Real Estate Market

Dive into deliciousness in one of Albuquerque's most beloved neighborhoods! , Taste of Nob Hill returns on Saturday, June 14, 2025, and this year's celebration promises to be more delicious than ever. As part of the exciting Rhythm & Roots on Route 66 weekend (June 13-15) in partnership with Visit Albuquerque, this family-friendly festival transforms Main Street in Nob Hill into a foodie's paradise from noon to 3:00 PM.

Taste of Nob Hill began in 2015 and has since become a tradition and cornerstone event for Albuquerque's food scene, uniting the community to celebrate and showcase the incredible culinary diversity that makes Nob Hill unique. This isn't just any food festival—it's a thoughtful effort to reintroduce this historic Albuquerque area to longtime residents while welcoming newcomers to discover the neighborhood's hidden gems and longtime favorites.

The festival creates a unique one-stop opportunity to sample the best of what Nob Hill has to offer, from well-established eateries that have been neighborhood staples for decades to exciting new establishments that are adding fresh flavors to the district's culinary landscape.

Okay, so what's the big deal? What makes this festival so special? Picture this: you're strolling down Main Street with your sample tickets in hand, moving from one incredible taste experience to another. The roster of participants continues to grow, featuring beloved local establishments such as Mission Winery, Flying Star, M'Tucci's, Phat Stax Burgers, Central Bodega, and Tractor Brewing, plus many more surprises to discover.

Your ticket grants you access to a fantastic variety of samples utilizing a simple ticket system. Food samples cost just 1 or 2 sample tickets per taste, while non-alcoholic beverages are also 1 or 2 tickets. For those who want to pair their culinary adventure with local craft beverages, beers, wine, and cocktails are available for 5 sample tickets each. We love this system because it makes it easy to pace yourself and try a wide variety of offerings without overspending.

Suppose you're looking for a more elevated experience. In that case, the VIP Lounge entry, priced at $75, includes 40 sample tickets and access to The Parlor Room at Mission Winery, featuring a more relaxed atmosphere, comfortable sofa seating, and table service throughout the event, making it the perfect way to sample everything the festival has to offer.

Taste of Nob Hill celebrates of food, music, and community spirit, making it different from other food festivals. It's all about coming out here and having a good time - tasting great food, learning about the community, discovering new hot spots, and uncovering established places you may not have known about.

From noon to 3:00 PM, Live music creates the perfect soundtrack for your culinary journey. The well-planned, family-friendly atmosphere makes Taste of Nob Hill an ideal way to spend a Saturday afternoon with loved ones of all ages. Kids can discover new flavors while adults reconnect with old favorites or venture into uncharted culinary territory. The festival has become known for its safe and welcoming environment, which brings neighbors together over the universal language of great food.

The Taste of Nob Hill isn't happening in isolation—it's part of Albuquerque's incredible summer festival scene that makes our city such a vibrant place to live and visit. As part of the Rhythm & Roots on Route 66 weekend, you can extend your festival experience across multiple days, exploring different aspects of what makes Albuquerque's culture so rich and diverse.

Albuquerque's summer event calendar is packed with experiences for every interest. The City of Albuquerque hosts the Summerfest series throughout the summer, featuring local music, food, and entertainment in different neighborhoods across the city. Route 66 Summerfest celebrates our iconic highway with live music, food trucks, and community activities stretching along Central Avenue.

From the world-renowned Balloon Fiesta in the fall to the Gathering of Nations powwow and everything in between, our city knows how to throw a celebration. What makes these festivals special is how they showcase the authentic character of each neighborhood while bringing the entire community together. So come out and experience the true heart of Albuquerque. Food festivals, outdoor concerts, and street fairs are waiting for you to taste some of the innovative green chile dishes at a food festival, dance to local bands at an outdoor concert, or browse artisan booths at a street fair.

Come out to experience Nob Hill's incredible transformation. The Taste of Nob Hill is also the perfect way to celebrate of this neighborhood's ongoing revitalization. Nob Hill has long been one of Albuquerque's most vibrant districts. Recent years have seen an exciting renaissance with the opening of new restaurants, breweries, and businesses alongside beloved establishments that have served the community for generations.

