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Beneath the cerulean skies of New Mexico, Rio Rancho epitomizes the Land of Enchantment. Stunning desert landscapes, affordable housing, excellent schools and endless outdoor activities (thanks to year-round sunshine!) cultivate a strong sense of community.
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Home > Best Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023 > Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho, NM, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Rio Rancho, NM, residents get to bask in nearly 300 days of sunshine every year and have easy access to significant New Mexico sites like Route 66 and Bandelier National Monument, home to ruins and petroglyphs left behind by ancestral Puebloan people. As one of the best places to live in the U.S. and ranking high in the environmental category, Rio Rancho is flanked by mesas and mountainous deserts. Land of Enchantment is right!
Rio Rancho neighborhoods are close to parks (there are more than 50!) and trails. The Willow Creek Bosque offers walking trails, dog-friendly areas and wildlife habitat viewing locations, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon in the great outdoors.
Albuquerque and all of its bigger-city amenities are close by. Still, there’s plenty close to home in Rio Rancho, too, and residents can get their fill of pozole and green chile at Hot Tamales and cheer on the Duke City Gladiators, an indoor football team, at the Rio Rancho Events Center. In addition, the city offers residents a relatively low cost of living, ample job opportunities, and quality public and private schools, making it a great place for young families and young professionals to settle down.
Rio Rancho, NM Quality of Life LivScore
How We Calculate Our Data
Rio Rancho, NM Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Environment
Transportation
Rio Rancho ranks highest for housing, environment and transportation.
Amenities49
Amenities: things to do for every interest, plus access to parks and healthy food. Sample metrics: Dining Variety, Museums, Sporting Events & Stadiums, Political Engagement
Economy64
Economy: diverse, thriving local economies with strong employment opportunities and income growth. Sample metrics: Industrial Diversity, Unemployment, Income Relative Change
Education39
Education: feature an educated population and high-quality schools at all levels of education. Sample metrics: School Quality, Years of School, College Access
Environment84
Environment: minimize natural disaster risk, have good air quality and reasonable population density. Sample metrics: Earthquake Risk, Climate Suitability Subscore
Health56
Health: positive health outcomes and easy access to excellent healthcare. Sample metrics: Life Expectancy, Doctor & Hospital Access
Housing & Cost of Living85
Housing & Cost of Living: relatively affordable housing for renters and owners, reasonable taxes and an overall modest cost of living. Sample metrics: Tax Rates, Percent Below Poverty Level, Rental & Home Affordability Ratios
Safety56
Safety: relatively low crime rates. Sample metrics: Murder, Larceny
Transportation65
Transportation: drivable, walkable, bikeable and more with short commutes. Samplemetrics: Multimodal Intersection Density, Vehicles Per Household
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Rio Rancho, NM
What is the weather like in Rio Rancho?
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).
Does Rio Rancho get a lot of snow?
The average annual snowfall in Rio Rancho is very low at 10 inches. Snowfall is most likely to occur from November to March, but it is relatively infrequent and generally light.
Does Rio Rancho get a lot of rain?
The average annual rainfall in Rio Rancho is around 10 inches, thanks to its location in the high desert region of central New Mexico.
How many sunny days does Rio Rancho get?
Rio Rancho averages 290 sunny days a year.
What are some things to do outside in Rio Rancho?
Go for a hike or run at Mesa Contenta Park Lookout Area, a 1.1-mile out-and-back trail.
Rio Rancho Weather
290 days
Average Annual Sun
10 inches
Average Annual Rain
10 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Rio Rancho, NM
What makes Rio Rancho special?
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.
What are some fun things to do with kids in Rio Rancho?
A Park Above is a 6-acre inclusive and accessible playground. The park was constructed to universal design standards to 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.
Where should you have dinner with friends in Rio Rancho?
Pair wood-fired pizzas and calzones with tasty microbrews at Turtle Mountain Brewing Company.
What is the best coffee shop in Rio Rancho?
Piñon Coffee House is a local favorite with a drive-thru and serves up specialty lattes (think: Mexican Spiced Chocolate).
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The Local and State Economy in Rio Rancho, NM
What are the three largest industries in Rio Rancho?
The major industries in Rio Rancho are diverse and include 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.
What is the sales tax rate in Rio Rancho?
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Rio Rancho is 7.56%.
Does New Mexico have a state income tax?
Yes, New Mexico has a state income tax.
Who are the major health care providers in Rio Rancho?
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 Healthcare Services is a major medical provider in the area, too.
What colleges and universities are in Rio Rancho?
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.
Quick Facts About Rio Rancho, NM
- Median Household Income
- $71,211
- Median Home Value
- $242,451
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,470
- Total Population
- 106,451
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $944
- Average Commute
- 29.9 minutes
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iStock/ivanastar
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iStock/ivanastar
iStock/ivanastar
iStock/ivanastar
Rio Rancho’s healthy environment makes it one of the best places to live in the U.S., along with a variety of housing options and an affordable cost of living. Read more aboutliving in New Mexicoand consider otheraffordable cities in the Land of Enchantment. Another good resource as you consider a move:The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
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