Benefits of Albuquerque's Leisure Activities Can Include Home Equity

By Richard Barrington
Local Lender Columnist
Aug 25, 2008
With real estate values fading around the country, retaining home equity has become a challenge for many homeowners. One advantage Albuquerque's homeowners have is the area's thriving leisure and entertainment scene. Albuquerque offers a rich array of activity choices, year-round and for people of all ages. The benefits of this lively environment go beyond helping to support home equity values--there are intangible benefits as well.

Tangible and Intangible Benefits

Here's how a thriving leisure and entertainment scene can impact home equity. Home equity is the difference between a home's value and the balance remaining on the home loan. As the home loan is paid down, the value of home equity should rise--unless the value of the home is falling faster than the home loan can be paid down. In many communities, this unfortunate scenario has become a reality. However, the more a community has going for it, the more it will continue to attract new home buyers. In this way, leisure and entertainment can help support home equity values.

Home equity is a tangible benefit of Albuquerque's leisure and entertainment offerings, but there are intangible benefits as well. Quality of life plays a key role in the day-to-day satisfaction of a community's residents. Enjoyment of an area's quality of life can continue long after a home loan is paid off, so it is a key factor in deciding where to live.

Recreation

So what does Albuquerque have to offer? Because of its mild climate, residents are able to enjoy outdoor activities year round. For young people, in addition to recreation organizations such as the YMCA, YWCA, and Boys and Girls Club, there are youth leagues in soccer, baseball, and football, and organized swimming programs.

Participating in sports is not just for the very young, so there are also adult leagues in flag football, basketball, softball, and baseball, as well as a variety of tennis programs. Additionally, physical activity programs geared especially for senior citizens, including exercise classes, running, hiking, Senior Olympics, swimming, and slow-pitch softball are offered to residents and visitors.

In other words, for all age groups the emphasis is on providing choices that help keep area residents healthy and happy.

Entertainment

Physical activity is great, but sometimes people just want to sit back and be entertained. For those times, Albuquerque is rich with choices for all tastes. Musical options include chamber music, jazz, bluegrass, punk, and rock and roll. Other forms of entertainment include ballet, theater, and art exhibits.

Being entertained does not have to cost an arm and a leg. For the budget-conscious, there is an Arts in the Parks program which provides free cultural entertainment during the summer. These offerings have included flamenco dancing, mime, puppet shows, theater, and magic shows.

In short, Albuquerque's leisure and entertainment scene contributes to the quality of life which can help support home equity values, while reminding people that there is also more to life than dollars and cents. Find a good lender and see if Albuquerque is right for you.

Sources:

• Albuquerque Journal
• City of Albuquerque

About the Author
Richard Barrington is a freelance writer and novelist who previously spent over twenty years as an investment industry executive.