I think the weather in greater Albuquerque is reason enough to live here. Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine leans heavily on the job market when giving this # 2 ranking (out of 258 metropolitan areas). Albuquerque requires new construction to be energy efficient. With the current federal administration planning to invest heavily in "GREEN" technology, Albuquerque is primed to reap rewards. You can see this with Schott North America hosting it's solar panel plant which adds 350 employees.
Next is the influx of jobs and recognition from the film industry. A number of movies have been filmed here, including Terminator Salvation. Our film industry now employs 3,000. OFF TOPIC - I just thought of a great name for our booming movie industry......"Tamalewood"........but sadly, with further Googling I see it's already been coined and most likely trademarked.
What does this mean for real estate in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and the surrounding areas. It seems to me like it's simple economics. With new jobs and a growing population comes a greater demand for housing. Combine this with record low interest rates and affordable housing, and demand is destined to catch up with supply. If this happens, prices will go up. When will this happen? Is it happening now? Sorry, I refuse to be one of those "experts" who guesses 5 times and brags about being right the one time they get lucky. Nobody really knows, but you can keep tabs on Albuquerque Housing Statistics by visiting my website.
Here's the link to the Kiplinger Article.
Matt