Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a city that has a rich history dating back centuries. It was first settled by Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Apache, and Pueblo peoples. Spanish explorers arrived in the area in the late 16th century and established a town in 1706, which they named Albuquerque after the Viceroy of New Spain, Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, Duke of Alburquerque.

Throughout the 19th century, Albuquerque grew slowly as it was still very much a frontier town. However, when the railroad was built through the city at the end of the century, its growth accelerated rapidly. The arrival of Route 66 in the 1920s further contributed to its development and brought many tourists and businesses to the area.

Albuquerque is now a thriving metropolitan city with over 560,000 residents. It’s a cultural melting pot with a diverse population that includes Native Americans, Hispanics, and Anglo-Americans. Albuquerque is home to multiple industries such as technology startups, aerospace manufacturing, and renewable energy research.

Today, Albuquerque is known for its bustling Old Town filled with historic adobe buildings and its world-renowned hot air balloon festival – The International Balloon Fiesta. Visitors can explore several natural wonders like Sandia Mountain – which feeds into a vibrant hiking culture – or head over to the Sandia Peak Tramway for breathtaking views of nature’s beauty.

One unique aspect of Albuquerque is its connection to Breaking Bad. The popular television series was filmed entirely in Albuquerque and subsequently boosted tourism interest from fans worldwide. Tourists can take guided bus tours around iconic film locations like Jesse Pinkman’s house or try their luck at the Candy Lady shop where they famously sold blue rock candy supposed to resemble meth crystals from the show.

Living in Albuquerque offers its residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, skiing, biking along with art galleries, boutique shops and homegrown breweries. It’s a great place for families or individuals looking for artful energy and the typical southwestern lifestyle with abundant sunshine, turquoise skies, and delicious, spicy food.

In conclusion, Albuquerque has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a small town. Its rich history and cultural diversity have laid the foundation for this boomtown known for its film culture and touristic explosion—from natural wonders to breaking bad filming locations – Albuquerque is now one of the most vibrant cities in the Southwest.