Walking through Nob Hill today, you'll discover a diverse range of establishments, from innovative plant-based eateries to traditional New Mexican cuisine, craft breweries to cozy coffee shops, and vintage stores to contemporary artist galleries.

Nob Hill is the ideal backdrop for a festival that celebrates both tradition and creativity. The neighborhood captures Albuquerque's blend of historic charm and modern innovation perfectly.

Local business owners consistently express how meaningful community events like this are for building connections. We believe this is extremely important because Nob Hill is undergoing a revitalization right now, and there are numerous new restaurants and places to try. It's a fantastic event that allows many people to come out and discover new places they may love.

This festival is also a must-attend event for families. Beyond the obvious appeal of fantastic food at affordable prices, Taste of Nob Hill offers families something increasingly rare in our busy world—a chance to slow down, explore, and connect with your community.

It's an opportunity to introduce the kiddos to new flavors, tastes, and cuisines while supporting local businesses that make your neighborhood special.

The festival format is perfect for families with different tastes and dietary preferences. With so many participating restaurants and a wide variety of offerings, everyone can find something to satisfy their taste buds. What we love about the sampling format is that you get to try multiple options without committing to a full meal, making it perfect for adventurous eaters or those with more discerning palates.

The timing—noon to 3:00 PM—is ideal for families, offering a perfect afternoon activity that won't conflict with evening routines. And because it's in the heart of Nob Hill, you can easily extend your visit to explore the neighborhood's shops, cafes, and other attractions before or after the festival.

One of the things that makes Albuquerque so special is our food scene. When you attend Taste of Nob Hill, you're not just treating yourself to great food—you're supporting the local businesses and entrepreneurs who make Albuquerque's food scene so exceptional. These are the places that employ our neighbors, sponsor our kids' sports teams, and give each neighborhood its unique character.

The festival showcases the incredible diversity that makes Albuquerque's culinary landscape so exciting. From traditional New Mexican cuisine with its perfect balance of red and green chile to innovative fusion concepts that reflect our city's growing cultural diversity, Nob Hill's restaurant scene tells the story of Albuquerque itself.

It's time to get ready for your adventure! You can purchase your Early Bird tickets starting Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM. This is a popular event, so don't wait to get your tickets. Also, the show must go on, so be sure to dress for the weather as the festival will take place rain or shine. Come prepared for a wonderful afternoon, regardless of the weather.

Parking is available in the surrounding area, and the festival's location in the heart of Nob Hill makes it easily accessible whether you're driving or using public transportation. Consider making a day of it by exploring other Rhythm & Roots on Route 66 weekend activities, checking out Nob Hill's shops and galleries, or planning dinner at one of the neighborhood's many restaurants to continue your culinary adventure.

There’s something magical about stepping onto a well-designed patio in Albuquerque as the sun begins to set behind the Sandia Mountains, painting the sky in those incredible shades of pink and gold that only New Mexico can deliver. As longtime residents of this beautiful city, we at the Sandi Pressley Team have watched countless homeowners discover that their outdoor spaces aren’t just nice-to-have additions – they’re often the feature that seals the deal for buyers.

Let’s discuss why Albuquerque’s climate makes outdoor living irresistible and what makes our high desert location ideal for outdoor entertaining. With over 310 days of sunshine annually and low humidity that makes even our summer heat manageable, Albuquerque offers an extended outdoor season that most cities can only dream about. Those crisp autumn evenings when you can still dine al fresco in October or the gentle spring mornings perfect for coffee on the deck – these are the moments that make potential buyers fall in love with a property.

The elevation at 5,312 feet means we experience those gorgeous temperature swings that naturally cool things down in the evenings, even during the warmest months. And unlike many desert climates, our monsoon season brings just enough moisture to keep things interesting without overwhelming outdoor gatherings. It’s the Albuquerque weather that practically begs you to live outside.

