Albuquerque’s North Valley provides a wonderful break from the fast-paced city life with many streets lined with towering cottonwood trees. Properties are conducive to urban farming and outdoor hobbies. I remember the very first time I experienced the North Valley. I was awestruck at the feeling of being in the country but knowing I was still within city limits!
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.
General Info
With a population of 12,594 people in the North Valley and 5,904 people in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque that is nestled within, this quaint area of town provides green spaces, family-friendly activities, and a community of warm-hearted people who want to preserve the agricultural heritage of the North Valley. The median age of adult residents in the North Valley is 41.6 years old. Residents range from retirees to families with young children.
» » » » » » » » RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Albuquerque Moving Guide: Westside « « « « « « «
The median home cost within the North Valley stands at $480,000. This figure is elevated by the upscale residences along the Rio Grande River and premium homes within the Los Ranchos Village. The North Valley’s central location ensures convenient commuting times to both eastern and western parts of town, with the exception of peak traffic times, allowing for efficient travel within the area. I certainly appreciate accessing the Westside of town for weekend errands and the Eastside of town for church activities, sporting events, and meet-ups with friends!
Parks, Recreation, and Family Fun
The North Valley is full of lush, green trees and some beautiful neighborhood parks. My family enjoys quiet evening strolls under the shade of the trees or enjoying the sunset on our back patio. The village market is also a highlight of our weekend excursions. We are an active family, so this part of town delivers in the nature and outdoor activity department!
Alameda Open Space and Bachechi Open Space are wonderful places to take a nature walk, go for a bike ride, jog, or take your horse on a trail ride. The Alameda Open Space provides scenic views of the Bosque and access to the Rio Grande River.
Los Poblanos Open Space is an incredible destination offering three distinct loops for exploration. It boasts active farming, wildlife habitats, and ample space for walking, running, and cycling, making it truly unique.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is abundant in valuable insights about New Mexico’s native wildlife. Equipped with a visitor’s center, walking trails, a native plant garden, and engaging activities, it offers an educational experience on preserving our city’s wildlife.
The North Valley is a peaceful place to raise a family with plenty of opportunities to get out and about with children. Here are some popular options for family fun that we have enjoyed over the years.
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm is a gem! Explore the beautiful grounds, which include gardens, animals, and a farm shop. There’s even an opportunity to book a room at the Los Poblanos Inn for a relaxing staycation. Delicious food is served at the Campo restaurant as well. They often host family-friendly events and workshops.
At Casa Rondeña Winery, parents can enjoy some local New Mexican wines while children enjoy delicious snacks and take in the scenic surroundings, including vineyards and the classic architecture of the grounds.
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is just outside of the North Valley but a fun destination nonetheless. Discover the world of hot-air ballooning through interactive exhibits and displays suitable for all ages.
Big Jim Farms is such a fun place to pick your own green chile, red chile, sunflowers, and pumpkins. A fantastic family-friendly experience with a bounty of photo ops!
The Los Ranchos Village Market is a vibrant place to visit on Saturday mornings to purchase farm fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and one-of-a-kind creations from local artists.
Learn some painting techniques and enjoy some family bonding at Kelly Jo Designs by Wine with a guided paint session. With several different styles and themes, there is something for every artist in the family.
The Village Shops at Los Ranchos and a number of wonderful local restaurants line the revitalized walking paths which makes for a lovely, leisurely stroll.
Dining
We also adore supporting local businesses and enjoying all of the wonderful culinary opportunities that surround us. The North Valley has so many wonderful bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants!
Dave’s Valley Grill has a wonderful selection of foods to appease the whole family. Casa de Benavidez offers classic New Mexican cuisine with a beautiful patio space to enjoy.
At Campo at Los Poblanos, you can enjoy breakfast or dinner in the renovated dairy building surrounded by the scenic views of the farm. Vernon’s Speakeasy is a steakhouse with a swanky theme and a romantic place to reserve for date night.
