Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Included in Money Magazine's Top 100 Best Places to Live 2010

As a resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, I am excited and proud to see that not only did we make the cut for Money Magazine's Top 100 "Best Places to Live," but we were the only city in the entire state of New Mexico that did. Rio Rancho came onto the list at number 51 for 2010, after falling off the list for several years. The much-anticipated annual list focused on affordable housing prices, job security and the school systems, putting comfort and stability high on the list of desirable qualities in a hometown.

Our family relocated to this Albuquerque suburb last year. While house-hunting we employed a rental agency to help us look for somewhere to live, and every employee of that agency lived in Rio Rancho, though the business was located in Albuquerque. We knew that, if the professionals lived there, it must be a city worth looking into.

What we have found in Rio Rancho is a safe community with a small-town feel but big city access. Our neighborhood is quiet, and we feel safe allowing our children to play outside and socialize. In fact, many evenings, you can find families up and down the street sitting out in their lawn chairs, shooting hoops, enjoying a stroll and visiting with their neighbors.

The schools have smaller classes than we were used to, and the teachers we have had experience with have all been dedicated and a pleasure to have teaching our children. We were especially impressed with the range of electives available to the high school students. We have no doubt our children will be well-prepared as they graduate and go on to college.

Rio Rancho's Downtown City Center is growing into a place where we can learn, eat, work, and be entertained. The City Center is composed of City Hall, the Santa Anna Star Center, Hewlett-Packard, University of New Mexico West Campus, University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center and Central New Mexico Community College Rio Rancho Campus.

The Hewlett-Packard customer service and technical support center is partly responsible for the job growth in Rio Rancho. The Santa Anna Star Center is an event center where you can attend sports events, conventions, and shows, like the upcoming Jeff Dunham Identity Crisis Tour. The Medical Center is currently under construction, as is the CNM Rio Rancho Campus. The future growth and opportunities for residents is another reason why I think we made the top 100 list.

The clean air and wonderful weather no doubt played some part in the decision to place Rio Rancho on the "Best Places To Live" list also. The fair weather allows residents many chances to get out and enjoy the day. You see people out walking or cycling, and Rio Rancho has many bike paths and trails and dedicated bike lanes around town. There are also several golf courses in the vicinity.

Residents here can enjoy the small town vibe, yet the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque is only minutes away. A short drive brings you to the many museums and attractions, and shopping if you prefer the malls.

More likely than not, financial factors played a big part in the decision to put Rio Rancho in the top 100 this year. Speaking from the experience of someone who has lived in bigger towns, smaller towns and different states, Rio Rancho is one of the most affordable locations that I have resided in. Our family is paying less for food, getting more house for our money, enjoying affordable entertainment and have cut our utility bills by 75 percent by moving to Rio Rancho.

Resources

CNN Money, Best Places To Live

Time, 2010's Best Places To Live: Safe, Small (Somewhat Expensive)

Rio Rancho City Website, City Center