Well, it's good that you made a trip to ABQ to see for yourself. New Mexico is, indeed, much different from what you're used to in New York. I lived in several major cities, including PHX for over 20 years. ABQ is a real pleasure to fly in and out.

Parking is available at several "off-airport" parking lots and they are secure. I park at the lot nearest the terminal, where AAA or any coupon pricing is $3 uncovered or $4 covered. I have never ever had to wait for the shuttle back to the lot, there is always a little bus waiting at the baggage claim curb.

Yes, there are security lines at times. I have Global Entry, even though I don't travel overseas but once a year. There is a GE interview station at the ABQ airport and ABQ's Pre-Check lane is never crowded.

Airfares are significantly better from ABQ than Santa Fe. Santa Fe's airport, as previously mentioned, is tiny and a throwback to early aviation days. I choose to drive to ABQ (1:45 from my house to the parking lot) rather than SAF (1:00 drive) for the more frequent schedules and better fares. Southwest, United, and American have good service to/from ABQ. Jet Blue flies non-stop to JFK, but it's a red-eye, the return flight has a better daylight schedule.

Flying from major airports is SUCH a hassle, I'm very glad to be able to use a low-key smaller terminal. You're right, when arriving at departures one can often be the only person on the sidewalk. To me that's fantastic. Living in New Mexico requires some attitude adjustments, life here is pretty laid back and slow. That suits me just fine.