Trifecta Coffee Company has a wide array of coffees to take home (whole bean or ground) as well as delectable baked goods and a great seasonal drink menu. Lovers of biscochitos will adore Celina’s Biscochitos and the yummy varieties of cookie flavors. The pumpkin biscochitos are so good! Los Ranchos Bakery is a small batch bakery offering fresh baked, scrumptious goods and coffee. Farm & Table is a farm-to-fork restaurant highlighting locally sourced ingredients. Vibrant and unique dishes will delight your taste buds!
Sip a pint of the top-notch beers or ciders at Steel Bender Brewyard and enjoy some tasty food as well. The fried green chile strips are fantastic! Sip some suds and enjoy a sandwich at the lovely Hops Brewery. Kuchara Farms Food Truck is a seasonal option that you’ll want to mark your calendars for.
Schools
According to publicschoolreview.com, “There are 204 public schools and 73 private schools serving students in Albuquerque. Albuquerque, NM public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the NM public schools average of 25%) and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 58% statewide average). Schools in Albuquerque have an average ranking of 9/10 which is in the top 20% of New Mexico Public Schools.”
Below is a list of District 3 public schools that serve the North Valley area:
Elementary Schools: Alameda, Alvarado, Bel-Air, Cochiti, Duranes, Edmund G. Ross, Governor Bent, Griegos, Hodgin, La Luz, Lew Wallace, Longfellow, Los Ranchos, MacArthur, Mission Avenue, Reginald Chavez, and Zuni
Middle Schools: Cleveland, Garfield, McKinley, Taft, Taylor, and Washington
High Schools: Albuquerque and Valley
Schools of Choice and Alternative: Early College Academy, Career Enrichment Center, Desert Willow Family School
There are several charter and private school options available to families as well in the surrounding area. Our children have attended a combination of private, charter, and magnet schools for elementary through high school. Some families choose to commute to different areas of the city for their children’s schools, especially if the schools are close to their place of work.
Why I Love Living Here
Residing in Albuquerque’s North Valley offers a wealth of advantages, specifically in terms of local businesses and neighborhood charm. The North Valley is dotted with an array of quaint local shops and restaurants, providing residents with convenient access to unique products and delicious cuisines. This enhances the overall sense of community and village mentality by encouraging a strong connection between residents and local entrepreneurs.
The neighborhood’s appeal is further developed by its distinctive character and scenic beauty. The North Valley’s emphasis on preserving its natural surroundings translates to an appealing environment for outdoor activities, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle. It’s also lovely to see flocks of migratory birds resting in the fields and hot air balloons dotting the sky above on any given day!
All in all, the North Valley embodies a wonderful blend of local business vibrancy and a slower pace than the hustle and bustle of the big city. For my family, the North Valley is our retreat.
Potential Drawbacks
The housing developments within the North Valley exhibit remarkable diversity, far from the standardized cookie-cutter model. When touring the North Valley, you can expect to see distinctive plots of land, a variety of house designs, and charming narrow roads. This eclectic collection of housing styles may deter some families from making the move to the area. When our neighbors had their house on the market, the stark contrast between properties right next to each other was a deterrent to a few of the prospective buyers.
Traffic congestion during peak hours may also serve as a drawback. There are a couple of major construction projects that are underway that will potentially impact traffic further in the near future. A family that is not interested in the prospect of extensive lawn maintenance may also want to look elsewhere to live because the larger lots require quite a bit of upkeep. Additionally, it’s worth noting that real estate prices and taxes are elevated in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, potentially posing challenges in finding a home that aligns with the family budget.
Why Your Family Might Love Living Here
Families considering a move to the North Valley might find themselves drawn to this part of Albuquerque due to the expansive yard spaces, picturesque natural surroundings, and a cozy small-town atmosphere with close proximity to urban amenities. The North Valley is a unique space that places high importance on honoring Albuquerque’s historic roots.
People who value supporting small businesses, appreciate local artistry, enjoy nature, or have a desire to raise livestock or farm will find this location most pleasing. We enjoy having the space and the resources to garden and raise chickens and turkeys. We are so thankful for a place that feels peaceful and relaxing after a hard day’s work.
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.
