The area continues to experience rapid growth due to its favorable climate, recreational opportunities, educational facilities, rich cultural life and friendly people. Albuquerque's history Indians developed thriving centers of commerce along the Rio Grand Valley about the time of Christ. Spanish explorers arrived here years before Jamestown colony was settled. Albuquerque was founded in 1706 and named for the Spanish king's viceroy in Mexico City, the duke of Albuquerque. Winters are generally mild and high temperatures in the summer average about 90 degrees.
Humidity stays low throughout the year, making even the warmest summer day relatively comfortable.
Albuquerque's sporting opportunities New Mexico's varied terrain and natural beauty offer unparalleled recreational opportunities such as camping, water-skiing, backpacking, snowmobiling and mountaineering. Albuquerque itself has an excellent ski area in the Sandia Mountains, just 30 minutes away by car or 20 minutes away by the Sandia Peak Tram, the longest in the Western Hemisphere. The city enthusiastically supports professional, amateur and collegiate baseball, basketball, volleyball and football. Albuquerque's cultural venues Albuquerque and New Mexico are rich in culture with fine symphony orchestras, lively ballet and opera and theatrical companies. Albuquerque has many types of museums, including those in art, anthropology, natural history, aviation and atomic energy.