Communities Surrounding Albuquerque
To the North
Rio Rancho
Corrales
Bernalillo
Placitas
Rio Rancho
Immediately northwest of Albuquerque lies Rio Rancho, the “City of Vision”. It has become renowned for its amazing growth and economic development. It has become the 4th largest city in New Mexico in a very short period of time. Attractive housing prices, good schools and a strong sense of community have made it a very popular place to live. Financial incentives have attracted several major corporations to set up shop in the area including Intel and Taco Bell. Commute time into Albuquerque is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on location and time of day.
Corrales
The Village of Corrales is just 14 miles north of downtown Albuquerque in the fertile valley along the Rio Grande River. It is still a rural community providing space for horses and attracting many artisans, galleries, antiques, jewelry and craft shops. Most homes reside on larger plots of land than found in the more urban areas of Albuquerque. Because land prices are more expensive along the Rio Grande River, pricing in Corrales is in the higher ranges. Commute time into Albuquerque is approximately 30 minutes.
Bernalillo (pronounced Ber-nah-LEE-o)
A little farther to the north is Bernalillo. A town of tradition, it is one of the oldest settlements in the Southwest. Today the population is little more than 6000-7000 but it has experienced good growth in recent years. It is primarily rural in nature. It is the Sandoval County Seat and hosts the New Mexico Wine Festival every fall. Surprisingly, wine is one of New Mexico’s oldest agricultural products! Commute time into Albuquerque is approximately 30 – 40 minutes.
Placitas
Still north of Albuquerque, but almost directly east of Bernalillo, is the small town of Placitas. A rural residential community in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, the terrain ranges from rolling hills to mountainside. It offers spectacular views. Most homes sit on 1+acre and are custom built. There is very little commercial development in the area. Commute time into Albuquerque is approximately 30 – 40 minutes.
To the East
Tijeras
Edgewood
Moriarty
Tijeras (pronounced ti-HAIR-us) and Cedar Crest
The mountain pass which separates the Sandia Mountain Range from the Manzano Mountain Range is called Tijeras Pass. Tijeras is Spanish for “scissors”. I-25 also runs through this pass. Just off I-25, there are several small mountain communities which include Tijeras, Cedar Crest, Sandia Park and Sandia Knolls. All are quiet places attractive to those seeking a more rural environment high in the piñons and pines. Winters in the mountains are more severe with more snowfall, and four wheel drive vehicles are needed in some areas. Commute time into Albuquerque is approximately 30-40 minutes.
Edgewood and Moriarty
These two communities are located on the eastern plains of the Sandia Mountains. The terrain is rolling hills. Both areas boast a slower life style and country atmosphere. They are primarily ranching and agricultural towns. Edgewood is approximately 20 miles east of Albuquerque with a commute time of 25-40 minutes. Moriarty is approximately 33 miles southeast of Albuquerque with a commute time of 40-50 minutes.
To the South
Often referred to as Valencia County
Bosque Farms
Los Lunas
Belen
Bosque Farms (pronounced BOS-kay)
Bosque Farms is located south of Albuquerque about 15 miles. Bosque is Spanish for “forest”, and this community encompasses much of the natural cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande River Valley. Residents enjoy a rural, agricultural atmosphere. Most residents commute to Albuquerque for employment. The area has enjoyed modest economic growth in recent years with the addition of the WalMart Distribution Center as one of its large employers. The commute into Albuquerque is approximately 20-25 minutes plus inner city drive time.
Los Lunas
Very similar in flavor to Bosque Farms, Los Lunas is “just down the road” another 5-7 miles. It is also is a farming and ranching community. The University of New Mexico – Valencia Campus offers high school students the opportunity to take college level classes to get a head start on higher education. Commute time to Albuquerque is 30-40 minutes.
Belen
Belen is nicknamed the “Hub City”. So called because it is located almost exactly in the center of New Mexico and because its rail yards make it one of the major centers for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Easy access to I-25 allows for a direct commute into Albuquerque, however, allow 40-45 minutes drive time.