Albuquerque New Mexico Real Estate

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Known as the “City of Vision,” Rio Rancho sits about a mile above sea level, in the midst of the mild high desert of New Mexico. Rio Rancho is the largest city in Sandoval County, and the third-largest and fastest-growing city in New Mexico. Rio Rancho offers residents convenient access to shopping and cultural activities found in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and camping, scenic tours and other activities found in the surrounding area.

Rio Rancho History

The Rio Rancho area was originally part of the Alameda Grant, a Spanish land grant founded in 1710. By the 20th century, much of this land had been sold to development companies. The first housing development was formed in 1961 and called “Rio Rancho Estates,” with the first families moving in the early 1960’s. During the 70’s and 80’s, the population of Rio Rancho grew significantly. In 1981, Rio Rancho was incorporated as a city. That year also saw microchip maker Intel Corporation move to Rio Rancho, causing a great deal of economic growth in the area.

As Rio Rancho continues to grow, the city has taken steps to distinguish itself from its nearby neighbor, Albuquerque. Rio Rancho has separate school and library system. The Downtown City Centre development brought Rio Rancho a new city hall building in 2006 and a multipurpose arena, the Santa Ana Star Center in 2007.

Rio Rancho Parks & Recreation

The Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department offers valuable programming and services to the community. With parks, recreation centers and pool facilities, the Rio Rancho’s facilities greatly enhance the quality of life for residents.

Cabezon Recreation Center and Pool
This outdoor pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fee to use pool per day is $3.00 for children ages 12 and under as well as adults 55 years of age and older. Fee for all others is $4.00.

Star Heights Recreation and Learning Center
This facility contains a recreation center, skate park, playground, gazebo, Learning Center and basketball courts. Located at 800 Polaris Blvd.

Sabana Grande Recreation Center
This recreation center offers a full schedule of fun classes and special events for the whole family, from kids to seniors. Sabana Grande has a large auditorium with a stage where dance classes are offered. Gymnastics and tumbling for children is also offered. Sabana Grande also has an Art Center that provides all kinds of arts, cooking and crafts classes for all different ages. Located at 4110 Sabana Grande Road.

For more information on parks and recreation in Rio Rancho click here

Rio Rancho Events

Rio Rancho hosts a variety of local events geared towards building a spirit of community. Events range from sports to cook offs. Enjoy a day with the family at one of these great events!

Santa Ana Star Center
This 8,000-seat arena in Rio Rancho is home to the New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League and the New Mexico Wildcats of the American Indoor Football Association. Visit the Santa Ana Star Center’s website for a full calendar of events:

Annual Sunday is Funday Festival
“Sunday is Funday” is Rio Rancho’s annual family picnic featuring musical entertainment, kids’ activities, vendors and FOOD! Event takes place in mid-August at Loma Park.

Pork "N Brew BBQ Cook-off
Rio Rancho’s annual Pork & Brew BBQ State Championship Cook-off is sponsored by the Rio Rancho Convention and Visitors Bureau. Fully sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, some of the best barbeque cooks in New Mexico compete for the right to go on to the National Championships. With World Cup Bull Riding featuring competitors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Spain, the Pork ‘N Brew is one of the most exciting events in Rio Rancho.

For a complete list of events in Rio Rancho click here

Rio Rancho Attractions

Attractions for the whole family can be found in Rio Rancho. Though the attractions listed below are just a small sampling, there’s something for everyone in Rio Rancho. Ask me for more information on Rio Rancho attractions!

Chamisa Hills Country Club
This challenging course is one of the top-rated in the Rio Rancho area. With 36 total holes, including, its Trevino nine-hole course, Chamisa Hills winds its way around several lakes and elevation changes. The Sandia Mountains offer a beautiful backdrop from at least a third of the tee boxes and the New Mexico climate makes year-round golf possible.

J&R Vintage Auto Museum
This collection of more than 70 vintage cars and trucks dates from 1907 to 1966. J&R Vintage Auto Museum also serves as stop on the Great Race, a coast-to-coast event exclusively for vintage autos.

For more information on Rio Rancho attractions click here

For more information on Rio Rancho NM visit the official website by clicking here

For the Rio Rancho Convention & Visitors Bureau website click here

For the Rio Rancho Chamber of Commerce website click here

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