11 Areas to Avoid in Albuquerque, NM [TOURIST SAFETY]

The biggest city in New Mexico is Albuquerque with over half a million inhabitants. As a longtime frequent visitor who really likes this city, I also realize it has certain areas best avoided, particularly at night. Albuquerque has neighborhoods with higher crime rates, gang activity, along with tough conditions. In this article, I’ll share insider knowledge on the top places to stay away from for safety when going to Albuquerque. Understanding the areas to avoid in Albuquerque will ensure your time here is trouble-free and pleasant.

Being a tourist of Albuquerque, I have spent years exploring all sides of this community. Despite being largely safe, Albuquerque still has pockets of persistent crime issues. Through local knowledge and checking crime stats, I have learned which neighborhoods have more drugs, violence, theft, and gangs. Heeding this local expertise enables visitors to appreciate Albuquerque’s charms without unintentionally wandering into unsafe places. Continue reading for experienced suggestions on the areas to avoid in Albuquerque.

1. War Zone

The “War Zone” region lives up to its title. This is a community only a couple of blocks west of downtown Albuquerque which has had an extended history of drug and prostitution issues and violent crime. You will notice multiple abandoned structures and vacant lots throughout the area. Bars are placed on windows and doors in nearly all homes and businesses. Gang activity and graffiti tags are a rather common sight because of the proximity to the train station. Each day there are muggings, car break-ins, assaults, and even worse. Unless you have an absolutely essential reason to visit this area ought to be avoided as a general rule. Passing through may be risky as well. Think about using a Lyft or Uber if you must travel through the War Zone area.

2. South Valley

The South Valley is an important unincorporated community situated around the southern stretches of Albuquerque. While certain parts have historical character and charm, numerous sections are plagued by poverty and constant criminal activity. The South Valley area remains plagued by theft, shootings, violence from gangs, and drug dealing. Especially watchful are places like Arenal Road and Rio Bravo Blvd, in addition to Los Padillas area. Carjackings also occur at a substantially greater rate in the South Valley compared to other areas of Albuquerque. Stay away from traveling to or spending time in the South Valley if you don’t have any particular business or family situated in this area, particularly at night.

3. Trumbull Village

Trumbull Village is an upscale housing complex intended for lower-income residents known for drug dealing along with other crimes. Residents frequently report rampant criminal behavior including worse, vandalism, break-ins, and assaults. The apartments are extremely rundown with substantial apparent damage. The leasing offices have heavy bulletproof glass barriers, demonstrating the dangers of this area. Trumbull Village is called nearly daily by the police. Multiple drive-by shootings have happened here through the years also. Unless you know somebody residing in Trumbull Village or are offering community aid, it’s wise to avoid the area entirely for your personal safety.

4. La Mesa

La Mesa is a non-incorporated community directly north of downtown Albuquerque. Although it has some quaint suburban areas, it also has places with high crime as well as poverty rates. La Mesa has a higher rate of theft, shooting, burglary, homicide along other violent crimes when compared with other areas of Albuquerque. Drug dealing is a well-known problem, especially in the transit centers where many transient individuals are drawn in. Certain dilapidated apartment complexes have issues with gang violence as well. In case you have reason to travel through or visit La Mesa, exercise caution. Avoid the area altogether after dark if possible.

5. Central Avenue

Central Avenue runs directly through the heart of Albuquerque, including some of the most poor and dangerous areas. This region is notorious for assaults, muggings, and robberies, particularly after regular business hours when footfall is minimal. Central Avenue has long suffered from issues like prostitution and associated violent crime. Drug dealing can also be common along Central Avenue, particularly on blocks that intersect with smaller neighborhood streets. The Downtown along with Old Town districts on Central Avenue are usually safe, but avoid the area east of I-25 in case you’re only passing through and have your eyes open.

