Living Here
You’ll Be on Top of the World.
Yes, you read that right. At an elevation of 5,312 feet, Albuquerque has the highest elevation of any major metropolitan city in America. So you can rest assured that you’ll be living the high life here—both physically and metaphorically. You’ll be surrounded by so many cool spaces (model train room, anyone?) and exciting learning opportunities that you won’t need to leave campus to find a new adventure every day. Mealtimes will be spent enjoying delicious food and even better company. And you’ll feel fantastic about fitness with our two pools and plethora of workout classes and options.
When you do decide to hit the town (and we know you will), downtown Albuquerque is just a stone’s throw away, offering plenty of captivating entertainment and mouthwatering cuisine practically at your doorstep. The city’s pedestrian-friendly design and great public transportation means you’ll be free to explore as much and however you please. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it all, with a staff dedicated to making life more convenient and worry-free.
Find your groove
Stretch, swim, or dance your way to a body that’s in tip-top shape with our variety of fitness options that make movement joyful and fun. With two fitness centers, complete with senior-friendly classes, and two indoor heated pools with hot tubs, you’ll be making a move and finding your groove in no time.
Treat your taste buds
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a morning exercise class or enjoying dinner with a side of sunset mountain views, every meal at La Vida Llena is truly a treat. Here, you’ll savor a variety of dining options ranging from high class eats to quick snacks. We’re happy to accommodate nutritional needs and offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner in flexible time blocks, allowing you to fully enjoy one of life’s greatest pleasures—dining with friends.
Live from channel 1981
Watch out world—there’s a new star in town! Channel 1981 is La Vida Llena’s own resident-run broadcast network that airs community news, discussions, and interviews with residents.
Make a shelf discovery
Do you have an interest in underground root systems and the ways in which trees communicate? Have you ever wondered what the fascinating science is behind the gravitational systems of black holes? With three libraries and a computer lab, which is open 24/7, you’re just a few steps away from getting totally absorbed in your next learning rabbit hole.
All aboard—next stop, artistic endeavors
Whether you’re a lifelong hobbyist, total novice, or somewhere in between, you’ll be right in your creative element at La Vida Llena. There are plenty of beginner-friendly, on-campus opportunities to keep your hands busy and your mind full, including a ceramics studio (with a kiln), an art room, a fiber arts room with a weaving loom, a woodworking workshop, and a model train room. If you’re more of an observer than an artist, that’s fine too: Our sculpture garden provides the perfect venue to enjoy the Albuquerque sun or get lost in a good book while surrounded by works of art.
Where you feel like you
You’re always you, of course, but when was the last time you truly felt like yourself? Maybe it was after a fab cut and color refresh (we have a full-service hair salon). Or during a meaningful moment of reflection at a spiritual, Catholic or interfaith service. Perhaps it was while enjoying a deep belly laugh with friends or watching your pups frolic (we welcome most all pets). Whatever makes you feel recharged and renewed, you’ll find it here.
The only thing stopping you? Running out of calendar space.
We heard you’re all about a fast-paced lifestyle, so we created a calendar full of up to eight daily activities (plus regular movie nights and fitness classes) to keep you as busy as you please. Activate your adventurous side with a volcano hike in the morning and then find inner peace at a guided sound bath meditation in the afternoon—both of these activities are regularly featured on our events calendar. All the spontaneous hangouts and unforgettable adventures you’ll take part in will make you feel like a college student again (minus the homework).
A little snack never hurt anyone
When dinner is a couple hours away and you don’t want to spoil your appetite, a sweet or salty treat can be the perfect pick-me-up. Just a few steps away, the Market Place store on Main Campus offers refreshing drinks and fun snacks, as well as essentials such as greeting cards, light groceries, and other conveniences.