Entance to Rio Rancho Subdivision and an actual neighborhood.
Rio Rancho, one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, has the "quality of life" features to entice both industry and individuals looking to re-locate. The magnificent view of the Sandia Mountains, the warm summer days and cool evenings, and the mild winter temperatures are just a few of the enticements. Add low land costs, affordable housing, quality education, and a community with positive attitudes and you will understand why Rio Rancho is continuing to boom well into the future.
In the early 1960s, the AMREP Corporation purchased 55,000 acres of land on the outskirts of Albuquerque, originally called Rio Rancho Estates. This was the beginning of Rio Rancho. AMREP marketed the area to residents in the Midwest and eastern states. When home building began in 1962, many of the first residents were middle-income retirees. In 1966, the 100th family moved to Rio Rancho and by 1977 the population had grown to 5,000. In 1971, AMREP purchased and platted an additional 35,000 acres. Rio Rancho Estates was now 92,000 acres and larger, geographically, than the city of Albuquerque. By the early 80’s, Rio Rancho was incorporated and its population had reached 10,000. A new financing program, offering low interest home loans, changed Rio Rancho from a retirement community to a community attracting young families. Today, Rio Rancho offers a cultural diversity within its population of 50,041