6. East Central

Albuquerque’s East Central area comprises troubled neighborhoods like La Mesa that lie along the Route 66/Central Avenue corridor. It consequently encounters many of the same problems such as poverty, transients, and regular criminal activity. East Central records a high volume of narcotics-related arrests and incidents of gun violence. Residential burglaries and property crimes are very common, usually committed to support drug habits. Much like La Mesa, it’s wise to avoid lingering in East Central after dark if possible. Additionally, drive with reasonable caution if you must pass through East Central during the daylight hours.

7. Jackson Area

The Jackson neighborhood lies between Central and Zuni Streets northwest of downtown Albuquerque. Even with having less severe crime than Central Avenue itself, it still makes this list of places to stay away from. Gang activity, narcotic use, prostitution, and associated violence continue to persist in Jackson. You’ll notice numerous residential areas with barred windows and reinforced doors. Vehicle break-ins and property theft are also very common throughout this neighborhood. Avoid walking by yourself in Jackson, particularly after sunset. Calling a rideshare company like Lyft or Uber is highly suggested in case you need to travel throughout the Jackson area at night for any reason.

8. Quigley Park

Quigley Park is a little area situated close to the War Zone, west of downtown Albuquerque. Because of its close proximity, it encounters similar issues with drugs, gang activity, along other serious offenses. The area has a high concentration of halfway houses and homeless shelters. Petty theft, muggings, and assaults frequently target vulnerable individuals. The Albuquerque Police Department gets frequent calls for service to Quigley Park to intervene in criminal activity. For your safety, it’s recommended never to invest any unnecessary time at Quigley Park and be extremely cautious if you must pass through this specific area.

9. Elder Homestead

Elder Homestead is an aging community situated just west of the War Zone area of Albuquerque. It contends with its fair share of serious crime issues. The number of gang violence, drug trafficking shootings, assaults as well and homicides is high there. Elder Homestead has some of the highest violent offense rates in Albuquerque yearly, too. Long-term residents highly suggest avoiding the area altogether if possible, particularly at night. Unless you have company or family in the immediate region, it’s wise to think about Elder Homestead off-limits for your own personal safety.

10. Crestview Bluff

Crestview Bluff lies along the eastern stretches of Central Avenue in Albuquerque. This area features a high density of rundown apartments, cheap motels, and seedy commercial strips which contribute to consistently high crime rates. Prostitution as well as open drug dealing are rampant problems all through Crestview Bluff. Gang violence along with other crimes frequently spill over from the nearby War Zone region as well. Petty theft, property crimes, and home robberies occur very often also. You should avoid spending any unnecessary time in Crestview Bluff if possible, particularly after sunset. Order a rideshare like Lyft or Uber if you must travel through.

11. Encanto Village HOA

Encanto Village, a large housing subdivision on the western side of Albuquerque, has a homeowner association (HOA) and is a residential neighborhood. The city hasn’t been without its challenges with crime, sadly. Encanto Village has seen cases of gang activity, drive-by shootings, assaults as well and murders in the last several years. Homeowners also report a persistent issue with vehicle break-ins and theft. Although Encanto Village isn’t as unsafe as some other entries on this list, it’s nonetheless wise to exercise reasonable care when visiting, particularly at night.

Conclusion

In summary, the neighborhoods covered in this article all have problems with higher crime rates when compared with greater Albuquerque. They’re susceptible to excessive levels of theft, poverty, drugs, gangs, and violence, along with other perilous problems for both tourists and residents. Although the majority of the city is absolutely safe, these particular areas are best avoided unless you’re simply traveling by briefly. Pass through them with extreme caution, do not stay a long time, and steer clear of walking at night alone. In case you have to visit, rideshares or even hired guides offer a safer option. Always be on the lookout, follow your instincts, and prioritize safety when traveling to areas to avoid in Albuquerque.

By knowing and avoiding these higher crime zones, you can more safely enjoy everything else terrific that Albuquerque is offering visitors. Our city offers fantastic museums, beautiful natural scenery, culture, cuisine, arts, and many friendly neighborhoods. Simply exercise common sense and steer clear of the areas pointed out in this article. Then you are certain to have a fantastic trip to Albuquerque free of trouble.