How can you create spaces that capture the spectacular views of Sandia Mountains? Nothing quite compares to the dramatic backdrop of the Sandia Mountains, which rise over 10,000 feet into the brilliant blue New Mexico sky. When working with sellers, we always emphasize the importance of designing outdoor spaces that frame these views rather than competing with them. A thoughtfully positioned seating area or dining space that takes advantage of eastern exposure can showcase the alpenglow phenomenon that turns the mountains watermelon pink at sunset. This sight never gets old, even for those of us who see it regularly.

Consider how your outdoor furniture arrangement draws the eye toward these natural vistas. Sometimes, it’s as simple as angling a conversation area to face the mountains or creating multiple seating zones that allow guests to enjoy different perspectives throughout the day. The key is working with the landscape rather than against it.

Outdoor lighting in Albuquerque serves a dual purpose: it extends the usability of your space well into those comfortable evening hours, and it creates an ambiance that highlights your home’s best features. String lights have become incredibly popular, and for good reason – they add a festive, welcoming glow that complements our clear night skies beautifully.

But don’t stop there. Consider installing decorative landscape lighting to illuminate pathways and to highlight your unique architectural features, creating depth and visual interest after dark. Consider uplighting for mature trees or interesting desert landscaping, and don’t forget to include safety lighting for steps and level changes.

Albuquerque is blessed with abundant sunshine throughout the year. Accordingly, solar lighting options work exceptionally well here, with the added benefit of eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.

For dining areas, pendant lights or chandeliers designed for outdoor use can create an elegant focal point. At the same time, subtle LED strip lighting under railings or built-in seating provides just enough illumination for safe movement without overwhelming the space.

While we love our sunshine, we also know that we live in a desert. Clever outdoor designs include year-round overhead protection from the elements. Pergolas have become increasingly popular because they provide partial shade while still allowing that gorgeous New Mexico light to filter through. You can enhance them with retractable canopies or climbing vines for additional coverage when needed.

Solid roof structures are ideal for areas that require complete weather protection, and they’re particularly valuable during our brief but intense summer thunderstorms. You’ll enjoy your new covered spaces even when the weather isn’t cooperating because they’ve become true outdoor rooms that extend your home’s living space.

Shade sails offer a more contemporary look, and you can position them to provide maximum coverage during peak sun hours. They’re also relatively easy to adjust seasonally, which works well with our climate patterns.

Adding fire features to create gathering spots has become increasingly popular. There’s something primal about gathering around a fire, and in Albuquerque’s dry climate, fire features are both practical and atmospheric. A well-positioned fire pit becomes a natural gathering spot that extends the outdoor season well into our mild winters. Those December evenings when it’s 45 degrees and clear are perfect for enjoying the warmth of a fire while stargazing in our famously dark skies.

Fire tables are well-suited for smaller spaces and serve as functional surfaces when not in use. You can create a more permanent installation, such as built-in fire bowls or linear fire features, by installing them directly into retaining walls or seating areas. Given our fire restrictions during certain times of the year, gas features often make more sense than wood-burning options, and they’re certainly more convenient for regular use.

Albuquerque’s grilling weather supports outdoor cooking for most of the year, making outdoor kitchens an incredibly desirable feature in our market. They don’t have to be elaborate – even a simple setup with a quality grill, prep space, and storage can transform how you use your outdoor area.

Built-in grills with side burners allow for complete meal preparation outside. At the same time, outdoor refrigeration keeps beverages cold and ingredients fresh. Don’t forget about storage for utensils, plates, and serving pieces – weatherproof cabinets keep everything organized and protected from our occasional dust storms.

Consider including a sink in your outdoor kitchen design if your budget allows. Having access to running water makes cleanup easier and food prep more convenient. With our low humidity, concerns about outdoor appliances are minimal compared to those in more humid climates.

Your outdoor living space wouldn’t be complete without deck ideas that work for high desert living. Composite decking has become increasingly popular here because it withstands our intense UV exposure and temperature fluctuations well without the maintenance requirements of traditional wood. The newer composite materials come in colors and textures that complement our Southwestern aesthetic beautifully.

