I was in Albuquerque in 2008 and really loved the town then. Then I stopped by in October 2020 and was totally shocked at the changes you describe and show. I tried to find a place to eat at night and it felt like a Mad Max movie, with only the crazy and destitute out and about. I live in Philadelphia, the poorest large city in Amerika and we had 498 murders last year in a city of 1.5 million. I've seen poor people in other countries around the world, but never never the dehumanizing transgenerational poverty that degrades and deprives people of all shreds of dignity. I've seen street sweepers in 3rd world countries with more dignity, pride, and hope than so many of my fellow Philadelphians, especially my young and Black brothers and sisters. Amerika is in a fight for it's soul. Always has been, but now it's finally reached the eyes and ears of the White and comfortable. And their response?....try to destroy democracy and the elected government. Sorry to go full court political on you, but its in my Jewish blood.
@Richard ASMR I'm an atheist and a Jew, as are so many of my tribe, so much for "religion." Jews were exterminated by the German Nazis not for our religion, but for our "blood, race, ethnicity. One Jewish grandparent was a death sentence and being an assimilated atheist was no escape. As for being White because one is Jewish, tell that to the 130,000 of my fellow Israeli citizens of Ethiopian descent about being White, not to mention Indian Jews, American Black Jews, etc. etc. What are you, that you are so wrong on the subject of Jews?
As someone who live here and I go to downtown almost everyday. Corona was bad for a bit but now when things are opening up downtown and Albuquerque in general is so alive. Every Friday of each month we have an art walk. Every one and their grandma line the streets there was music and people in their best clothing celebrating art and culture.
Albuquerque grows on you, gradually seduces you.one of Americas singularly unique cities, like New Orleans. Ive been a downtown resident 10 years. Best, most real, kindest people, phenomenal mom, pop restaurants, breweries, museums, a great zoo, old town, all walking distance to home. Its truly captured my soul.
What happened to Albuquerque was 25yrs of democrats destroying it with absolutely horrible policy. I spent my life there. It's a very sad state of affairs. The 70's to early 90's were great there!
Was expecting Pierce to start bopping to "The King of Rock 'N' Roll"...Hot Dog Jumping Frog, Albuquerque! by UK pop band Prefab Sprout! ua-cam.com/video/4T6e3GJCjow/v-deo.html
I live in Seattle, a city that spends 1 BILLION DOLLARS annually on the homelessness crisis. And it gets worse year after year. That's because 99% of the homeless out on the streets and living in tents are mentally ill drug addicts who commit crimes for their next fix. But corrupt and inept politicians continue to throw money at the problem, with no accountability. And the vast majority of homeless don't want help from the City. The Housing First model is a dismal failure. But the homeless-industrial-complex continues to perpetuate the problem and flush money down the drain. If you don't believe me, watch "Seattle Is Dying" and "The Fight For The Soul Of Seattle". I hope Albuquerque doesn't suffer the same fate.
You keep saying, “what can I do here?” I think by doing a walk around and shedding some light on what’s happening in your hometown is a good first step. People are so unaware of what is going on in American cities.
I live downtown at Central & 11th. I love your video. Your timing was after the worst I've seen in Albuquerque in the 23 years I've lived here. Although the riot was quickly quelled there was still a lot of damage. from 8th street to 2nd street to Arno St SE. All the way to Standard Diner. So many of those paintings have been being saved in a museum as they are taken down. I walked almost the same path you did, the following day. I took some pictures to document the next day. So many wood planks were just going up. Not even painted yet. The damage to the Kimo brought tears to my eyes. It's good to see that although businesses were closed, The lowrider community has been creating more downtown traffic. The weekend cruise is active. I'm posting this on 5/15/2021. I'm glad to see a lot of the art galleries are now open. There are stores that lost everything and are gone forever. Bars and live music venues started to reopen 2 weeks ago. The state adopted the CDC no mask required if you're fully vaccinated today. Honestly... I don't trust people that much. I've had my shots (lol, sounds like a puppy requirement). I do agree with you about the homeless problem. Right now there are so many vacant buildings, Why can't the city scoop them up and make them shelters. I went for a drive across the city today, all the way up to Rio Rancho. I hear people crying that they don't have a job and they are gonna lose everything. I must have seen hundreds of "Now Hiring" signs. Picky people don't want the fast food jobs and other minimum wage jobs. They're gonna need something fast before the government cuts their unemployment. This city is in trouble, No joke. A lot of major American cities are in trouble. As a society, we can fix this if we actually gave a crap about something other than ourselves.
Albuquerque never recovered from the Great Recession and most of that was because of the state turning permanently blue...California wants New Mexico permanently poor so they can retire and make their films in all of the empty commercial buildings...
Even before Covid hit, downtown ABQ was like a ghost town. Was there last in February 2020. Can only imagine what it’s like now. Alvarado Station and the 1st Street area were scary!
As a proud New Mexican I will Always love the diversity and amazung cultures of our beautiful state we may not be the prettiest or the biggest but we have more of a sense of care and love for the community than I've ever seen before
Dude, I live in ABQ and hate that you keep saying "Closed because of covid..." Yeah right! Closed because of our poor leadership! We need to fix our local government. This town is going downhill FAST
I visited there from Seattle one time and was amazed at how empty the middle of the city was on a weekday. The lady at the greyhound station looked at me crazy when I said I was just gonna walk around and find somewhere to eat, she's like "be careful!" it was strange, felt kind of post-apocalyptic. That was like 4 years before Covid.
I have been offered an Electrical Engineer job at Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am planing to bring my small family to this city. I liked your video, but downtown seems a little empty to say the least.
What hasn't t happened in Albuquerque is the question. Drugs Gangs Drugs Drunks Drugs Everybody who is from the age of 18 to 40 has an ego and a gun. Gangs, Oh did I mention drugs 🤔. I don't know I lived in Albuquerque my entire life. I'm 37 years old now. Things really haven't changed, just got worse. 🤷. Of the bright side the city decided to call the warzone the international district. 😉😏. Yeah that'll stop the crime.
What’s up with the Frontier Restaurant? I grew up in ABQ and moved to AZ for college and then CA for work over 30 years ago. I’m now thinking about ABQ as a future destination. Curious what the rest of the city is like now. Understandably downtown is desolate, but what’s happening around town?
We have a vibrant job market, Netflix moved its North American production HQ here and bought Albuquerque studios, Amazon fulfillment center going up, Facebook Data Centers in nearby Los Lunas. It's not a perfect place but has so much to offer. I came from the Bay Area in 2011.
@@rickertpropertygroup I’ve been in the SF Bay Area for the last 14 years. Grew up in the NE Heights but now looking at possibly the valley since my sister lives close to old town. I heard crime is as “vibrant” as ever too. Any recommendations for neighborhoods that are up and coming?
@@Divisiononebasketball Yes, Nob Hill is very popular and has excellent walk scores for the most part. Near UNM, North of Central. Also, most neighborhoods in NE Heights are nice places to live depending on budget of course. Message me anytime for more private discussions.
This is so sad. - My son and his buddies used to have a Dj gig that they did at a "disco" called "Sister Bar downtown on Central. - Now that life is gone and from what my son says, is "non-existent." - This virus crap has hit my son hard as he is so distant, disconnected and withdrawn now. I never thought I'd see this come to be! it looks like something from a horrible Sci-Fi tragedy movie! Thank God we all have a safe roof over our heads.
Dystopian Sci Fi tragedy is what they have turned ABQ into. The people that did this need to feel that. The people that moved in need to know what they have done.
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, New Mexico is the most beautiful state I've been to. The people are generally friendlier than elsewhere also. Unfortunate how the same problems are destroying the entire country.
