South Valley Apartment Renter's Guide
South Valley Apartment Renter's Guide
"To the right in the broad corn field mowed to stubble, two roadrunners jerk their Mohawk heads and glare. Geese arrive around 5 p.m., swinging from sky weighted bells in wings slings lowering great feathers spreading tawny webbed feet lightly on earth...." - I Send Prayers Out by Jimmy Santiago Baca
South Valley, located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, is an unincorporated zone on the southern side of the Albuquerque metro area. It straddles both sides of the Rio Grande in a gently sloping valley to the west of I-25 and Kirkland Air Force Base--doesn't that just put your mind at ease? Just about 42,000 people live in the 30 square miles designated as South Valley, with more occupying farmland on the edges. The entire region breathes the interfaces between nature, history, and humanity. But don't worry, it's not all cornstalks and alfalfa fields here.
People look for a place to rent in South Valley for a variety of reasons
"To the right in the broad corn field mowed to stubble, two roadrunners jerk their Mohawk heads and glare. Geese arrive around 5 p.m., swinging from sky weighted bells in wings slings lowering great feathers spreading tawny webbed feet lightly on earth...." - I Send Prayers Out by Jimmy Santiago Baca
South Valley, located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, is an unincorporated zone on the southern side of the Albuquerque metro area. It straddles both sides of the Rio Grande in a gently sloping valley to the west of I-25 and Kirkland Air Force Base--doesn't that just put your mind at ease? Just about 42,000 people live in the 30 square miles designated as South Valley, with more occupying farmland on the edges. The entire region breathes the interfaces between nature, history, and humanity. But don't worry, it's not all cornstalks and alfalfa fields here.
Finding the Right Rental
People look for a place to rent in South Valley for a variety of reasons. Some are seeking a suburban crash pad with amenities; some are members of the military looking for a place close to Kirkland AFB; others could be seeking temporary housing while they are in town for agricultural work. Landlords get to see their fair number of unique renters here! Because of the wide range of apartment rental needs, the area does offer options. Fully furnished studio apartments with all bills paid, one-bedroom basic apartments, and larger units with plenty of room are available. Another popular option is renting a room or two in a house. The vacancy rate is currently around 7 percent, meaning there is enough inventory to allow for a little shopping around--but not too much, you wouldn't want to lose out on your dream home. South Valley doesn't have as many rental properties as parts of the metro to the north, however, so it's wise to start your search as early as possible--early birds do get the worms. Credit requirements aren't as stringent as you will find in bigger cities, in other states, or even other parts of the Albuquerque area. You aren't likely to get in with a smile and a handshake, but you won't have to undergo an interrogation at an undisclosed location either.
South Valley Neighborhoods
Here's a look at some of the choices renters have.
South Valley: This area is considered a neighborhood of the larger metro area of Albuquerque, but it does have small districts of its own. Around Rio Bravo Avenue and Del Sur, you might find mobile homes or duplexes available for immediate occupancy. The east side of the Rio Grande is peppered with smaller, multi-unit dwellings and more duplexes. The north end of the valley is where you will find bigger complexes with more amenities. The areas around Bridge Boulevard Southwest, on both sides of the Rio Grande River, hold several properties with all sizes of apartments for rent. A little more to the north is where South Valley merges with the Barelas neighborhood.
South Valley - Barelas: The similarities between the two lead many to classify them together. Barelas extends north to just outside of downtown Albuquerque. The area intermingled with South Valley was originally settled because of its proximity to a natural ford in the Rio Grande River and the historic trail that ran all the way to Mexico City, the Camino Real. It's one of the first areas of the country settled by the Spanish and has a long history. The rural attractions of the lower portions of South Valley merge into the urban environment here. But again, it's not all cornstalks and alfalfa fields here.
Living in South Valley
The extraordinary poetry of Baca reflects the sometimes conflicted history of the South Valley and the agricultural areas along the Rio Grande as it slices south through New Mexico. His expressions of Native American heritage, Hispanic culture, pioneer settlement, and growth into the 21st century all come together to provide a template for life in the valley. The area has been farmed for centuries, and some of the adobe homes are about 400 years old. The expansion southward from the greater Albuquerque area is mingling with farms worked by the same families for generations--okay, so it's a bit of a cow town.
It's the easy commute up I-25 to downtown Albuquerque that makes living here convenient. There are a number of industrial areas and shopping centers along the corridor as well. Get a job there, and the daily commute is even shorter. Both Kirkland AFB and Albuquerque International Airport are close to South Valley. Going to pick up Uncle Henry, whether he's a civilian or in the military, when he flies in for the holidays couldn't be easier. Hit the links at the University of New Mexico Golf Club, considered one of the finest courses in the state. It's located on the east side of I-25 where it intersects Rio Bravo Avenue. It's open to the public year round and has a nice driving range as well as a three-hole course for beginners.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is a world-class facility that is widely recognized as a home for top-flight performing arts, exhibitions, and festivals. It has a genealogy center, library, restaurant, and art museum. All of the cultural attractions that make greater Albuquerque an interesting place to live are nearby as well. The Albuquerque Museum of Arts and History features exhibits covering the art and history of New Mexico dating back hundreds of years. Another great local attraction, the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, is the biggest balloon festival in the world--think of all the air. Taking place just north of South Valley in Balloon Fiesta Park every October, it draws thousands of lighter-than-air balloon enthusiasts from near and far. The onsite Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum has extended hours during the festival. For the rest of the year, it provides unique insights into the craft, artistry, and engineering of ballooning. This is a must-visit for air balloon enthusiasts.
Amazing outdoor opportunities abound throughout the entire region that can keep you busy every month of the year. The high desert climate is primarily dry, and with over 300 days of sunshine you'll definitely get that vitamin D. The high altitude ensures four seasons. Snow can fall in the winter, and hot, dry days highlight the summer months. The Sandia Mountains are a landmark on the east side of the metro area and feature outstanding hiking and mountain biking, including trekking to the top of Sandia Peak, which reaches more than 10,000 feet. If you would like a ride up, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway offers incredible views from its tram cars. The entire region is proud of the way people love and respect the outdoors. Living a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever these days and making an area like South Valley, New Mexico, home can put you right in it.