Rio Rancho, NM
Why You’ll Love Living in Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Rio Rancho, about a half hour from Albuquerque, is one of the fastest-growing cities in New Mexico. With nearly 300 days of sunshine, a striking landscape, numerous parks, and lots of trails for hiking and biking, Rio Rancho is an ideal destination for those who love to spend most of their time outdoors. And with its affordable housing, good health care and job opportunities, Rio Rancho offers residents a high quality of life. It’s also a great place for families thanks to good schools and a low crime rate.
Thinking of moving to Rio Rancho, NM? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Rio Rancho, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Rio Rancho, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Rio Rancho, NM, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Being enchanting comes naturally to Rio Rancho, NM. After all, this growing city – with a current population of approximately 110,000 – is located in the Land of Enchantment, surrounded by mountainous deserts and impressive mesas under a bright blue sky with never-ending sunshine.
Scoring high in the environmental category means residents take care of all those beautiful outdoor amenities, which include walking trails, biking paths, open areas and more than 50 parks. Significant New Mexico sites such as Bandelier National Monument, which is full of interesting ruins and petroglyphs, and Route 66 are very accessible, as is Albuquerque and its big-city assets, and Santa Fe, which is easily accessible in less than an hour.
Some of the larger employers include Intel, Hewlett-Packard and the public school system, which, by the way, is excellent. This makes Rio Rancho a terrific place for families and young professionals to live, work and play.
Your dollar goes further in Rio Rancho, too. This city provides a relatively low cost of living and affordable housing in attractive neighborhoods, all reasons why it is one of the best places to live in the U.S. There’s a strong sense of community here, evident in the support for the Duke City Gladiators indoor football team, which plays at the Rio Rancho Events Center, and the many festivals and events that are on the docket.
Rio Rancho, NM Quality of Life LivScore
Rio Rancho, NM Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Environment
Transportation
Rio Rancho ranks highest for housing, environment and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Rio Rancho, NM
Summers are hot, and temperatures are often in the 90s. Winters are moderate, with the occasional dusting of snow, and spring and fall tend to be pleasant. The average highs and lows are 90°F and 55°F (summer) and 50°F and 20°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Rio Rancho is right at 10 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Rio Rancho is less than 12 inches, thanks to its location in the high desert region of central New Mexico.
Rio Rancho averages 280 sunny days a year.
Go for a hike or run at Mesa Contenta Park Lookout Area, a 1.1-mile out-and-back trail.
Things To Do in Rio Rancho, NM
Spend an afternoon on the Cabezon Peak Hiking Trail. Cabezon Peak is a distinctive volcanic plug located just west of Rio Rancho, and this trail provides the perfect opportunity to hike and take in the area’s natural beauty. You’ll find plenty of scenic views and panoramic vistas of the Rio Rancho region if you reach the summit.
A Park Above is a 6-acre inclusive and accessible playground. The park was constructed to meet universal design standards and be more usable for everyone. The park’s design goal is to create an inclusive social play environment for children of all ages and abilities.
The Sandia Mountains that lie to the east are a built-in compass for residents, and the sunsets that illuminate the peaks make for a dramatic show.
In the warm months, the Rio Rancho Growers and Farmers Market is a popular spot for anyone looking for produce, crafts or other local goods. For bookworms, FriendShop and FriendsShop Too are part of the Friends of Libraries and Literacy, an all-volunteer nonprofit that supports libraries and funds literacy programs for children, teens and adults in Sandoval County.
Pair wood-fired pizzas and calzones with tasty microbrews at Turtle Mountain Brewing Company.
Rio Rancho Event Center is often considered the local live performance and entertainment hub. It is also a popular spot for sporting events and trade shows.
Piñon Coffee House is a local favorite with a drive-thru and serves up specialty lattes (think Mexican Spiced Chocolate).
The Local and State Economy in Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho’s major industries are diverse, including high-tech manufacturing, retail and health care. Lectrosonics, a company specializing in designing and manufacturing professional audio equipment for film, television and music industries, is headquartered in Rio Rancho.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Rio Rancho is 7.44%.
Yes, New Mexico has a state income tax.
Rio Rancho residents are in good health. UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center is the most notable hospital in the area and was given the U.S. News & World Report’s high-performing distinction in the pneumonia category. Presbyterian Medical Group is also a major medical provider in the area.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Rio Rancho, there are several higher education institutions in nearby Albuquerque, including the University of New Mexico.
Weather in Rio Rancho, NM
Average Temperatures
71 High / 40 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
12 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
10 Inches
Quick Facts about Rio Rancho, New Mexico
- Median Home Value
- $242,822
- Median Property Tax
- $2,781
- Total Population
- 109,553
- Average Commute
- 30 min
- Median Household Income
- $80,737
- Median Rent per Month
- $979
Map of Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho, NM: Where to Live Now
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