I didn't recognize Albuquerque (I am a third-generation native) before COVID. I was born in the city in the 60's, my father used to run some small businesses in town. In those days Albuquerque was a thriving city, and Central Avenue, from 9 Mile Hill in the west to Four Hills in the east, was an endless strand of neon signs for motels, gas stations, shops, stores, and restaurants. I remember going to see the premiere of "Billie Jack" at the Highland movie theater, which sat next to a large drug store and a restaurant, and I remember how the line for the movie stretched own the sidewalk and around the block. The last movie I saw at the Highland was "The Goonies" in 1986. Today most of these business have disappeared, and have been replaced by parking lots and empty spaces. The Highland Theater is closed, as are the shops which used to surround it. My mother used to work at a restaurant called the Panorama Cafe, which was located in downtown, and which did a good business. The owners of the restaurant, and old Greek couple named Bessie and Chris, used to treat me to free Hershey bars and play my favorite songs on the juke box. There were several restaurants on this stretch of road in those days, none remain today. As a small kid I enjoyed seeing the pro wrestling at the arena (my mother knew all of the wrestlers), the state fair and rodeo, and going to the mountains with my aunt and uncle. As for tourists, If I ask 10,000 random people where they would like to go on vacation, I doubt a single, solitary person will say "Albuquerque." Downtown Albuquerque began dying when the city's beautiful train station and Harvey House Restaurant were closed. Downtown is nothing today like it once was, hardly even a shadow remains. Perhaps 10% of what was downtown still exists, the old shops, stores, restaurants, soda fountains, and such places have given way to medical and law offices, smoke shops, and an occasional shop selling Native American crafts manufactured largely in China. BTW, it is a stretch to call an act of graffiti a "beautiful mural." These "beautiful murals" only appear in the most dangerous and crime-ridden parts of America. These murals do not encourage tourism, they keep people away, Sensible people know that any place which is so economically depressed that buildings which used to house businesses become canvases for such "art" are not safe places. When you start seeing these murals on your walk or drive, you know you've crossed the wrong side of the tracks, and you had better turn around quickly and go back whence you came. I have never liked my hometown and state. It's schools rank 49th out of the 50 states, and is struggling beat Mississippi for the 50th spot. Albuquerque is a hell hole of drugs and crime, and the police have as bad a reputation as the crooks. The city has never been safe, my father and grandfather both went to Albuquerque High School (the old one in downtown) in which my father witnessed a fellow student get stabbed in the hallway. It was no better in my grandfather's day. As for the homeless and drug addicted people, they are not homeless and drug addicted for no reason. The only resources they need are the human potential they were born with. I grew up in worse straits than most of them did, yet I made the conscious choice to keep my nose clean. When a bottle or joint was passed my way, I passed it on. Many of my friends (and family) from those days took their drinks and their hits thinking "it won't hurt me," and have paid the consequences, some with their lives. My brother was one of Albuquerque's homeless. There were plenty of resources expended on him. He got food and shelter when he was sober, and he was put into rehab at the city's expense several times. Sometimes he would go 6 months or so without a drink, he would get a job, and a place to live, but temptation always overcame his will, he would take a drink, and soon he would be on the streets. He went through this cycle several times before he finally died, being run over a car when he wandered drunk into a busy street. I disagree with your statement that you have never seen "less taken care of poor people in your life." I have lived longer than you, and have been to far more many places than you. Those homeless people you talked about athanofficialthespentpovertypeopletoourselves, to try to reach the human potential we were born withyourselfthatdoesn't help, it causes more harm, because it conditions people to depend on others for their livelihoods. If you want to help someone, put them to to work, and pay them for that work. I left America quite a few years ago. I now live comfortably in Tokyo, Japan. In Japan personal responsibility is one of the foundations of society. Whenever someone makes a mistake, they will always say "moshiwake gozaimasen," which means "there is absolutely no excuse." Parents nurture and educate their kids, and they expect their kids to work hard and prosper, and to do the same thing with their own kids. The entire county of Japan, which has 130 million people, has half as many people as the city of Los Angeles, which has 4 million. I don't miss Albuquerque. My kids were all born in Tokyo, which is a hometown to be proud of.
As a Burqeño, if I saw you on the streets I would honestly think you were a foreigner the way you walk and talk, so did those guys vetting you. xD Then again I'm South Valley born and raised. You must be from a nicer, more white area lol. Not talking shit, just being real.
Nice walking tour in Albuquerque! I am on the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I knew there are many homeless there. Stay safe while walking. It is hard to help the homeless people there because I was living there in 2015 to 2017. However, I am also coming back there soon. You are so braved by walking there. I am your new subscriber.
Live in Clovis, right next to the Texas stateline(shudders, moved out here from SoCal for work back in 2012). It's been hit and miss on people following restrictions out here. But I did drive out to Albuquerque for the first time in over a year back in September to pick up a folding bicycle from someone downtown. Mask compliance was higher there than out here on the eastern fringes of the state and while it didn't seem completely dead, there was definitely a "Blade Runner-ish" feel to driving slowly back up Central and witnessing some forms of street life still trying to continue on. Used to go out there quite often during 2013-2015 for the Critical Mass bicycle rides to get away from boredom of small town life. Now it seems like even those days are a distant memory with everything currently going on. Spot on about the car culture in Albuquerque. Saw a lot of the same "low-rider" culture in Victorville and San Bernardino, two more key cities along the 66. At least with the low-rider cars, there was some art and soul put into them. Can't say the same about the "Fast and Furious" cars or the lifted pickup viruses running rampant in the country.
Watch the KRQE channel for economic impact on town and the business that have been closed. Lots of places closing because they just can’t make bills. The homeless here have shelters and healthcare but refuse it. With no tourist to beg off of allot have left the state.
Oh man I hate to see that. I lived 12 year in ABQ and such a unique culture there. Downtown was sketchy for a while now but I can see it’s just much worse with everything closed. Hopefully things will start to pick up before long. I need to go back soon for some great food and visit with friends and have a few margaritas.
That's so wild! I was down there too. I was wondering why our champ Jon Jones would get arrested for firing off his weapon sitting in his Jeep in front of knockouts when it was closed and all boarded up! Man when you have to get some trim you just have to have some trim.......
The new businesses are newcomers who close a year later. I used to live in Old Town, and outside of a few longstanding shops, we would make bets on how long places would last. There was always 15 to 30 "prime" locations up for lease. That's a lot for such a small area. No one moves TO Albuquerque to make it, they move OUT.
Great video. Here in Phoenix, AZ we are thriving. There are people everywhere, new high rise buildings going up everywhere downtown. We currently have 16 high rise buildings being built. I've considered moving to Albuquerque however, I've had my doubts. Your video justifies me holding off. I currently have a brand new condo just completed in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Covid silenced Phoenix the first 3-5 months from March to maybe June or July. However, people here have decided to move on. The mall is packed, restaurants are busy, the airport is very packed (I work there) and we are the 5th largest city in the Nation. Our governor did not want to shut down our city a second time and only had a stay at home order for 30-45 days and that was it. He realized keeping people locked up with cause an economic tragedy. Unfortunately, Albuquerque has been locked up for months and is suffering. Hopefully the release of the vaccine will bring things back to normal. Our movie theaters are open, gyms open, colleges are open, sports are playing and we are moving on here in Phoenix.
And y'all are dying in droves due to that decision. I hope it's worth it when the dust settles and family members are missing from y'all's tables from here on out.
I'm born and raised in New Mexico. There has never been any vision or plan for moving towards the future in NM. Look at the largest city in the other Four Corner states and compare them to ABQ.
