| East Mountain
The area called East Mountain is located on the east side of the 10,000-foot
high Sandia Mountains and Manzano Mountains. It encompasses more than 500
sq. miles in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Torrance counties, just east of
Albuquerque. The area is bisected by Interstate 40, the primary east-west
connection to the city.
This East Mountain area has developed around three mountain ranges
controlled by the National Forest Service- the Sandia, Manzanita and Manzano
mountains. These mountains provide diverse recreational opportunities and
wildlife habitat areas. Because of unique weather patterns, it boasts being
the "green side" of the southern Rocky Mountain range.
The population in this area has shown dramatic growth through the last two
decades, with a much higher growth rate than most parts of the state. In
Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque, more than a third of the
building permits issued occur within the East Mountain Area. The overall
population in this area is estimated to be about 25,000 - with more than
half living in Bernalillo County.
The average altitude of the East Mountain Area is between 6,500 and 7,000
feet above sea level. (For comparison, Albuquerque's average altitude is
5,300 feet; Santa Fe is 7,000 feet.)
Cedar Crest, Sandia Park and Sandia Knolls
Cedar Crest, Sandia Park, and Sandia Knolls are small communities on the
east side of the Sandia Mountains. All are bedroom communities for
Albuquerque and are inhabited by those seeking a more rural environment and
who prefer living in the pines found on the east slope.
Placitas
Conveniently located between Santa Fe (36 miles) and Albuquerque (15 miles),
Placitas was formed by the San Antonio de las Huertas land grant of 1745.
The name means "little plazas," cultural centers of the Spanish villages.
Sandia Mountain looms nearby, and other features include the Jemez range,
the Rio Grande, juniper and pinon-covered hillsides and always, the sky.
Placitas is ideally suited for many of New Mexico's favorite outdoor
activities: hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, golfing, skiing,
and sightseeing. Far from the crime and other problems of big-city life,
Placitas is simply a great place to live. Expansive homes dot the high
desert rolling hills, yet thanks to large minimum lot sizes, density is not
a factor.
Each year the Placita's Artists Series presents a program of concerts by the
Helios String Quartet. Community art shows, the traditional posada at
Christmas, the 4th of July parade and homeowner gatherings provide
additional social opportunities. Of course, the vibrant cultural lives of
Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and even Taos are within easy driving range.
Rio Rancho
In the 1960's the AMREP corporation of New York began selling in the
southern tip of Sandoval County. Soon many left harsh winters behind and
moved to New Mexico. In 1980, the city incorporated and it now boasts
shopping centers, tourist facilities, a library, churches, schools, an
industrial park and a country club. By the mid 90's the population exceeded
40,000 and because of its affordable housing and wonderful views of the city
and the mountains, the area continues to grow.
Rio Rancho is a delightful study in contrasts - a fast growing community
that retains and cherishes its small-town atmosphere. A city with good,
clean light manufacturing and service jobs amid well-planned, quiet
neighborhoods.
Called "The City of Vision," Rio Rancho is a town that works. Rio Rancho's
determination and drive received national and international recognition when
Intel Corp. announced plans for a 1.8 billion dollar expansion (the largest
single industrial construction project in this decade in the U.S.) at its
computer microprocessor manufacturing plant in Rio Rancho.
Rio Rancho won the Intel expansion over six other states and several foreign
countries that had tried vigorously to win the prize.
Taylor Ranch
Established less than 20 years ago, the Taylor Ranch area was originally
designed to be a bedroom community of only 1000 homes. As time has gone by,
the area has proven to be so popular with families and young professionals,
that it has grown to nearly 5000 homes.
Taylor Ranch has long been considered one of Albuquerque's most desirable
west side communities, with a variety of some of the best home builders in
New Mexico, and many of the amenities sought after by most homeowners
including quiet streets, and abundance of large park areas for soccer,
baseball, and other activities. It's easy to ride your bicycle or walk from
your home to any of these parks along the many city-maintained bike/walking
trails that meander through the area.
Since Taylor Ranch is within the city limits of Albuquerque, it is served by
city police, fire protection, water and sewer systems. Excellent primary
schools and a new middle school make quality living a reality for the
growing family. Add to that, easy access to shopping and transportation
systems, and you have a community that is truly complete.
Corrales
Corrales is a community located along a six-mile stretch of Corrales Road
#(NM46). Once part of the Alameda Land Grant, one still can find productive
farms and orchards. Today the area is a mixture of the old and new. Spanish
homesteads are side by side with solar adobe homes. The residents enjoy the
atmosphere and consequently side roads are unpaved and gardens and animals
abound. Many professionals who live in Corrales chose to do so because of
its old-world Spanish Adobe charm and the privacy of country living within a
close proximity to the city. Volunteers keep the community functioning...the
village even built their own adobe library. Excellent restaurants, art
galleries, small shopping centers, and the famed Adobe Theater draw visitors
from throughout the area.
Sandia Heights
Sandia Heights is located on the west face of the Sandia Mountains in the
Foothills, the very far NE corner of Albuquerque. The style and landscaping
is similar to the homes in Placitas; Southwestern contemporary being the
norm. North America's longest Tram starts in the Sandia Heights and
traverses the west face of the Sandia Mountains to an altitude of 10,800
feet at the crest.
Los Ranchos De Albuquerque
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is an incorporated village which is surrounded by
the city in the North Valley. The town contains excellent examples of
ancient and modern adobe buildings. In 1980, residents digging a swimming
pool discovered a significant archaeological site which confirms that
Indians settled in the Albuquerque thousands of years ago.
Santa Fe
The charming city of Santa Fe, only 50 miles north of Albuquerque, claims
the distinction of having the oldest capitol building in the United States,
the Palace of the Governors, built in 1610. This internationally famous
city, which is also the capital of New Mexico, is perhaps best known as a
cultural and culinary mecca, with over 200 restaurants and countless
galleries. Santa Fe is known as the third largest art center in the United
States, behind New York and Los Angeles.
Santa Fe was recently recognized as one of the top three destinations for
vacation and resort travelers. It is also the primary or secondary home for
many of Hollywood and California's elite. With its uniqueness and
desirability, Santa Fe demands the highest average sale price per home in
the state of New Mexico, approaching $200,000.
Areas To the South
Three small communities, Los Lunas, Belen and Bosque Farms, also serve many
people working in the Albuquerque area. Located 15-25 miles south of
Albuquerque, these communities offer a more rural environment.
Pueblos Of the Rio Grande
There are approximately 15 different pueblos located within 50 or 60 miles
of Albuquerque, each with its own culture and uniqueness. If you want to
learn more about the Native American communities in the area, this is
absolutely the best place to start. Albuquerque's Indian Pueblo Cultural
Center is owned and operated by the pueblos of New Mexico. On exhibit at the
center are samplings of arts and crafts from pueblos from all over the
state. Also available are materials and guides to help you decide which
pueblo to visit. Visiting these pueblos is always a pleasure. They each have
their own distinction.
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