Aardbargain Guide to New Mexico
An Intelligent Guide to the Land of Enchantment
Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho, located north of Albuquerque, is New Mexico's third largest city by population, just slightly more populous than Santa Fe. (Albuquerque is the most populous city in New Mexico, followed by Las Cruces.)
The city was originally planned as a retirement community in the 1970's - it was then called Rio Rancho Estates - and actively marketed to retiring New Yorkers. Since that time, it has become a major city with a diverse population of all ages, with an abundance of attractive housing and family-friendly activities. The Rio Rancho school system is recognized as one of the best in the nation. Intel, Sprint, and Hewlett-Packard are three of the city's major employers.
Zip Codes - Rio Rancho has two zip codes; 87124 (the original zip code, which now encompasses the southern section of Rio Rancho), and 87144, which is the zip code for the northern, slightly more upscale section of Rio Rancho, including Northern Meadows, City Hall, and the Event Center.Government - The city's official site is located at http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/
Santa Ana Event Center - The Event Center's website is located at http://www.santaanastarcenter.com/
Food - There really is great food in Rio Rancho, but you have to look for it. Tao Chinese Bistro has excellent Chinese food, and is located in a strip mall near Albertson's on Southern Boulevard.
Weather - Many people say Rio Rancho has the "best" weather one could imagine. We all have different tastes, but there is some truth to the statement. Mornings are usually cool, afternoons are warm, and humidity is low.
Of interest . . .