Great 👍 Video bro! Im from Carlsbad NewMexico and you made this video good man! All, the things you mentioned well most of what you said is very true and its sucks bcuz i love our State! But, ABQ has gotten pretty crazy.. But, thank you man to put ABQ,NEWMEXICO OUT THER! RESPECT 🙌! BSAFE
I’ve live in Albuquerque for 6 yrs and nothing has changed and nobody would ever say the buildings are beautiful lol the majority of the east side looks like it’s still the in the 80s with all the pastel pink and blue 😂
Covid didn't hit Albuquerque (or New Mexico) really hard, liberalism hit it really hard...and surrounding states show it for what it is. Phoenix is literally ZOOMING with growth, activity, advancement. Lubbock, most-of-Texas likewise is growing and carrying on. While all states on the border are having their fair share of crimes and difficulties, it is pretty-easy to see which ones are being impacted by failed liberal policies on a Federal level, and those being held-back by their own state government and structure. New Mexico has become the poster-child for 'failed socialist policies'...from oil and gas production shut down in the Southwest, to lack of job growth statewide, to stagnant public school improvements...the writing is on the wall. For those that don't live in the region, I simply have to ask 'how do you know...from that 1-week tourist trip you took here 5-years ago?' The real measure of 'would I live there' can be summed-up in just a few questions: 1. 'Is it nearly impossible to find safe housing in most areas, for the cost of 1-week-per-month's paycheck?' 2. 'Have you knowingly seen a homeless person this week during your routine day-to-day transits?' 3. 'Have you heard gunfire within the city limits this month?' If you answered 'no' to any one of these, then it's pretty safe to say, you don't live in New Mexico (or are a rich Santa Fe elitist that's 'in to the office for the day')...and if you are ok with answering 'yes' to all of these, then you're either numb to the problems we have, or you're part of the problem that made it like this...and Larry Barker's probably done a cover story on you at sometime in the past!
I agree, and very well said, except for the term "liberalism." Instead, I call it "Organized Crime." Consider: Corporations with $Billions to bribe the politicians gave them their marching orders: pass severely restrictive legislation amounting to a BLOCKADE which would strangle and wipe out business all over the place. Then the corporations, esp. the pharmaceuticals, would move in and buy up those businesses for pennies on the dollar. Kinda neat, eh? And IT'S ALL LEGAL! I will quote Frederic Bastiat and call it "Legalized Plunder."
Lack of leadership, lack of prosecution of criminals, catering to the lawless, drug addicts, and homeless leads to what you showed. NM is lost. Every state around us is crushing it. NM isn't. Put the blame where you will, but one party has run NM forever. Live and learn, but we don't.
The ART bus transit that was imposed on ABQ by a corrupt mayor is to blame for a lot of the businesses along the Central corridor closing..ABQ was robbed!
Yes. Because the windows on the buses are covered with advertising , one can’t see how many people are actually riding the buses, however we know a person who rides the bus daily and most of the time his bus is almost “ empty”! The city received a lot of Federal highway money to build this “ disgraceful folly “. . Someday, perhaps after Covid an investigation should look into “ who lined their pockets “ on this corruption. As for hurting the businesses on central aka Route 66, Almost all the street lanes are down to one lane, a driving “ nightmare, complete with concrete barriers to prevent drivers from turning left to get to existing businesses. There has been almost zero bus ridership since the malls opened in downtown Albuquerque in the the 60’s ,( and almost everyone drive cars ). There was absolutely no reason or need to have done this to Central , Albuquerque and the “ people “ .
@@lapislazarus8899 absolutely- someday- we should request for Congress to investigate how ART came about- the Feds contributed millions - what ridership figures were they given and by whom during Berry’s 8 year tenure. The Buses were empty before ART and they are even emptier now. 🙏
@@SansBinky the ART deal happened during Republican Richard Berry Mayor’s watch when he was in office , he approved the $133 million ART project in 2011. If you have different information , please post.
Welcome home. I just started following your channel. I'm retired from the Albuquerque Fire Department and am looking to do foreign travel. I'm going to do my TEFL course in Cambodia in February. How long are you in Albuquerque for?
Enjoyed the tour. Too bad some people's priorities are such that they'll put more money into their cars...cool as they look...than into their families or education.
I see great hope for Albuquerque ( someday after COVID-19) . There are many new apartment buildings in the downtown area. Many new upward mobile professionals moving in. IMO the destruction of downtown began when the shopping malls “ sucked” out almost all family businesses , and in the 90’s the bars and nightclubs on every corner and restaurants finished off downtown to what you see today. A downtown in order to survive, has to have diversity , clothing boutiques, antique stores, Pharmacies, family oriented entertainment. It may have been great during the 90’s until a few years ago for the “ party crowd “, but they were greedy self serving hedonists “ doing” their own thing. During those times they did not give a “ d***m about the elderly, children or families living in old Town, Barelas, the Huning neighborhood , etc. neighborhoods surrounding Central on the north and South sides. . There are no doctors, dentists or other health professions either. And to add to the mess downtown we have politicians that are are screaming “ defund the police”! For about 10 years plus the city has been short by over 400 police ( with no end in sight”. ) This “ blight” occurred from “ within”. And can only be rectified from “ within”. Downtown Albuquerque is now a “ microcosm “ of a third world country ( sad to say).
Nice video my man!!!! I am a realtor living in Albuquerque and couldn't agree with you more. Additional services for homeless, and the addicted, like in so many cities around the globe. Albuquerque is the oddest place that just grows on you, a great quality of life overall, even with our issues. Thanks for your video.
I live in Seattle, a city that spends 1 BILLION DOLLARS annually on the homelessness crisis. And it gets worse year after year. That's because 99% of the homeless out on the streets and living in tents are mentally ill drug addicts who commit crimes for their next fix. But corrupt and inept politicians continue to throw money at the problem, with no accountability. And the vast majority of homeless don't want help from the City. The Housing First model is a failure. But the homeless-industrial-complex continues to perpetuate the problem and flush money down the drain. If you don't believe me, watch "Seattle Is Dying" and "The Fight For The Soul Of Seattle". I hope Albuquerque doesn't suffer the same fate.
@@TalesFromTheRoad Good for you...and yes, other people never know why someone feels the need to mask up for someone at home that they are looking after. Same here...I am protecting someone at home.
Finally a honest assessment of how much of a train wreck Albuquerque has become, was once one of the better mid sized towns in the country is now a big ghetto...
The Covid Blockade was a plot to pay off the politicians to pass restrictive legislation meant to strangle and wipe out the local businesses, and then move in and buy them up for pennies on the dollar.
I'm from albuquerque and I used to live in Bremerton Washington and I remember everything was already closed down and the economy was in the shitter and became too expensive to live there. Its.probably better now tho that was 6 years ago
I moved from Albuquerque to Texas the whole United States is not like that this is misleading. Downtown fort Worth is vibrant safe busy fully occupied no problems! This is what you get when you have a Democrat Governor a Democrat mayor and Democrat House and Senate. This is also why so many people from Albuquerque have left and moved to fort Worth. People I know and people I work with from Albuquerque also agree with my comments
@@TalesFromTheRoad Those boarded up buildings downtown are the result of riots that break out following peaceful protests chanting “I can’t breath” Rioters shattered businesses (in operation and vacant) windows and damaged other other property across multiple Central Avenue blocks and, Officials say broke into the historic Kimo theater . Thirty five fires were set in the area and dozens of firearms were looted from one gun store. Information from Albuquerque Journal 8 month ago. . Of course , Police came after “ the fact” , they anticipated nothing.
I grew up and lived in ABQ most of my life before I moved, my sister and everyone I know there all say that it got worse there with crime. Haven’t been there in 7 years, but they all live there in different areas and tell me how bad it got there...I considered it my hometown than the other state I was born in because I grew up there, a lot of people I knew there talked about so much shooting and robberies that happen there 🙃🙃🙃
@@saisafetytrends same here, the apartments I lived at for 6.5 years got constant cops and shootouts over the years so we left. It was a high rating apartments too, and the neighborhood wasn’t even in the bad area
Out of all the things you could have talked about you mentioned the black lives matter protest. You talked about people protecting there property vs people protecting there lives.
@@TalesFromTheRoad Right now downtown is very sketchy. There are droves of homeless that have taken over downtown, it's so sad. Usually, downtown isn't that sketchy anymore but it has gotten horrible during the pandemic. Especially with all the events downtown, it's probably the least sketchy it has been before COVID. I wish our nation would take care of the homeless, the addicts, the poor, the orphans, etc. If we even used a fraction of our defense budget, we could address so many issues. Still, I think our downtown and our economy will bounce back. I am so thankful that Mark Ronchetti lost his race, and retreated back to being a weather boy. We couldn't have recovered if he had won, as his priority is certainly not to address the central issues that plague our state.
