Rio Rancho is a sunny, southwestern New Mexico City. Although technically a part of the greater Albuquerque area, it is actually the third-largest city in New Mexico, and one of the most quickly growing. It is a place with much to see, do and enjoy for all who call it home. Even better, it has a smaller, yet thriving LGBTQ community where all can find their place and feel at home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Rio Rancho, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Rio Rancho’s History
Rio Rancho’s history is actually fairly recent. In the 1960s, the AMREP Corporation purchased 55,000 acres of land on the outskirts of Albuquerque and was originally named the area Rio Rancho Estates. The company marketed the area to those who lived in eastern and midwestern states, and eventually, people began to flock to the area. It grew quickly and was officially incorporated in 1981. Throughout the years, Rio Rancho has grown in diversity, and today is vibrant, and thriving city with plenty of opportunities and much to see and do for all who call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About Rio Rancho
Read more fun facts about Rio Rancho here.
Rio Rancho’s LGBTQ Community
Rio Rancho is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Albuquerque is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is a national support, education, and advocacy organization for LGBTQ people, as well as their families, friends, and allies. It is the largest grassroots-based family organization of its kind in the country. The stated mission of PFLAG is to help change attitudes and create an environment of understanding so that everyone can live in a world that is safe and inclusive, a mission that it tries to fulfill through support, education, and advocacy.
What's the Weather Like in Rio Rancho?
In Rio Rancho, residents can expect to experience plenty of sunshine year-round. They can also expect hot, sunny summers, along with mild and pleasant spring and fall seasons. Winter can be cold, with occasional snow. Temperatures typically reach an average high of 94°F in July, and an average low of 22°F in January. Rio Rancho gets 12 inches of rain and 10 inches of snow, on average, per year.
Can’t-Miss Events in Rio Rancho
If you live in Rio Rancho, you won’t want to miss this party. Located only a short drive away, Albuquerque Pride, typically held in October, has, since 1976, been providing a safe space for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies to network, celebrate, and explore what the LGBTQ community in New Mexico is all about. Its mission is to strengthen and affirm the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer/questioning community by offering education, outreach, and advocacy through the production of quality events, including parades, lectures, gatherings, a yearly candlelight vigil, and more.
The Best Neighborhoods in Rio Rancho
If you're considering moving to Rio Rancho, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Rio Rancho is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home.
The dry climate of Rio Rancho has kept many of its historic homes intact, and there are many architectural gems available for sale. This is the city where you will find large adobe homes in the puce, cream, and clay colors that are associated with the earth of the Southwest. Many of the upscale homes are located on large lots with pools, planted palm trees, and lots of surrounding acreage.
Regardless of the neighborhood you choose, it is always advised to contact a Rio Rancho gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Rio Rancho is around $305,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Way Out West Film Festival has been held just a short drive away in Albuquerque since 2003 and runs for seven days each October. It is run by Closet Cinema, an Albuquerque-based nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing queer cinema. The Way Out West Film Festival is one of the largest in the state, drawing crowds of over 4,000 people each year. The festival screens over 75 features, shorts, and documentaries from filmmakers from all over the world.
Rio Rancho Players Community Theatre
The Rio Rancho Players Community Theatre is an excellent local theatre group that offers a variety of excellent performances year-round. Whatever genres you enjoy, you're sure to find something to entertain. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a show – or several – for yourself!
Parks and Recreation
Enjoy both art and hiking by visiting the Petroglyph National Monument, where early Native Americans etched life symbols onto boulders. Learn about the history and way of life of the native peoples who once occupied the area, and get your steps in at the same time!
Gay Outdoors New Mexico Meetup Group
Experience all that the beautiful outdoors has to offer in the Greater Rio Rancho area with the Gay Outdoors New Mexico Meetup Group. Make friends, get some exercise, and enjoy the great outdoors, all at once.
Rio Rancho Nightlife
Located just a short drive away in Albuquerque, Effex is one of the city’s most popular gay hangouts. It is a spacious venue offering three levels, a main room, a lounge, and a rooftop patio, each with its own DJ. Definitely put it on your list for a night out in the Rio Rancho area!
Contact a Rio Rancho Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Rio Rancho, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Rio Rancho, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Rio Rancho gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
