Touro Dental Health
Student Housing Guide

Touro University College of Dental Medicine is located at 2425 Ridgecrest Dr SE in Albuquerque, training the next generation of dental professionals in a state-of-the-art clinical facility. Whether you are a first-year dental student, a resident, or a faculty member, where you live directly affects how much time you can devote to studying, how much sleep you get, and how manageable your budget feels during an intense program.

This guide covers everything you need to know about housing near Touro Dental Health, from rental options and roommate arrangements to buying a home with special mortgage programs for dental professionals. Every section is Fair Housing Act compliant, with factual, distance-based descriptions of neighborhoods.

Housing Options for Dental Students

Dental students at Touro have several housing options, each with different trade-offs in cost, convenience, and lifestyle. Understanding your options before you start your search will help you make the right decision for your situation.

Rental Housing Near Campus

Renting is the most common choice for dental students, especially during the first year. Apartments, duplexes, and townhouses near the Touro campus offer flexibility and a lower upfront cost than buying. In the 87108 ZIP code, which includes the Ridgecrest area and surrounding neighborhoods, average rents range from approximately $815 to $1,517 per month depending on unit size and condition. Studio apartments average around $950 per month, while two-bedroom units typically range higher.

Many students split rent with roommates to reduce costs. A two-bedroom apartment or house shared with one roommate can bring your individual housing cost down to $600 to $800 per month, making it a budget-friendly option during dental school. Popular rental areas near Touro include the Ridgecrest neighborhood itself, Nob Hill, and the University area.

Buying a Home During Dental School

Some dental students and residents choose to buy a home rather than rent. Albuquerque's housing market is more affordable than many other cities with dental schools, making homeownership accessible even during training. Starter homes, townhouses, and condos in the neighborhoods near Touro Dental Health can be found at price points that make sense for a student budget, especially when you factor in the potential for appreciation and the ability to build equity instead of paying rent.

Buying also gives you the option of renting out extra bedrooms to fellow dental students, which can offset your mortgage payment significantly. This strategy, sometimes called house hacking, is common among medical and dental students who want to minimize their housing costs while building long-term wealth.

Roommate Options Near Campus

Roommates are a practical way to reduce housing costs during dental school. The areas closest to Touro Dental Health, including Ridgecrest, Nob Hill, and the University area, have a high concentration of rental properties with multiple bedrooms that work well for shared living arrangements. Many dental students find roommates through Touro University's housing boards, Facebook groups, or by connecting with classmates before the start of the academic year.

Commute Times to Touro Dental Health

Touro Dental Health is located at 2425 Ridgecrest Dr SE in Albuquerque, near the intersection of Ridgecrest Dr SE and Gibson Blvd SE. The following commute estimates are based on normal traffic conditions and standard driving routes.

Within 5 Minutes of Touro Dental Health

The Ridgecrest neighborhood is the immediate area surrounding the Touro campus. Homes on Ridgecrest Dr SE, Morris St SE, and the surrounding blocks are within a 5-minute drive or a short commute to campus. The Gibson Medical area, including the streets near Gibson Blvd SE and San Pedro Dr SE, is also within this radius. This is the most convenient option for students who want to minimize commute time and maximize study time.

Within 10 Minutes of Touro Dental Health

The following neighborhoods offer driving times of approximately 10 minutes or less to the Touro campus under normal traffic conditions:

• Nob Hill: Located along the Central Ave SE corridor between Girard Blvd and Washington St SE. Access to Touro via Central Ave and San Pedro Dr SE.
• University Area / UNM Campus Area: Centered around University Blvd NE and Central Ave NE. Drive to Touro via University Blvd or I-25 south to Gibson Blvd.
• EDo (East Downtown): Located just east of Downtown along Central Ave NE. Access via I-25 south or Central Ave to San Pedro Dr SE.
• South San Pedro / La Mesa: The area around San Pedro Dr SE and Zuni Rd SE. Direct access to campus via San Pedro Dr SE.
• Silver Hills: Located along the Silver Ave SE corridor east of the Touro campus. Access via San Pedro Dr SE or Zuni Rd SE.

Within 15 Minutes of Touro Dental Health

The following areas offer driving times of approximately 15 minutes or less to the Touro campus:

• Uptown: Centered around Louisiana Blvd NE and Menaul Blvd NE near the I-25 and I-40 interchange. Access via I-40 east to San Pedro Dr SE.
• Northeast Heights (southern portion): The area along Montgomery Blvd NE and Menaul Blvd NE east of I-25. Access via I-25 or San Pedro Dr SE.
• Downtown Albuquerque: The central business district along Central Ave NW. Access via I-25 south to Gibson Blvd or Central Ave east to San Pedro Dr SE.
• Broadmoor / Montgomery Heights: Located in the southeast quadrant near Montgomery Blvd SE and Juan Tabo Blvd SE. Access via Montgomery Blvd and San Pedro Dr SE.