I always see people talking about how it's dangerous to walk the streets and I go there and its laughable. Man besides LA there isn't any real bad hoods in any of the western states. At least compared to other hoods I've lived in places like Houston/miami/Atlanta/philly/Chicago Even in those cities the crime isn't coming to you unless you go look for it. The people who always say crime is bad are people from the suburbs who watch the news too much and think they are gonna get shot and robbed just for stepping foot in the hood
@@nomaderic I do agree that (usually racist & classist) assholes living in the suburbs are the first to call every place a “bad part of town” & shake in fear leaving their community, when most people in “the hood” are genuine people, but you’d have to be delusional to pretend there aren’t some extremely dangerous parts of Albuquerque & New Mexico in general. It’s not even the average people in general that are so dangerous.. half the time or more it’s the police you have to watch out for harassing people in poor neighborhoods. Also, so much goes on out in the mesa, because no one is around to see it. There’s some truth to the assertions that New Mexico is the “Wild West”, as much as it sucks to admit it. I truly think it’s mostly on the police brutality & the relationship between the corrupt cops & the gangs/dealers etc, but of course poverty plays a role in all of that, too.
You just reached today ----> killer state number one!!! i dont think no one is coming to visit as tourist the next many years sadly but nice video anyway =)
Coming from a uhaul place they said there is more people leaving than coming to NM. Everyone is moving out of there cause the economy has been impacted by the lady running it there. She has lost most of the population by shutting every thing down. I just moved and glad I did.
Your doing a video in the middle of the coronavirus ? Every city is going through challenges check out LA and our homeless, sadness Let's try to make it better It's up to us not the government
Always wanted to visit New Mexico im from England and we once flew into New Mexico as our flight from the uk to Phoenix was diverted for some reason once we landed in New Mexico I spoke to a few locals and all they did was trash their city and state? I’d love to visit one day and really get to know the surrounding areas and the people of New Mexico
NM is a "one-party" state (Democrat). Very cozy and incestuous. Everything is a deal, and no deal too small. You got money, you can "fix" ANYTHING. Lots of federal money coming in, plus drugs and drug money coming in to pay off local politicians for "favors." Obviously, this results in all manner of corruption and hides a multitude of sins. NM is easily among the most corrupt of states. Everybody has his hand out for a "piece of the action." It's a way of life. Check out the video about the little town of Española, NM. Drugs and addiction have taken over the town. Why aren't New Mexican politicians stepping up the police services in poor Española? Why don't they clean up that town? That poor, miserable little town is being CRUCIFIED! Maybe the drug lords have paid off New Mexican politicians to stay away?
COVID and the political situation in 2020 has killed the vibe here in the U.S. for me. Watching Vietnam crush the virus from over here has made me really annoyed about the U.S. domestic situation. Feels like we lack a sense of shared community, and people are too unaware of what's going on outside of America.
Moving to Albuquerque next week, might be bad timing as far as visiting some cool downtown areas but I understand. I was in Charlotte NC a few months ago and uptown was a complete ghost town. It was eerie. Still looking forward to seeing all the outdoor attractions around abq though. Edit: Also in Charlotte the only people we came across were the homeless, huge issue there too. I hope for change in every american city.
I drove through it last week for the first time since March and was shocked. It's so empty, but I loved how instead of mostly boarding up the shops, they filled the void with so much art.
Are you really wearing a mask all alone? Great video, San Francisco is the same way...destroyed. Is the cure worst than the disease? Who warned us about that?
Why do people say Albuquerque, NM. ??? Just say Albuquerque. Nice video. I love you too bro..(2.49)...nice. The old MEPS on central...LOL. The club is closed, is that the library LOL.
I lived there in the early 80s. It was a beautiful place. I worked in a savings and loan right on Central, went to school at TVI...lived off Ortiz Ave. Looks like the Democrats have done what the always do; drain, destroy, discard. Very sad to see this. Damn shame.
Show me some food - I want to see good New Mexico food... Sadies carne avadado... beef enchiladas at Monroes ... Mary & Tito”$ on 4th Street - anything... The Range Cafe... breakfast burrito at Blake’s... pepperoni o green chili pizza at Dions... I miss the great ABQ food so much!
I lived in Albuquerque most of my life, NM all my life until I couldn't take it anymore. Now I've been gone for 14 years and I just visited the shit hole it has become. Illegal and homeless everywhere. Chain link fences 8 ft high with razor wire. Wrought iron on businesses and homes resembled prison. Homeless camps in all the parks. I'll never go to Albuquerque again. Lose the mask dude. You're young, you're by yourself and you're outside.....not to mention masks are worthless anyway. Had to give a thumbs down for that reason.
Dude I use to ride the bus everyday, all over albuquerque. I lived in the south valley on los padilla's, and then by the umn by the presbyterian hospital on central, the homeless are some of the nicest most genuine real ass people you'll ever meet. But you know they always ask for something and sometimes your not in the mood. But one time I was skating in the nob hill area and this guy got off the bus with his arm sliced with a chunk of skin hanging off. These people were all scared in this cafe looking at him and he was bleeding out so I went up to him to see if he was ok and gave him some money for a coffee. So many memories meeting random cool crazy people and it's a place a mystery
ABQ borthas! Was born there as well and moved the Arizona!
the smoke shop is still open
I left in 2010 and I don't regret it, but DAMN I miss the food.
Burque Represent Duke City all day Cuz
I was in Albuquerque in 2008 and really loved the town then. Then I stopped by in October 2020 and was totally shocked at the changes you describe and show. I tried to find a place to eat at night and it felt like a Mad Max movie, with only the crazy and destitute out and about. I live in Philadelphia, the poorest large city in Amerika and we had 498 murders last year in a city of 1.5 million. I've seen poor people in other countries around the world, but never never the dehumanizing transgenerational poverty that degrades and deprives people of all shreds of dignity. I've seen street sweepers in 3rd world countries with more dignity, pride, and hope than so many of my fellow Philadelphians, especially my young and Black brothers and sisters. Amerika is in a fight for it's soul. Always has been, but now it's finally reached the eyes and ears of the White and comfortable. And their response?....try to destroy democracy and the elected government. Sorry to go full court political on you, but its in my Jewish blood.
@Richard ASMR I'm an atheist and a Jew, as are so many of my tribe, so much for "religion." Jews were exterminated by the German Nazis not for our religion, but for our "blood, race, ethnicity. One Jewish grandparent was a death sentence and being an assimilated atheist was no escape. As for being White because one is Jewish, tell that to the 130,000 of my fellow Israeli citizens of Ethiopian descent about being White, not to mention Indian Jews, American Black Jews, etc. etc. What are you, that you are so wrong on the subject of Jews?
Burque 505 ESSJ XV1 SANJO SHORTY LOCO16
As someone who live here and I go to downtown almost everyday. Corona was bad for a bit but now when things are opening up downtown and Albuquerque in general is so alive. Every Friday of each month we have an art walk. Every one and their grandma line the streets there was music and people in their best clothing celebrating art and culture.
Albuquerque grows on you, gradually seduces you.one of Americas singularly unique cities, like New Orleans. Ive been a downtown resident 10 years. Best, most real, kindest people, phenomenal mom, pop restaurants, breweries, museums, a great zoo, old town, all walking distance to home. Its truly captured my soul.
What happened to Albuquerque was 25yrs of democrats destroying it with absolutely horrible policy. I spent my life there. It's a very sad state of affairs. The 70's to early 90's were great there!
I live in the apartments at the end of this video! Yeahhhhhh downtown is not what it used to be. Lived down here since 2015.
Where can I go to socialize? Feb 2022
"here is a nightclub... I used to go to in my youth!" -priceless
haha dude that place is a throwback!
Was expecting Pierce to start bopping to "The King of Rock 'N' Roll"...Hot Dog Jumping Frog, Albuquerque! by UK pop band Prefab Sprout! ua-cam.com/video/4T6e3GJCjow/v-deo.html
I live in Albuquerque 1973 to 1991
I live in Seattle, a city that spends 1 BILLION DOLLARS annually on the homelessness crisis. And it gets worse year after year. That's because 99% of the homeless out on the streets and living in tents are mentally ill drug addicts who commit crimes for their next fix. But corrupt and inept politicians continue to throw money at the problem, with no accountability. And the vast majority of homeless don't want help from the City. The Housing First model is a dismal failure. But the homeless-industrial-complex continues to perpetuate the problem and flush money down the drain.
