Assisted Living in Albuquerque, NM

Consisting of independent, assisted living and memory care neighborhoods, Atria Vista del Rio is our top choice for seniors who want a big community with a warm, friendly, homelike setting. This pet-friendly retirement facility has four spacious courtyards, including one with a Spanish-style fountain and another with a serene koi pond for fish-feeding. Inviting common spaces include a game room, movie theater, fireside library, fitness center and chapel. The facility is conveniently situated across from the UNM Continuing Education building, close to UNM Hospital and easily accessible via the Interstate 25 and 40 interchange.

We recommend Elmcroft of Quintessence for seniors who prefer a single-story assisted living facility that offers a true feeling of home. This ranch-style Eclipse Senior Living community is pet-friendly and accommodates up to 75 residents in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. It has a large central courtyard and multiple indoor gathering areas, including a fireside living room, TV lounges and a library. Its Vitality Club calendar of activities provides wellness exercises, arts and crafts, ice cream socials, games and outings. There are weekly bible studies, Catholic services, Christian fellowships and Holy Communions to support the residents’ spiritual well-being.

The Montebello on Academy is an independent and assisted living community that has in-house skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. We recommend this Five Star Senior Living community for seniors who need health care support while maintaining independence in a comfortable, elegant, homelike environment. Its secured patio area and a top-floor sunroom offer stunning views of the Sandia Mountains. Other upscale amenities include a fitness room, cinema-style theater, bistro, piano lounge, full-service salon and a multiuse recreation room with a billiards table and library section. Residents can participate in various activities such as exercise classes, game nights, happy hours, social outings and volunteer opportunities.

Ideally situated off Route 66 in the South San Pedro neighborhood, Brookdale Valencia keeps residents close to local commercial amenities. We included this independent and assisted living facility in our top picks for its convenient location next to Central Mercado Shopping Center and near Musical Theatre Southwest. Its secured campus has four courtyards that provide safe, relaxing outdoor spaces. Other amenities include an indoor therapy pool, activity room, fitness room, library and hair and nail salon. Residents are offered exciting activities such as B-Fit exercises, gardening, animal therapy, live entertainment and intergenerational programs.

Accommodating only 16 residents, Life Spire Assisted Living - Albuquerque makes our top recommendation for seniors who prefer a smaller home setting. This locally owned facility is conveniently close to Albuquerque ER & Hospital. It has an accessible single-floor layout, and its secured front yard features a central water sculpture and a canopied porch swing. The spacious living room has a piano area, while the dining room has a warm, family-style ambiance. In addition to three nutritious meals and two healthy snacks daily, desserts are offered at lunch and dinner. Residents may opt for milk or 100% fruit juice for every meal.

Brookdale Tramway Ridge has a scenic location in the S.Y. Jackson neighborhood of Northeast Heights. This senior community is our top choice for seniors who want a peaceful, homelike setting near the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Its separate assisted living and memory care neighborhood buildings share a large fenced park-like central garden that provides spectacular mountain views. The assisted living neighborhood has its own game area, fitness room, piano lounge, library and ice cream parlor. Residents regularly enjoy arts and crafts activities, B-Fit exercises, pet therapy, happy hours and group outings.

The village-style setting and impressive amenities of Palmilla Senior Living make it our top pick for retirees who want to be in a friendly, vibrant community. This Spectrum retirement complex is conveniently next to Golf Course Marketplace and a couple of blocks from Lovelace Westside Hospital. Its large main courtyard features a gazebo and al fresco dining areas for outdoor family parties. Indoor leisure amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, game and billiards room and movie theater. Residents can enjoy cooking classes in the demonstration kitchen and happy hours in the Sky Lounge.

MorningStar of Albuquerque is in our top 10 list for its modern pet-friendly environment and warm family atmosphere. This two-level assisted living and memory care facility is conveniently situated next to The Shops at Paseo Crossing and across from La Cueva Town Center. It has large front porches, multiple pergola-covered patios and a barbecue area for outdoor dining. Its well-appointed common spaces include a cozy fireside living room and a restaurant-style dining room with a grand piano. Other inviting amenities include a fitness room, bistro, salon, massage room and multipurpose theater and chapel.

We included Westwind House in our top 10 list for its convenient location and accessible single-story design that offers a familiar and comfortable homey feel. Located in the Los Volcanes neighborhood, this 48-bed independent and assisted living community is right next to Los Volcanes Senior Center and less than 5 miles west of Downtown Albuquerque. Its large central courtyard has flower gardens, walking paths and a covered patio area with a barbecue grill. Residents gather for social and recreational activities in the fireside living room and family-style dining area.

The New Beginnings Senior Living accommodates up to 15 residents and proudly offers a farm-to-table dining experience. We recommend this single-level assisted living facility for health-conscious seniors who prefer an intimate, homelike environment. Its therapeutic garden features a gazebo and decorative waterfall, while the inviting living room is furnished with comfy recliners and a 70-inch flat-screen TV. The activity room has a library section, upright piano, board games and arts and crafts materials. Nutritious homemade meals are prepared using local, organic ingredients. The facility’s community partners include home health providers, physical therapists and other medical professionals to support the residents’ health-related needs.