What Dental Students Should Look For in a Home

Dental school is demanding. Your living environment should support your academic success, not work against it. Here are the features and considerations that matter most for dental students and residents.

Proximity to Campus

A shorter commute means more time for studying, clinical rotations, and rest. Living within 10 minutes of Touro Dental Health can save you 30 to 60 minutes of driving time each day compared to living in the far Northeast Heights or Rio Rancho. Over the course of a semester, that extra time adds up to dozens of hours that can be spent on patient care, board preparation, or simply recovering from a long clinical day.

Affordable Rent or Starter Home Prices

Dental students graduate with significant educational debt, so keeping housing costs low is a priority. The neighborhoods closest to Touro Dental Health offer a range of affordable options. Rental properties in Ridgecrest, Nob Hill, and the University area include older duplexes, apartments, and small single-family homes at reasonable price points. Starter homes and condos in these same areas give you the option to build equity while keeping your monthly payment comparable to rent.

Access to Study Spaces

Living near libraries, coffee shops, and quiet study spaces can make a big difference during exam periods and board preparation. The University area and Nob Hill have several coffee shops and cafes that are popular with students. The UNM Zimmerman Library is also accessible to Touro students and offers extensive study space. Having a home with a dedicated study area or a quiet layout is also valuable for at-home study sessions.

Quiet Residential Areas for Studying

A quiet home environment is essential for focused study. The Ridgecrest neighborhood, Silver Hills, and the interior streets of Nob Hill offer residential streets with lower traffic volumes. These areas tend to be quieter than properties on major arterial roads like Central Ave or Gibson Blvd. Look for homes on cul-de-sacs or side streets away from main thoroughfares for the quietest study environment.

Should You Buy During Dental School?

Buying a home during dental school is a decision that depends on your financial situation, how long you plan to stay in Albuquerque, and your risk tolerance. Here are the pros and cons to consider.

Pros of Buying During Dental School

• Build equity instead of paying rent: Your monthly payment goes toward ownership rather than a landlord's mortgage.
• Potential appreciation: Albuquerque's housing market has shown steady growth over time. A home purchased during dental school may appreciate by the time you graduate.
• Roommate income: Renting out bedrooms to fellow dental students can offset most or all of your mortgage payment.
• Tax benefits: Mortgage interest and property taxes may be deductible on your federal tax return.
• Stability: You control your living environment and are not subject to lease renewals or rent increases.

Cons of Buying During Dental School

• Upfront costs: Down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses require capital that may be tight during school.
• Maintenance responsibilities: Homeownership comes with repairs, yard work, and unexpected expenses.
• Relocation after graduation: If you plan to move after graduation, selling a home within a short timeframe carries transaction costs and market risk.
• Debt-to-income ratio: Student loan debt may affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage.

Physician and Dental Professional Mortgage Programs

Several lenders in New Mexico offer specialized mortgage programs for medical and dental professionals. These programs often feature:

• Zero down payment options for qualified applicants
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Flexible debt-to-income ratios that consider student loan debt differently
• Favorable terms for professionals with a signed employment contract or recent residency completion

These programs are available to dentists, dental residents, and in some cases, dental students with a co-signer or documented future income. Learn more about healthcare and dental housing options.

Tips for Dental Residents and Fellows

Dental residents and fellows face unique housing challenges. Your training program is intense, your schedule is demanding, and you may be relocating to Albuquerque for a limited time. Here are practical tips for finding housing that works for your situation.

Transitional Housing Options

If you are moving to Albuquerque for a residency or fellowship, consider short-term transitional housing for your first few weeks. Furnished apartments, month-to-month rentals, and extended-stay hotels give you a soft landing while you explore the city and decide where to live long-term. The University area and Nob Hill have several options for short-term furnished rentals that are close to Touro Dental Health.

Short-Term Lease Options

Many landlords near the Touro campus are accustomed to working with medical and dental trainees. Some offer 6-month or 9-month leases that align with the academic year, while others offer month-to-month terms for maximum flexibility. When touring rental properties, ask about lease term flexibility specifically for medical and dental trainees.

Planning for Your First Permanent Home After Graduation

If you are a resident or fellow planning to stay in Albuquerque after completing your training, you may want to buy a home now rather than waiting. Physician and dental professional mortgage programs make it possible to buy during residency with a low down payment, and your future income potential is factored into the approval process. Working with a real estate agent who understands the unique needs of dental professionals can help you find a home that works for both your training years and your permanent career.