If you don't believe me, watch "Seattle Is Dying" and "The Fight For The Soul Of Seattle". I hope Albuquerque doesn't suffer the same fate.
You keep saying, “what can I do here?” I think by doing a walk around and shedding some light on what’s happening in your hometown is a good first step. People are so unaware of what is going on in American cities.
I’m trying to decide about Albuquerque. Have you made a follow up video?
only the one, sorry.
I live downtown at Central & 11th. I love your video. Your timing was after the worst I've seen in Albuquerque in the 23 years I've lived here. Although the riot was quickly quelled there was still a lot of damage. from 8th street to 2nd street to Arno St SE. All the way to Standard Diner. So many of those paintings have been being saved in a museum as they are taken down. I walked almost the same path you did, the following day. I took some pictures to document the next day. So many wood planks were just going up. Not even painted yet. The damage to the Kimo brought tears to my eyes.
It's good to see that although businesses were closed, The lowrider community has been creating more downtown traffic. The weekend cruise is active. I'm posting this on 5/15/2021. I'm glad to see a lot of the art galleries are now open. There are stores that lost everything and are gone forever. Bars and live music venues started to reopen 2 weeks ago. The state adopted the CDC no mask required if you're fully vaccinated today. Honestly... I don't trust people that much. I've had my shots (lol, sounds like a puppy requirement).
I do agree with you about the homeless problem. Right now there are so many vacant buildings, Why can't the city scoop them up and make them shelters.
I went for a drive across the city today, all the way up to Rio Rancho. I hear people crying that they don't have a job and they are gonna lose everything. I must have seen hundreds of "Now Hiring" signs. Picky people don't want the fast food jobs and other minimum wage jobs. They're gonna need something fast before the government cuts their unemployment.
This city is in trouble, No joke. A lot of major American cities are in trouble. As a society, we can fix this if we actually gave a crap about something other than ourselves.
Albuquerque never recovered from the Great Recession and most of that was because of the state turning permanently blue...California wants New Mexico permanently poor so they can retire and make their films in all of the empty commercial buildings...
@@davidlaney6153 And California is making New Mexico stay poor by...paying them millions of dollars to film there? How does that logic work out?
Even before Covid hit, downtown ABQ was like a ghost town. Was there last in February 2020. Can only imagine what it’s like now. Alvarado Station and the 1st Street area were scary!
Albuquerque gave the keys to people who sold albuquerques soul
As a proud New Mexican I will Always love the diversity and amazung cultures of our beautiful state we may not be the prettiest or the biggest but we have more of a sense of care and love for the community than I've ever seen before
Dude, I live in ABQ and hate that you keep saying "Closed because of covid..." Yeah right! Closed because of our poor leadership! We need to fix our local government. This town is going downhill FAST
Exactly
@@paleo704 Shame that stupid people here voted MLG again... I guess its time to take my business and money elsewhere.
Wait.... they filmed breaking bad here?
Why the hell are you wearing a mask outside by yourself?
Maybe you don’t know the full reason. Don’t judge before you know the story
Nice little tour! Thank you! 🌆☀🏜
I visited there from Seattle one time and was amazed at how empty the middle of the city was on a weekday. The lady at the greyhound station looked at me crazy when I said I was just gonna walk around and find somewhere to eat, she's like "be careful!" it was strange, felt kind of post-apocalyptic. That was like 4 years before Covid.
You don't walk around Albuquerque...
Reminds of the Twilight Zone episode: Where Is Everybody?
I have been offered an Electrical Engineer job at Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am planing to bring my small family to this city. I liked your video, but downtown seems a little empty to say the least.
What hasn't t happened in Albuquerque is the question.
Drugs
Gangs
Drugs
Drunks
Drugs
Everybody who is from the age of 18 to 40 has an ego and a gun.
Gangs,
Oh did I mention drugs 🤔.
I don't know I lived in Albuquerque my entire life. I'm 37 years old now. Things really haven't changed, just got worse. 🤷.
Of the bright side the city decided to call the warzone the international district. 😉😏. Yeah that'll stop the crime.
What’s up with the Frontier Restaurant? I grew up in ABQ and moved to AZ for college and then CA for work over 30 years ago. I’m now thinking about ABQ as a future destination. Curious what the rest of the city is like now. Understandably downtown is desolate, but what’s happening around town?
We have a vibrant job market, Netflix moved its North American production HQ here and bought Albuquerque studios, Amazon fulfillment center going up, Facebook Data Centers in nearby Los Lunas. It's not a perfect place but has so much to offer. I came from the Bay Area in 2011.
@@rickertpropertygroup I’ve been in the SF Bay Area for the last 14 years. Grew up in the NE Heights but now looking at possibly the valley since my sister lives close to old town. I heard crime is as “vibrant” as ever too. Any recommendations for neighborhoods that are up and coming?
Yes, downtown is desolate, so is New York, Chicago, New Orleans etc, etc, “ just might have something to do COVID-19.
@@Divisiononebasketball Yes, Nob Hill is very popular and has excellent walk scores for the most part. Near UNM, North of Central. Also, most neighborhoods in NE Heights are nice places to live depending on budget of course. Message me anytime for more private discussions.
@@leonewest2239 So true!!!
This is so sad. - My son and his buddies used to have a Dj gig that they did at a "disco" called "Sister Bar downtown on Central. - Now that life is gone and from what my son says, is "non-existent." - This virus crap has hit my son hard as he is so distant, disconnected and withdrawn now.
I never thought I'd see this come to be! it looks like something from a horrible Sci-Fi tragedy movie! Thank God we all have a safe roof over our heads.
I think I know your son, if so he is the best. Hope you guys are okay - j mike
Dystopian Sci Fi tragedy is what they have turned ABQ into. The people that did this need to feel that. The people that moved in need to know what they have done.
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, New Mexico is the most beautiful state I've been to. The people are generally friendlier than elsewhere also. Unfortunate how the same problems are destroying the entire country.
Oaxaca is the most beautiful state, no question.
We are booming in Arizona...so no it's only in Blue states that want everyone on welfare....
@@davidrubin5140 I thought you would say Tel Aviv
@@paleo704 I left Israel many years ago.
What high school did you go to?
Kept thinking you were going to get jumped strolling around.
Why is this guy wearing a mask outside?
see other comments man
I didn't recognize Albuquerque (I am a third-generation native) before COVID. I was born in the city in the 60's, my father used to run some small businesses in town. In those days Albuquerque was a thriving city, and Central Avenue, from 9 Mile Hill in the west to Four Hills in the east, was an endless strand of neon signs for motels, gas stations, shops, stores, and restaurants. I remember going to see the premiere of "Billie Jack" at the Highland movie theater, which sat next to a large drug store and a restaurant, and I remember how the line for the movie stretched own the sidewalk and around the block. The last movie I saw at the Highland was "The Goonies" in 1986. Today most of these business have disappeared, and have been replaced by parking lots and empty spaces. The Highland Theater is closed, as are the shops which used to surround it.
My mother used to work at a restaurant called the Panorama Cafe, which was located in downtown, and which did a good business. The owners of the restaurant, and old Greek couple named Bessie and Chris, used to treat me to free Hershey bars and play my favorite songs on the juke box. There were several restaurants on this stretch of road in those days, none remain today. As a small kid I enjoyed seeing the pro wrestling at the arena (my mother knew all of the wrestlers), the state fair and rodeo, and going to the mountains with my aunt and uncle.
As for tourists, If I ask 10,000 random people where they would like to go on vacation, I doubt a single, solitary person will say "Albuquerque." Downtown Albuquerque began dying when the city's beautiful train station and Harvey House Restaurant were closed. Downtown is nothing today like it once was, hardly even a shadow remains. Perhaps 10% of what was downtown still exists, the old shops, stores, restaurants, soda fountains, and such places have given way to medical and law offices, smoke shops, and an occasional shop selling Native American crafts manufactured largely in China.
