Communities

The City of Vision

The City of Rio Rancho borders Albuquerque and comprises over 100 square miles of land. The City is just 30 minutes from the Albuquerque International Sunport and 45 minutes from Santa Fe, the cultural center of the Southwest. The state’s fastest-growing city, Rio Rancho has an estimated population of 96,026*, and as the economic hub of Sandoval County is setting high standards for both quality of life and conducting business.

Rio Rancho named the “best place to live in New Mexico,” by TIME: Money (2018)
Rio Rancho residents also enjoy a moderate four-season climate, affordable housing options, and one of the state’s lowest crime rates. Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) is considered to be one of the best-performing school districts in the State. It is one of the newest (1994) school districts in New Mexico, is comprised of 19 schools, and is the State’s third-largest district with 17,711 students.

The City of Coronado

More than 500 years old and with occupation reaching back nearly 1,000 years, the Town of Bernalillo is the County Seat of Sandoval County and considered the historical center of New Mexico. It sits on the northwest slope of the Sandia Mountains and hugs the banks of the Rio Grande River, which splits the town from north to south.

With a population of 6,611 in 2000, Bernalillo progressed from a string of haciendas along the river in the 1600s to a commercial center of trade among the pueblos and Mexican settlers in the 1800s. The Town remains a retail trade and service center and is expected to reach 10,852 people by 2025.

This community has much to offer in history, culture, recreation, commerce, and social amenities. It has the advantages of larger cities and access to large-city services without the strain of urban living.

Bernalillo draws crowds to Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo and its Matachines dancing its Christmas parade, and activities. The wine grape was introduced here in the 1620’s and Bernalillo celebrates the industry and the local heritage each Labor Day with the premier event in the state: The Mountain West Brew Fest.

The Village of Corrales

A quiet village located along the bosque, Corrales is bordered on the east by the Rio Grande and, across the river, by the Sandia Indian Reservation. To the south is the City of Albuquerque while to the west and north is the City of Rio Rancho. The greater metropolitan area numbers well over a half million people, but Corrales, about 8,500 in population, aggressively strives to retain a rural lifestyle.

Prehistoric sites indicate the Corrales Valley has been occupied as early as 500 A.D. when the ancestors of the present-day Indian Pueblos derived sustenance from the fertile valley. Subsequent populations, including Hispanic, European and American families, settled in Corrales to raise grapes, apples, and livestock.

Today, Corrales is distinguished by its broad green pastures and orchards, its rich historic and artistic character, and of course the sounds and scents of roosters, cows, horses, and sheep. Corrales is home to wineries, breweries, a grower’s market, galleries and historic sites.

The Village of Cuba

Cuba is located in the high desert off of US 550 along the Jemez Mountian Trail loop and offers a myriad of outdoor activities for hikers, cross-country enthusiasts, hunters, anglers, and campers. Cuba is the gateway to the famous Chaco Culture National Historic Park and the San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area. There are also a number of simple walking trails around the area where you can take in the beautiful scenery.

The town of Cuba, meaning “large tank” or “vat,” is a hub city which supports many surrounding communities with goods and services. Cuba was originally named La Laguna because it was full of water. Settlers drained the area, and it became Cuba when a post office was established in 1887 during the Spanish American War. Cuba is also home to the Sandoval County Fair every August.

Photo credit: Carey Beam, SEA’s VISTA Volunteer in Cuba. To learn more about this important initiative, visit https://bit.ly/cuba-nm.

Jemez Springs

Situated in the Jemez Mountains, Jemez Springs is located entirely within the Santa Fe National Forest. The village is sited on the Jemez River in the red rock San Diego Canyon. State Highway 4 passes through the settlement on the east bank of the Rio Grande tributary. Geothermal springs in and near the village feed the Jemez River.

The Jemez Valley is thought to have been inhabited for the last 4500 years. The Spaniards who visited the area beginning in 1540 reported multiple Native American pueblos (villages), in the valley. The Franciscan mission church San José de los Jemez was built just to the north of the current village in 1621 but was abandoned around the 1640s. Today the ruins are the site of Jemez State Monument.

In 1942, Jemez Springs was the second choice (after Oak City, Utah) for the location of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the proposed Manhattan Project research laboratory, but Los Alamos was chosen instead.

In 1947 two Roman Catholic retreats were founded nearby, the Congregation of the Servants of the Paraclete and the Handmaids of the Precious Blood.

The Gateway to the Jemez

The Village of San Ysidro is near the junction of U.S. Highway 550 and NM Highway 4, at the south end of the Jemez Valley. The Jemez River runs through San Ysidro, just north of where the Rio Salado River joins the Jemez River.

San Ysidro was founded in 1699 by the King of Spain as a farming community. The settlement was named for San Ysidro, or Saint Isidore the Farmer. The Village was incorporated in 1967. An annual San Ysidro Fiesta Day is held each year in mid-May.

Peace & Tranquility

Placitas is set in the beautiful rolling foothills on the north end of the Sandia Mountains. This secluded area is known for its peaceful community with lots of space in a beautiful setting. Just 20 minutes from downtown Albuquerque and 30 minutes from Santa Fe, many prefer Placitas for outdoor activities and to escape city life.