Sandia-Manzano Mountains in the Eastern part of the County, with the desert plains of Valencia in the distance

Rio Grande Valley

Home to the city of Belen and the village of Los Lunas, as well as miles of open land, Valencia County sits at 4,800 feet elevation, located in Rio Grande Valley sandwiched between the river and the foothills of the Manzano Mountains to the East. The elevation gradually slopes upward from the Rio Grande River to the east towards the Manzano mountains, which top out at just over 10,000ft. The area has a semi-arid continental climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperatures range from around 55°F in January to 94°F in July. The county receives relatively low precipitation, averaging about 9 inches per year. While Meta (Facebook / Instagram / WhatsApp's parent company) recently bet on Valencia County with a large Data Center and Amazon just doubled down with a new fulfillment center, the county is still largely undeveloped and rural.

Live on the plains, play in the Mountains

If you're looking for an inexpensive basecamp to explore New Mexico's mountains, Valencia County's desert valley should be high on your list. The county has several state parks, including Bien Mur National Monument, El Camino Real International Heritage Center, and the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. Outdoor activities include hiking, camping, fishing, and cycling, skiing and bird watching. Within 2 hours, the Cibola National Forest encompasses 1.6 million acres of rugged mountainous terrain spread across central New Mexico. With its proximity to Albuquerque and scenic mountain vistas, the Cibola National Forest provides ample outdoor recreation access for Valencia County residents, from challenging day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips into its more remote wilderness areas. Within 3.5 hours there are 5 ski resorts, including Sandia Peak Ski Area, the famous Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and world-class Angel Fire Resort. Prime mountain biking can be found just outside Valencia County in the Albuquerque area and surrounding national forests and monuments, while many mountain bikers will also make the 2-3 hour drive to trail systems in the Gila, Santa Fe, and Taos areas for an exceptional riding experience in New Mexico's mountains

Agriculture and Food

Agriculture in Valencia County includes crops like chili peppers, onions, corn, and alfalfa. The county has farmer's markets and roadside stands where local produce can be purchased. The town of Los Lunas is known for its green chili production. Restaurants include options for New Mexican cuisine, as well as the occasional food truck and national chains in the larger towns like Belen and Los Lunas.

Proximity to Albuquerque

Valencia County is located just south of Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico. Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, the Albuquerque International Sunport, and the Sandia National Laboratories. The city has a vibrant arts scene, with museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned event that takes place every October. The city is also known for its green chili, which is grown in the surrounding area. Albuquerque has a diverse economy, with industries including technology, healthcare, and tourism. The city is also home to a number of national and international corporations.