BTW, it is a stretch to call an act of graffiti a "beautiful mural." These "beautiful murals" only appear in the most dangerous and crime-ridden parts of America. These murals do not encourage tourism, they keep people away, Sensible people know that any place which is so economically depressed that buildings which used to house businesses become canvases for such "art" are not safe places. When you start seeing these murals on your walk or drive, you know you've crossed the wrong side of the tracks, and you had better turn around quickly and go back whence you came.
I have never liked my hometown and state. It's schools rank 49th out of the 50 states, and is struggling beat Mississippi for the 50th spot. Albuquerque is a hell hole of drugs and crime, and the police have as bad a reputation as the crooks. The city has never been safe, my father and grandfather both went to Albuquerque High School (the old one in downtown) in which my father witnessed a fellow student get stabbed in the hallway. It was no better in my grandfather's day.
As for the homeless and drug addicted people, they are not homeless and drug addicted for no reason. The only resources they need are the human potential they were born with. I grew up in worse straits than most of them did, yet I made the conscious choice to keep my nose clean. When a bottle or joint was passed my way, I passed it on. Many of my friends (and family) from those days took their drinks and their hits thinking "it won't hurt me," and have paid the consequences, some with their lives. My brother was one of Albuquerque's homeless. There were plenty of resources expended on him. He got food and shelter when he was sober, and he was put into rehab at the city's expense several times. Sometimes he would go 6 months or so without a drink, he would get a job, and a place to live, but temptation always overcame his will, he would take a drink, and soon he would be on the streets. He went through this cycle several times before he finally died, being run over a car when he wandered drunk into a busy street.
I disagree with your statement that you have never seen "less taken care of poor people in your life." I have lived longer than you, and have been to far more many places than you. Those homeless people you talked about athanofficialthespentpovertypeopletoourselves, to try to reach the human potential we were born withyourselfthatdoesn't help, it causes more harm, because it conditions people to depend on others for their livelihoods. If you want to help someone, put them to to work, and pay them for that work.
I left America quite a few years ago. I now live comfortably in Tokyo, Japan. In Japan personal responsibility is one of the foundations of society. Whenever someone makes a mistake, they will always say "moshiwake gozaimasen," which means "there is absolutely no excuse." Parents nurture and educate their kids, and they expect their kids to work hard and prosper, and to do the same thing with their own kids. The entire county of Japan, which has 130 million people, has half as many people as the city of Los Angeles, which has 4 million.
I don't miss Albuquerque. My kids were all born in Tokyo, which is a hometown to be proud of.
Superb essay and much appreciated.
The home of High School Music too
False, that was filmed in Utah.
@@Migaveli81 Mmm... okay? I’m talking about the story not about where they filmed it. 🤦🏻
@@alexislachance7384 ur kinda late to this
@@Migaveli81 So what
Always interested to hear what people think of Albuquerque it's either it's the best place in the world or the worst lol.
No it's downtown in BLUE CITIES AND STATES...
As a Burqeño, if I saw you on the streets I would honestly think you were a foreigner the way you walk and talk, so did those guys vetting you. xD Then again I'm South Valley born and raised. You must be from a nicer, more white area lol. Not talking shit, just being real.
I’m an AHS guy dude
Los heights lol that's what my grandma called it
Hey ! This video was very interesting, thank you ! 👏🏼
you're welcome!
Nice walking tour in Albuquerque! I am on the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I knew there are many homeless there. Stay safe while walking. It is hard to help the homeless people there because I was living there in 2015 to 2017. However, I am also coming back there soon. You are so braved by walking there. I am your new subscriber.
Was a complete shit hole my entire life so I left immediately after high school.
Live in Clovis, right next to the Texas stateline(shudders, moved out here from SoCal for work back in 2012). It's been hit and miss on people following restrictions out here. But I did drive out to Albuquerque for the first time in over a year back in September to pick up a folding bicycle from someone downtown. Mask compliance was higher there than out here on the eastern fringes of the state and while it didn't seem completely dead, there was definitely a "Blade Runner-ish" feel to driving slowly back up Central and witnessing some forms of street life still trying to continue on. Used to go out there quite often during 2013-2015 for the Critical Mass bicycle rides to get away from boredom of small town life. Now it seems like even those days are a distant memory with everything currently going on.
Spot on about the car culture in Albuquerque. Saw a lot of the same "low-rider" culture in Victorville and San Bernardino, two more key cities along the 66. At least with the low-rider cars, there was some art and soul put into them. Can't say the same about the "Fast and Furious" cars or the lifted pickup viruses running rampant in the country.
thanks for watching. We will see if life slowly returns back to normal here!
Good job on the tour!
If you are here, a tour of Nob Hill and one of UNM ( include The Ghetto ) and also one in the Foohills would be wonderful.
Watch the KRQE channel for economic impact on town and the business that have been closed. Lots of places closing because they just can’t make bills. The homeless here have shelters and healthcare but refuse it. With no tourist to beg off of allot have left the state.
Lots of places are closing? Who is moving in to take their place? Anybody keeping track of that?
Oh man I hate to see that. I lived 12 year in ABQ and such a unique culture there. Downtown was sketchy for a while now but I can see it’s just much worse with everything closed. Hopefully things will start to pick up before long. I need to go back soon for some great food and visit with friends and have a few margaritas.
its always been sketchy! But now its unreal
That's so wild! I was down there too. I was wondering why our champ Jon Jones would get arrested for firing off his weapon sitting in his Jeep in front of knockouts when it was closed and all boarded up! Man when you have to get some trim you just have to have some trim.......
I only know this place from breaking bad...
There was plenty of business in Albuquerque until this pandemic!
The new businesses are newcomers who close a year later. I used to live in Old Town, and outside of a few longstanding shops, we would make bets on how long places would last. There was always 15 to 30 "prime" locations up for lease. That's a lot for such a small area. No one moves TO Albuquerque to make it, they move OUT.
Great video. Here in Phoenix, AZ we are thriving. There are people everywhere, new high rise buildings going up everywhere downtown. We currently have 16 high rise buildings being built. I've considered moving to Albuquerque however, I've had my doubts. Your video justifies me holding off. I currently have a brand new condo just completed in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Covid silenced Phoenix the first 3-5 months from March to maybe June or July. However, people here have decided to move on. The mall is packed, restaurants are busy, the airport is very packed (I work there) and we are the 5th largest city in the Nation. Our governor did not want to shut down our city a second time and only had a stay at home order for 30-45 days and that was it. He realized keeping people locked up with cause an economic tragedy. Unfortunately, Albuquerque has been locked up for months and is suffering. Hopefully the release of the vaccine will bring things back to normal. Our movie theaters are open, gyms open, colleges are open, sports are playing and we are moving on here in Phoenix.
But isn't Arizona among the states with the highest per capita cases of Covid?
And y'all are dying in droves due to that decision. I hope it's worth it when the dust settles and family members are missing from y'all's tables from here on out.
@@jaytaylor7740 Not any longer,, just a phase
@@Sweeeetpeaches69 Meh life moves on .. we all good scardy cat
I'm born and raised in New Mexico. There has never been any vision or plan for moving towards the future in NM. Look at the largest city in the other Four Corner states and compare them to ABQ.
Great 👍 Video bro! Im from Carlsbad NewMexico and you made this video good man! All, the things you mentioned well most of what you said is very true and its sucks bcuz i love our State! But, ABQ has gotten pretty crazy.. But, thank you man to put ABQ,NEWMEXICO OUT THER! RESPECT 🙌! BSAFE
I’ve live in Albuquerque for 6 yrs and nothing has changed and nobody would ever say the buildings are beautiful lol the majority of the east side looks like it’s still the in the 80s with all the pastel pink and blue 😂
Covid didn't hit Albuquerque (or New Mexico) really hard, liberalism hit it really hard...and surrounding states show it for what it is. Phoenix is literally ZOOMING with growth, activity, advancement. Lubbock, most-of-Texas likewise is growing and carrying on. While all states on the border are having their fair share of crimes and difficulties, it is pretty-easy to see which ones are being impacted by failed liberal policies on a Federal level, and those being held-back by their own state government and structure. New Mexico has become the poster-child for 'failed socialist policies'...from oil and gas production shut down in the Southwest, to lack of job growth statewide, to stagnant public school improvements...the writing is on the wall. For those that don't live in the region, I simply have to ask 'how do you know...from that 1-week tourist trip you took here 5-years ago?'
