Family-friendly neighborhood in the Rio Grande Valley
Contouring the eastern banks of the Rio Grande River, Rio Communities is a small neighborhood adjacent to Belen, New Mexico. As both a neighborhood and an incorporated city as of 2013, Rio Communities is a "Growing community nearby expanding business and manufacturing sectors in Belen," says Loedi Silva, long-time resident and broker at Realty One of New Mexico, adding that "the neighborhood often comes together for Christmas parties and barbecues and school kids do the same sport and activities as each other, so families get close to each other." About 45 minutes south of Albuquerque, residents of Rio Communities enjoy easy access to the city while still benefitting from a more competitive cost of living and cost of doing business. Bordered by the Rio Grande to the west and the Manzano Mountains to the east, this neighborhood "surrounded by the open desert space of southeastern Valencia County " marries suburban convenience with rural activities like riding horses and doing farm work. With a local golf club, serene natural areas and a tight-knit community, Rio Communities is a welcoming, family-friendly neighborhood in the midst of New Mexico nature.
Link-side, suburban homes with desert views
Homes in Rio Communities come in a variety of different styles and price points, with some bordering the links of Tierra Del Sol Golf Club. From quiet, neighborhood streets and link-front homes to ranch homes dotting the wide-open desert, Pueblo and traditional style architecture is most common here. The average sales price here is $235,000, about $20,000 less than that of surrounding Valencia County. From $150,000 to $200,000, prospective home buyers can find two to three-bedroom ranch-style and manufactured homes, while, for $250,000 to $350,000, three to four-bedroom custom-built homes with garages and quarter-acre lots are more common.
Schools of Belen Consolidated School District
Students in Rio Communities are served by schools of Belen Consolidated School District like La Promesa Elementary. This school, which received a rating of C on Niche, boasts a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Older students can attend schools like Belen Middle School and Belen High, both of which received a C-minus or higher from Niche. Belen High is reputed for its state-champion athletics programs and offers options like cross country, football, soccer, volleyball, swimming and diving.
Albuquerque and other New Mexico destinations along I-25
About 35 miles, or a forty-minute drive, south of Albuquerque, residents are connected to the city by Interstate 25. This car-dependent community is home to operations of the BNSF Railway and the United States Air Force at Belen Regional Airport. For the closest international airport and hospital, residents will have to head to Albuquerque to find the Albuquerque International Sunport and Presbyterian Hospital.
Shopping and dining on Main Street in Belen
For all their shopping needs, residents of Rio Communities can drive about four miles to nearby Belen to find big-box stores like Lowe's and Family Dollar as well as their local grocer. Farm To You by Bomvida Farms is a New Mexico-local farmers' market-style grocery store that sells all locally-grown products as well as daily coffee, sweets, and homemade sodas.
The Longbow Diner is one local restaurant with a warm, family-friendly environment where residents can enjoy homemade dishes like tamales, prime rib and desserts like their apple pie.
Serene New Mexico parks
With sunny weather year-round and plenty of desert environments to explore, getting outdoors is easy in Rio Communities. Residents can go for a bike ride in the desert, hike in the Manzano Mountains or, to get close to the lush valley of the Rio Grande, head to the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area. This 97-acre tract of wetland habitat is a unique ecosystem for the area which residents can explore by walking along its paths and observing rare wildlife and plant species.
Bordering the community, the Tierra Del Sol Golf Club is another way residents can get outside and enjoy daily games. Nearby the Rio Grande River, this short but challenging course offers members beautiful views of mature trees, ponds and the Manzano Mountains.
Get-togethers in Rio Communities
Rio Communities is home to a thriving, tight-knit community that regularly gets together at events such as the Valencia County Fair. Every summer, this fair kicks off with a week-long itinerary of activities and musical performances, and residents can also enjoy rides and food.
The Belen Art League is another community organizer that promotes and encourages art by giving local artists opportunities to display their work and participate in classes in an effort to bring the town together and enrich the lives of neighbors.
The Rio Communities Optimist Club is a group that sponsors activities to help underserved youth in the community like a toy-give away at Christmas.
Photography Contributed By
Angelo Esquibel
