Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Just 17 miles north of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho has all of the benefits of a city with a more rural vibe. Residents have access to several outdoor adventures, during which they can soak up 330 days of sunshine a year in a place framed by mesas and deserts.

Less than a decade ago, the city implemented a plan to restore and preserve open spaces. With more than 50 parks plus bike paths and trails, it’s always easy to find something to do outside—and sometimes you can add a history lesson, too. Petroglyph National Monument, filled with ancient rock carvings and hiking trails, and Bandelier National Monument, honoring the Puebloan people, aren’t far away. There’s also the Coronado Historic Site, featuring the ruins of Kuaua Pueblo. And golfers will delight in the stunning Twin Warriors Golf Club, just a 20-minute drive away. 

Rio Rancho is known as “the City of Vision,” a moniker befitting the city’s developing economy and tourism sector. It’s one of New Mexico’s fastest-growing cities and is home to Intel Fab11X, one of the world’s largest semiconductor plants. 

A safe and laid-back community, Rio Rancho is a good place to put down roots with plenty to offer energetic kids. There’s a trampoline park and the Galloping Goat Youth Ranch, that features a petting zoo and activities like pumpkin bowling. Not far away is Albuquerque’s New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, where children can learn more about dinosaurs and outer space.