The real measure of 'would I live there' can be summed-up in just a few questions: 1. 'Is it nearly impossible to find safe housing in most areas, for the cost of 1-week-per-month's paycheck?' 2. 'Have you knowingly seen a homeless person this week during your routine day-to-day transits?' 3. 'Have you heard gunfire within the city limits this month?' If you answered 'no' to any one of these, then it's pretty safe to say, you don't live in New Mexico (or are a rich Santa Fe elitist that's 'in to the office for the day')...and if you are ok with answering 'yes' to all of these, then you're either numb to the problems we have, or you're part of the problem that made it like this...and Larry Barker's probably done a cover story on you at sometime in the past!
I agree, and very well said, except for the term "liberalism." Instead, I call it "Organized Crime." Consider: Corporations with $Billions to bribe the politicians gave them their marching orders: pass severely restrictive legislation amounting to a BLOCKADE which would strangle and wipe out business all over the place. Then the corporations, esp. the pharmaceuticals, would move in and buy up those businesses for pennies on the dollar. Kinda neat, eh? And IT'S ALL LEGAL! I will quote Frederic Bastiat and call it "Legalized Plunder."
Lack of leadership, lack of prosecution of criminals, catering to the lawless, drug addicts, and homeless leads to what you showed. NM is lost. Every state around us is crushing it. NM isn't. Put the blame where you will, but one party has run NM forever. Live and learn, but we don't.
Cities goes bad because of democrat policies.
The fact that this narrator is wearing a MASK while narrating the video shows that he is part of the problem.
I hate these comments. I was quarantining for a family member so I could see them after surgery. Fuck off.
@@TalesFromTheRoad Defensive, are we~?
That makes me so sad to see. Aldos closed 😭 I worked there for most of college
But who or what is taking its place?
Great story
Thank for watching!
Titan Construction Co yo. Plus gentrification money from Netflix
The down town was hit by looters and they ruined a lot of historical buildings.
The ART bus transit that was imposed on ABQ by a corrupt mayor is to blame for a lot of the businesses along the Central corridor closing..ABQ was robbed!
Yes. Because the windows on the buses are covered with advertising , one can’t see how many people are actually riding the buses, however we know a person who rides the bus daily and most of the time his bus is almost “ empty”! The city received a lot of Federal highway money to build this “ disgraceful folly “. . Someday, perhaps after Covid an investigation should look into “ who lined their pockets “ on this corruption. As for hurting the businesses on central aka Route 66, Almost all the street lanes are down to one lane, a driving “ nightmare, complete with concrete barriers to prevent drivers from turning left to get to existing businesses. There has been almost zero bus ridership since the malls opened in downtown Albuquerque in the the 60’s ,( and almost everyone drive cars ). There was absolutely no reason or need to have done this to Central , Albuquerque and the “ people “ .
RJ Berry was one of the worst things to happen to ABQ.
@@lapislazarus8899 absolutely- someday- we should request for Congress to investigate how ART came about- the Feds contributed millions - what ridership figures were they given and by whom during Berry’s 8 year tenure. The Buses were empty before ART and they are even emptier now. 🙏
It's what the democrats do best!!
@@SansBinky the ART deal happened during Republican Richard Berry Mayor’s watch when he was in office , he approved the $133 million ART project in 2011. If you have different information , please post.
Welcome home. I just started following your channel. I'm retired from the Albuquerque Fire Department and am looking to do foreign travel. I'm going to do my TEFL course in Cambodia in February.
How long are you in Albuquerque for?
thanks for the welcome. I'm leaving at the end of the week. Make sure you get good insurance for Cambodia!
Enjoyed the tour. Too bad some people's priorities are such that they'll put more money into their cars...cool as they look...than into their families or education.
That’s abq
I see great hope for Albuquerque ( someday after COVID-19) . There are many new apartment buildings in the downtown area. Many new upward mobile professionals moving in. IMO the destruction of downtown began when the shopping malls “ sucked” out almost all family businesses , and in the 90’s the bars and nightclubs on every corner and restaurants finished off downtown to what you see today. A downtown in order to survive, has to have diversity , clothing boutiques, antique stores, Pharmacies, family oriented entertainment. It may have been great during the 90’s until a few years ago for the “ party crowd “, but they were greedy self serving hedonists “ doing” their own thing. During those times they did not give a “ d***m about the elderly, children or families living in old Town, Barelas, the Huning neighborhood , etc. neighborhoods surrounding Central on the north and South sides.
. There are no doctors, dentists or other health professions either. And to add to the mess downtown we have politicians that are are screaming “ defund the police”! For about 10 years plus the city has been short by over 400 police ( with no end in sight”. ) This “ blight” occurred from “ within”. And can only be rectified from “ within”. Downtown Albuquerque is now a “ microcosm “ of a third world country ( sad to say).
Nice video my man!!!! I am a realtor living in Albuquerque and couldn't agree with you more. Additional services for homeless, and the addicted, like in so many cities around the globe. Albuquerque is the oddest place that just grows on you, a great quality of life overall, even with our issues. Thanks for your video.
Thanks for watching!
I live in Seattle, a city that spends 1 BILLION DOLLARS annually on the homelessness crisis. And it gets worse year after year. That's because 99% of the homeless out on the streets and living in tents are mentally ill drug addicts who commit crimes for their next fix. But corrupt and inept politicians continue to throw money at the problem, with no accountability. And the vast majority of homeless don't want help from the City. The Housing First model is a failure. But the homeless-industrial-complex continues to perpetuate the problem and flush money down the drain.
If you don't believe me, watch "Seattle Is Dying" and "The Fight For The Soul Of Seattle". I hope Albuquerque doesn't suffer the same fate.
The mask ruins the video. Good vid, and I agree, but downvote
Was wearing it for a sick family member. Don’t be so judge mental without knowing the full story.
@@TalesFromTheRoad Good for you...and yes, other people never know why someone feels the need to mask up for someone at home that they are looking after. Same here...I am protecting someone at home.
You should checkout downtown la... lol
I'll pass!
West Downtown LA is world-class.
Finally a honest assessment of how much of a train wreck Albuquerque has become, was once one of the better mid sized towns in the country is now a big ghetto...
The Covid Blockade was a plot to pay off the politicians to pass restrictive legislation meant to strangle and wipe out the local businesses, and then move in and buy them up for pennies on the dollar.
Thanks for sharing your story, Seattle is not different these days.
I'm from albuquerque and I used to live in Bremerton Washington and I remember everything was already closed down and the economy was in the shitter and became too expensive to live there. Its.probably better now tho that was 6 years ago
I've lived in both places. Trust me, it's different.
I moved from Albuquerque to Texas the whole United States is not like that this is misleading. Downtown fort Worth is vibrant safe busy fully occupied no problems!
This is what you get when you have a Democrat Governor a Democrat mayor and Democrat House and Senate. This is also why so many people from Albuquerque have left and moved to fort Worth. People I know and people I work with from Albuquerque also agree with my comments
I haven't been down town since the protests. Its sad how empty I is now.
True!
@@TalesFromTheRoad Those boarded up buildings downtown are the result of riots that break out following peaceful protests chanting “I can’t breath”
Rioters shattered businesses (in operation and vacant) windows and damaged other other property across multiple Central Avenue blocks and, Officials say broke into the historic Kimo theater . Thirty five fires were set in the area and dozens of firearms were looted from one gun store. Information from Albuquerque Journal 8 month ago. . Of course , Police came after “ the fact” , they anticipated nothing.
I grew up and lived in ABQ most of my life before I moved, my sister and everyone I know there all say that it got worse there with crime. Haven’t been there in 7 years, but they all live there in different areas and tell me how bad it got there...I considered it my hometown than the other state I was born in because I grew up there, a lot of people I knew there talked about so much shooting and robberies that happen there 🙃🙃🙃
it's true. we had to move away because there was so much crime.
