fun Facts That Might Surprise You:

• • New Mexico is one of only four states that meet at the Four Corners Monument, where you can stand in: New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah… all at the same time.

• • New Mexico has a long history of grape growing and by the late 19^th century was producing over a million gallons of wine each year.
  • The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon event in the world.
  • On a clear day, The Capulin Volcano National Monument in the NE corner of the state can provide a view of 5 different states from the top.
  • White Sands National Park is the largest gypsum dune field on Earth.

Why You’ll Love It Here Too:

1. 1. The Culture & Diversity Are Incredible
      

      New Mexico’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths.

      • Hispanic and Latino population: nearly 50%
      • Indigenous, Native population: ~10%
        • There are 19 Sovereign Pueblo Nations. Each with their own customs, traditions, and languages.
          • Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambé, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, Sandia, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Zia, & Zuni
            • These 19 Nations span five recognized language dialects:
              • Zunian, Keresan, Tiwa, Towa, & Tewa
                • These dialects fall under three language families:
                  • Keresan, Tanoan, & Zunian

• • • • In addition, New Mexico is home to:
        • Navajo (Diné), Jicarilla Apache, & Mescalero Apache

This is a powerful place to learn—not just as adults, but as parents raising curious, culturally-aware kids.

2. Foodies Thrive Here:

• • • • Variety in cuisine ranging from chile-smothered New Mexican staples (even McDonald’s has an option to add chile) to Italian comfort food, Vietnamese pho, Middle Eastern plates, Asian fusion, farm-to-table favorites, and everything in between. The abundance of local coffee shops, food trucks, and independently owned restaurants makes it remarkably easy to skip chain dining altogether.
      • Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between school pickup and practice or planning a date night that doesn’t involve the usual big-box restaurant, Albuquerque delivers.

       3. Let’s Not Forget the Shopping

Because yes—this matters. Especially after move number who knows anymore.
Albuquerque (and surrounding) checks all the practical boxes:

• • • • Costco (3)
      • Sam’s Club (3)
      • Trader Joe’s (2)
      • Natural Grocers (2)
      • Whole Foods (2)
      • Sprouts (6)
      • Target (6)

Plus two thriving malls nearby that make us Y2K moms very happy with all the familiar staples we’ve missed from past duty stations. Add in a variety of every day grocery stores, bookstores, record shops, vintage stores, locally owned boutiques, World Market, At Home, REI and Bass Pro (my husband’s favorites) an Amazon distribution center (hello same- and next-day delivery), and even Netflix Studios, and suddenly it feels like everything I’ve “gathered” and loved from previous stateside homes is finally in one place.

After so many moves, it’s refreshing to land somewhere that feels both exciting and convenient.

        4. There Are Things to Do If You’re Not an Outdoors Family

Let’s be honest: not every family dreams of hiking, camping, or chasing sunsets every weekend. Maybe you prefer air conditioning, coffee in hand, and a little less dirt on your shoes—and that’s completely okay. Luckily, Albuquerque and the surrounding areas have plenty to offer families who love indoor fun, experiences, and low-key adventures. From hands-on museums to indoor entertainment and creative classes, you can fill your weekends without ever touching a trail.

• • • • 🎨 Museums, Culture & Learning (Without Feeling Like Homework)

        • • Explora Science Center – Over 250 Hands-on, interactive, and STEAM fun for kids and adults

          • Albuquerque Museum – Art, history, and rotating exhibits to explore

          • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center – Important history of the Pueblo People, Cultural experiences, performances, and authentic food

          • National Museum of Nuclear Science & History – explore the dynamic of nuclear science 361 days a year; Smithsonian Affiliate with kid camps offered throughout the year

        • Tip: Many museums offer free or discounted days—perfect for families wanting to mix learning with play.

      • 🎬 Entertainment & Family Fun

        • Movie theaters, Bowling alleys & arcades, Indoor trampoline parks, Pickleball, indoor roller skating, Escape rooms, Indoor play spaces for younger kids (including the Chuck-E-Cheese throwback), and many more options!

        • Don’t sleep on catching a game for one of the established pro and semi-pro sports teams – all are strongly supported locally:

          • Basketball: NM Lobos (NCAA Division 1)
          • Soccer: NM United (USL Championship)
          • Baseball: ABQ Isotopes (MiLB – Triple-A)
          • Hockey: NM Ice Wolves (NAHL – Junior A) & *NEW* as of 2026-2027 NM Goatheads (ECHL)
          • Boxing/MMA: Jackson Wink MMA Academy (Albuquerque) is one of the most famous MMA gyms in the world, training UFC champions and top-ranked fighters

      • 🎭 Arts, Events & Nightlife 

        • Local theaters and live performances, Comedy shows, Seasonal markets and pop-ups, Live music venues and casinos, Balloon Fiesta events,

          • Tip: Keep an eye on community calendars; Albuquerque hosts small festivals, pop-ups, and performances year-round that don’t require hiking shoes—just your sense of adventure.

      • 🧘‍♀️ Self-Care, Classes & Community
        • Yoga, Pilates, barre, and fitness studios, art classes, pottery, painting, and creative workshops, libraries with robust programming for all ages, community centers, and youth programs

Whether your family loves culture, creativity, or just a little downtime indoors, Albuquerque has something for everyone—no trail shoes required. With a little planning, your weekends can be full of fun, learning, and local experiences.

Sharing is Caring @ Kirtland, AFB

• • New Mexico Kids! Family Magazine – online or newspaper style, placed in a lot of local establishments. Find months at a time of what is going on for all ages in a variety of cities, including Santa Fe.
  • City of Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Brochure – each season is released and loaded with all the upcoming activities, classes, sports, and fun within the Rio Rancho area.
  • City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation | ABQTODO – Browse events, things to do, attractions, neighborhood guides, and more within the Albuquerque area.
  • Visit Albuquerque – find things to do, events, food, and professional and collegiate-level sports to enjoy.
  • Albuquerque Mom – Blog style with tons of resources and relatable content from local Moms. From guides to any and all topics, another Military Mom Collective vibe!

Final Thoughts From a Former Skeptic:

New Mexico isn’t loud about its beauty.
It doesn’t sell itself aggressively.
It doesn’t get the hype.

But maybe that’s why it feels so special once you arrive.

If New Mexico is on your PCS orders—or even just a possibility—don’t write it off too quickly. It just might surprise you the way it surprised me.