Multi-level decks work particularly well on sloped lots, which are common throughout Albuquerque’s foothills. These designs create distinct zones for different activities, working with the natural topography rather than fighting against it. An upper level might focus on dining and entertaining, while a lower level could house a fire pit or hot tub area.

Built-in seating along deck railings maximizes your space while providing additional storage underneath, which becomes valuable for cushions and outdoor accessories that need protection from our occasional high winds and monsoon rains.

In our desert climate, water features aren’t just luxurious – they’re practical cooling elements that make outdoor spaces more comfortable during the summer months. A swimming pool provides the ultimate cooling relief. Still, smaller water features, such as fountains or reflecting pools, can create a cooling effect through evaporation while adding the soothing sound of moving water.

Hot tubs are particularly popular here because they significantly extend the swimming season. Those January afternoons when it’s sunny and 60 degrees are perfect for a warm soak while taking in the mountain views.

I bet you’re wondering about the investment value of creating an outdoor living space. Did you know that your outdoor spaces can set your home apart in Albuquerque’s competitive real estate market? As real estate professionals who have been serving Albuquerque families for years, we consistently see outdoor living improvements provide strong returns on investment. We find that buyers today are seeking homes that offer resort-style amenities and well-designed outdoor spaces.

We advise our clients to create spaces that feel like natural extensions of their indoor living areas. To accomplish this, you’ll need to consider how traffic flows from inside to outside, ensuring adequate lighting for evening use and providing the amenities that support the outdoor lifestyle our climate makes possible.

In many cases, these outdoor spaces become the focal point of showing appointments, with buyers spending time envisioning themselves hosting gatherings or simply relaxing in these beautiful settings. We’ve also seen properties sell faster and for higher prices when they include thoughtfully designed outdoor entertaining areas.

So, how can you make your outdoor living dreams real? Whether you’re planning to sell soon or want to enhance your current lifestyle, investing in your outdoor spaces makes sense in Albuquerque. Our climate supports outdoor living in ways that many other markets can’t match, and buyers recognize this advantage.

The key is designing spaces that capitalize on our unique environment while providing the comfort and functionality that modern families expect. Your personal preferences are essential here and include incorporating heating elements for cool evenings, ensuring adequate storage for outdoor furniture during our windy season, or positioning seating areas to maximize the advantage of those incredible mountain views.

If you are planning to put your home on the market -- especially if you live in a place where prices are rising and buyers are competing for homes -- it can be tempting to list your property at a high price hoping that you'll actually get it. After all, it can work with cars, why not with homes?

You may want to think twice -- the resale of homes and automobiles are very different things.

Experienced Realtors who have been through dozens, scores, or even hundreds of transactions, will advise you to price your home appropriately from the outset because it's pivotal to seeing the home sold quickly and at the best price. Research backs up what experienced Realtors already know: overpricing your home and then lowering the price a few times most often leads to a final sales price significantly below what you originally should have asked for it.

And, to make matters worse, the longer a home remains on the market, the deeper the discount is likely to be off the original price. Ouch!

How to price your home correctly

Many homeowners seek to price their home based on factors like the price they paid for it, the balance that they currently owe, or simply on the profit they need to buy another house or to meet their financial goals. These motivations are perfectly understandable but in reality the value of your home is what the market will bear. Here's the problem: If a property is overpriced, some potential buyers will avoid looking at it at all (and having no one show up to see it is a pretty clear message from the market). Others may view the home but walk away without making an offer.

So, what can you do? Choose a Realtor who can provide you with the best comparative market analysis (CMA) and who understands your local area intimately. Some agents may attempt to woo you with an inflated price -- it probably happens every day somewhere -- but in the end the market will speak clearly, and choosing an experienced Realtor who understands the importance of market-driven pricing will end up being a choice you won't regret.

Your Realtor's CMA should include sales prices for similar properties nearby that have sold recently, prices for currently listed homes (these will be your competition), and prices of homes that were taken off the market because they didn’t sell. Look for a Realtor with demonstrated experience who can factor in a range of local market issues to produce that all-important first price.

If the price is right from the beginning, it usually means not only a faster sale, it typically means more money in your pocket.