@@saisafetytrends same here, the apartments I lived at for 6.5 years got constant cops and shootouts over the years so we left. It was a high rating apartments too, and the neighborhood wasn’t even in the bad area
Yea there's allot of bad vibing people with evil energy in albuquerque but allot more good than bad. Hopefully jesus helps that freakin city
Out of all the things you could have talked about you mentioned the black lives matter protest. You talked about people protecting there property vs people protecting there lives.
downtown Alberquere is not "sketchy" lmaoooo, just don't talk to the people who try to hassle you and mind your own business and you'll be fine
It’s pretty sketchy mate.
@@TalesFromTheRoad Right now downtown is very sketchy. There are droves of homeless that have taken over downtown, it's so sad.
Usually, downtown isn't that sketchy anymore but it has gotten horrible during the pandemic. Especially with all the events downtown, it's probably the least sketchy it has been before COVID.
I wish our nation would take care of the homeless, the addicts, the poor, the orphans, etc. If we even used a fraction of our defense budget, we could address so many issues.
Still, I think our downtown and our economy will bounce back. I am so thankful that Mark Ronchetti lost his race, and retreated back to being a weather boy. We couldn't have recovered if he had won, as his priority is certainly not to address the central issues that plague our state.
I always see people talking about how it's dangerous to walk the streets and I go there and its laughable.
Man besides LA there isn't any real bad hoods in any of the western states. At least compared to other hoods I've lived in places like Houston/miami/Atlanta/philly/Chicago
Even in those cities the crime isn't coming to you unless you go look for it. The people who always say crime is bad are people from the suburbs who watch the news too much and think they are gonna get shot and robbed just for stepping foot in the hood
@@nomaderic I do agree that (usually racist & classist) assholes living in the suburbs are the first to call every place a “bad part of town” & shake in fear leaving their community, when most people in “the hood” are genuine people, but you’d have to be delusional to pretend there aren’t some extremely dangerous parts of Albuquerque & New Mexico in general. It’s not even the average people in general that are so dangerous.. half the time or more it’s the police you have to watch out for harassing people in poor neighborhoods. Also, so much goes on out in the mesa, because no one is around to see it. There’s some truth to the assertions that New Mexico is the “Wild West”, as much as it sucks to admit it. I truly think it’s mostly on the police brutality & the relationship between the corrupt cops & the gangs/dealers etc, but of course poverty plays a role in all of that, too.
You're standig alone at empty parking lot and using mask. Like it would do something.
You just reached today ----> killer state number one!!! i dont think no one is coming to visit as tourist the next many years sadly but nice video anyway =)
Thanks for watching!
Oh I'm going here for a wedding, can't wait!
It's a stagned 80s like city, downtown abq or the whole city was never vibrant covid or no covid is the same
This is not good we are fighting covid.this away new mexico is now oh my god and ouch how sad are state of New Mexico is
Coming from a uhaul place they said there is more people leaving than coming to NM. Everyone is moving out of there cause the economy has been impacted by the lady running it there. She has lost most of the population by shutting every thing down. I just moved and glad I did.
I’ll meet you guys on Central out front of the dispensary 🥦🌲🍁🚬😎 420 let’s Blaze!
Your doing a video in the middle of the coronavirus ?
Every city is going through challenges check out LA and our homeless, sadness
Let's try to make it better
It's up to us not the government
Always wanted to visit New Mexico im from England and we once flew into New Mexico as our flight from the uk to Phoenix was diverted for some reason once we landed in New Mexico I spoke to a few locals and all they did was trash their city and state? I’d love to visit one day and really get to know the surrounding areas and the people of New Mexico
NM is a "one-party" state (Democrat). Very cozy and incestuous. Everything is a deal, and no deal too small. You got money, you can "fix" ANYTHING. Lots of federal money coming in, plus drugs and drug money coming in to pay off local politicians for "favors." Obviously, this results in all manner of corruption and hides a multitude of sins. NM is easily among the most corrupt of states. Everybody has his hand out for a "piece of the action." It's a way of life. Check out the video about the little town of Española, NM. Drugs and addiction have taken over the town. Why aren't New Mexican politicians stepping up the police services in poor Española? Why don't they clean up that town? That poor, miserable little town is being CRUCIFIED! Maybe the drug lords have paid off New Mexican politicians to stay away?
You say it's empty rn, well yeah ofc it's empty! Corona season man
COVID and the political situation in 2020 has killed the vibe here in the U.S. for me. Watching Vietnam crush the virus from over here has made me really annoyed about the U.S. domestic situation. Feels like we lack a sense of shared community, and people are too unaware of what's going on outside of America.
Moving to Albuquerque next week, might be bad timing as far as visiting some cool downtown areas but I understand. I was in Charlotte NC a few months ago and uptown was a complete ghost town. It was eerie. Still looking forward to seeing all the outdoor attractions around abq though.
Edit: Also in Charlotte the only people we came across were the homeless, huge issue there too. I hope for change in every american city.
Get your hands on a strap ASAP fam car theft is out of control here😭
@@ciro9951 got a place with a garage at least!
@@bmo9881 always be strapped or you'll get clapped- George Washington 1989
Are you ready to move out of ABQ yet?
@@zackp3401 ready to buy a house actually
It looks nice and clean try coming to Los Angeles you’ll be traumatized.
I lived in LA for a long time. Both bad.
I drove through it last week for the first time since March and was shocked. It's so empty, but I loved how instead of mostly boarding up the shops, they filled the void with so much art.
the art definitely helps!
I disagree the art is ugly & it makes it look very ghetto.
Are you really wearing a mask all alone? Great video, San Francisco is the same way...destroyed. Is the cure worst than the disease? Who warned us about that?
This is a weak video of Albuquerque.
We’ll, that’s what happens during a pandemic !
Things will open up again, if they have not already
Great fucking video bro this needed to be said and shown. So sad what they did to our beautiful city and state. It's unrecognizable
Wish the mask was off.
I love you but can you call the cops.
Sad
The low riders go like this... NICE.
Why do people say Albuquerque, NM. ??? Just say Albuquerque. Nice video. I love you too bro..(2.49)...nice. The old MEPS on central...LOL. The club is closed, is that the library LOL.
I lived there in the early 80s. It was a beautiful place. I worked in a savings and loan right on Central, went to school at TVI...lived off Ortiz Ave. Looks like the Democrats have done what the always do; drain, destroy, discard. Very sad to see this. Damn shame.
The IRS needs to help the homeless
Show me some food - I want to see good New Mexico food... Sadies carne avadado... beef enchiladas at Monroes ... Mary & Tito”$ on 4th Street - anything... The Range Cafe... breakfast burrito at Blake’s... pepperoni o green chili pizza at Dions... I miss the great ABQ food so much!
Next video Steve!
Let me correct you( Sadie's Carne adovada !! But the avadado sounds cool too but I don't know if that's a word... God bless...
You are SO cute!
I lived in Albuquerque most of my life, NM all my life until I couldn't take it anymore. Now I've been gone for 14 years and I just visited the shit hole it has become. Illegal and homeless everywhere. Chain link fences 8 ft high with razor wire. Wrought iron on businesses and homes resembled prison. Homeless camps in all the parks. I'll never go to Albuquerque again. Lose the mask dude. You're young, you're by yourself and you're outside.....not to mention masks are worthless anyway. Had to give a thumbs down for that reason.
Dude I use to ride the bus everyday, all over albuquerque. I lived in the south valley on los padilla's, and then by the umn by the presbyterian hospital on central, the homeless are some of the nicest most genuine real ass people you'll ever meet. But you know they always ask for something and sometimes your not in the mood. But one time I was skating in the nob hill area and this guy got off the bus with his arm sliced with a chunk of skin hanging off. These people were all scared in this cafe looking at him and he was bleeding out so I went up to him to see if he was ok and gave him some money for a coffee. So many memories meeting random cool crazy people and it's a place a mystery