Welcome to the village of Corrales! This quaint town (population 8,584 as of 2021) was incorporated in 1971 granting its residents in the community more control over things like zoning, land use, and local governance. You’ll notice that safety is a big deal in Corrales. The speed limits in the village never go over 35 miles per hour. In fact, there is a sign that reads, “Drive Slow See Our Town, Drive Fast See Our Judge.” And boy howdy, do they mean it. Don’t test this because you will be quickly pulled over.
Thank you to Montessori ONE Academy for sponsoring this moving guide.
Montessori ONE Academy is a private, AMI-recognized Montessori school serving infants, preschool, and elementary students. These award-winning programs are based upon the internationally celebrated and scientifically-supported Montessori Method: an individualized, experiential approach to education whereby the child’s needs, curiosity, and interests are prioritized leading to a lifelong love of learning.
The Infant Program fosters freedom of movement, fine motor development, early socialization, and language development in a nurturing environment.
The Toddler & Primary Programs introduce Montessori fundamentals such as universal values, practical life, and academic curriculum materials in a mixed age group setting–a key to providing opportunities for leadership development.
The Elementary Program continues these elements with an emphasis on executive function and soft skill development–independence, confidence, focus, leadership, collaboration, abstract thinking, problem-solving, and time management.
Plus, in partnership with AMARAN Senior Living, a luxury senior living and memory care residence, Montessori ONE Academy’s students engage with seniors in a variety of activities designed to nurture participants, young and old alike.
Montessori ONE provides individualized instruction to help unleash your child’s potential for lifelong success and well-being. Schedule a personal tour today.
Corrales has a reputation for being a friendly, safe, and welcoming community reminiscent of your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie.
The drive down Corrales road is really spectacular. You may find yourself taking that scenic route when traveling from Albuquerque to Rio Rancho. This quaint village has an abundance of art galleries, local shops and restaurants, breweries, farmers’ markets, wineries, trails, scenic photo locations, a pumpkin patch, and art galleries. Here, time slows down, and you can feel the abundance of history. Check out this article for more on the scenic byways of Corrales.
» » RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Albuquerque Moving Guide: Rio Rancho and Bernalillo « «
General Info
The housing market in Corrales is very competitive. With low inventory and high demand, the median home price is $1.01 million. That is around $560,000 higher than the average of the surrounding metropolitan cities of Rio Rancho and Albuquerque. The appeal for real estate in Corrales is largely due to the scenery as well as irrigation rights given it’s location next to the Rio Grande River and Bosque.
These are the same reasons settlers as far back as indigenous Puebloans and Spanish colonizers chose to settle here. Acequias (irrigation canals) were established to bring water from the Rio Grande to the fields, enabling the cultivation of crops like grapes, apples, and our favorite, green chile. Many of these acequias are still in use today and are a defining feature of Corrales.
Parks, Recreation, and Family Fun
- Corrales Bosque Preserve: This is a stunning natural area along the Rio Grande. It’s known for its beautiful walking and biking trails. The preserve is home to numerous bird species including the Black-chinned Hummingbird, Sandhill Crane, and Canada Goose. The Cottonwood Loop Trail is a favorite among hikers.
- Corrales Recreation Center: The recreation center offers various fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, and tai chi. It also has a weight room, indoor basketball court, swimming pool, outdoor pickleball courts, Liam Knight Pond, athletic/soccer fields, a skate park, tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts, sand volleyball, play structures at La Entrada Park, and a bocce ball court.
- La Entrada Park: Surrounded by gardens, La Entrada Park is a perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors with the family and maybe even have a picnic.
- Corrales Soccer Fields: These fields are often utilized by local soccer clubs but are open to the public.
- Corrales Skate Park: This skate park is a popular spot for skateboarders and BMX riders.
- Horseback Riding: Corrales is known for its horses and many residents enjoy horseback riding. You can find stables and riding schools in the area that offer horseback riding lessons and trail rides. There are even breeders of Pine Ridge Arabians right off of the main street.
- Corrales Bike Trails: The village has a network of bike-friendly trails that are great for cycling enthusiasts. You can explore the scenic countryside and even take part in the annual Corrales Bike and Wine Tour.
The Village of Corrales offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Throughout the year, there are parades and growers’ markets as well as art walks and other fun activities the whole family can enjoy. To see what is going on around town, check out the online calendars that are updated often.
Schools
The village of Corrales is part of the APS School District. They have their very own elementary school as well as a charter option. As for middle and high school, Corrales students are in the district for Cibola High School and Taylor Middle School. APS does allow transfers, but those need to be submitted by January of the year prior and do not always get accepted.
Corrales Elementary School
Corrales Elementary is the primary public elementary school serving the town in grades K-5. Like many schools in the APS district, Corrales Elementary is a Title 1 school, meaning they do get some state funding for certain things like arts, sciences, and reading. Students at this school are scoring far above the average in the state with a score of 9/10 on greatschools.org.
Corrales International School
Corrales International School is a lottery-based charter school in the village. According to their website, they are an International Baccalaureate school and strive for students to be knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.
Cibola High School
Cibola High School is the district for Corrales students. They received an 8/10 for test scores finishing above the state average. Cibola High School has a 41% low-income demographic and students are outperforming other schools in the state in this bracket as well.
Neighbor Interview
What neighborhood do you call home, and how long have you lived there?
Can you describe your neighborhood in three words?
What are some of your favorite outdoor spots or parks in your neighborhood?
Where do you like to shop for groceries or run errands in your neighborhood?
Are there any local restaurants or eateries you frequent? Any favorites?
Do you have any favorite bike or walking paths in your neighborhood?
Are there any schools or educational institutions that you or your family members attend in the area?
Are there any art or cultural events that you enjoy attending in your neighborhood?
How is the public transportation system in your neighborhood? Any tips for using it effectively?
What kind of housing options are available in your neighborhood? What do you like about your own home?
Are there any specific neighborhood landmarks or historical sites you find intriguing?
Are there pet-friendly amenities or parks for your furry friends?
What’s the nearest healthcare facility or hospital in case of emergencies?
How would you describe the overall safety and sense of community in your neighborhood?
Are there any community gardens or green initiatives that you’re involved with?
Tell us about any local festivals or events that make your neighborhood special.
- 4th of July Parade
- The Harvest Festival/Pet Parade
- Trunk or Treat
- Starlight Parade for Christmas
- Garden Tour
- Bike and Wine
- Corrales Fiesta
- Art in the Park
How would you describe the sense of neighborly camaraderie in your area?
Have you or your neighbors received any awards or recognition for community involvement?
What’s one thing about your neighborhood that you wish more people knew?
If you could make one positive change to improve your neighborhood, what would it be?
We hope this moving guide helps you as you consider the lovely, rural village of Corrales!
For information about other areas in and around Albuquerque, check out our Ultimate Guide to Moving to Albuquerque.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
