Albuquerque's elevation ranges from 4,900 to 6,700 feet, making it one of the highest major metropolitan areas in the country. 3. Modern Fame & Industry

The area has been inhabited for millennia. Nearby Pueblos like Taos and Acoma are among the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the U.S., dating back to around 1000 AD.

The Sandia Mountains to the east are named after the Spanish word for "watermelon" because they turn a vibrant pink hue at sunset.

While now based in Seattle, Microsoft was founded in Albuquerque by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975.