Locals know and now you do, too: The town of Bernalillo, New Mexico, isn't in Bernalillo County; rather it's located in Sandoval County, just north of Albuquerque.
Located less than twenty minutes from Albuquerque, Bernalillo, New Mexico, has a population of just over 8,300 as of the 2010 census
Locals know and now you do, too: The town of Bernalillo, New Mexico, isn't in Bernalillo County; rather it's located in Sandoval County, just north of Albuquerque.
Located less than twenty minutes from Albuquerque, Bernalillo, New Mexico, has a population of just over 8,300 as of the 2010 census. It's the county seat of Sandoval County, and rests on the east bank of the rolling Rio Grande River. The town was founded in 1695 -- that's right, that long ago -- by the Spanish Conquistador De Vargas on the site of the Gonzales/Bernal Camp. The Santuario de San Lorenzo was constructed in 1856, and is the site of the Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo each August, which includes a Matachines ritual dance.
If you're looking for places to rent in Bernalillo, NM, you'll find rental apts and serviced apartments, although the majority of real estate offerings are single-family homes and mobile homes in this community.
When to Look
You can look for a home in Bernalillo year-round, but vacancies can often be scarce. Allow a month to find the best place for you. You can search in person, of course, and online, or by looking at apartment listings in the Sandoval Signpost or the Bernalillo News.
What to Bring to Bernalillo
Bring your interest in locally grown chilis and the southwestern art and culture of the greater Albuquerque area, which includes this town. And for your landlord-to-be, bring proof of employment, W2s, bank statements, and your identification. Be prepared to undergo a credit check, too.
Bernalillo's warm, dry summer weather and temperate winter weather means you won't be experiencing a full four seasons here. Nights can get cold in the winter though; the average temperature in January can be a high of 47 degrees with night-time lows in the 20s. So keep your warm jacket and gloves with you when you move to the area.
Bernalillo Town Center: Green Rotary Park and Bernalillo's town hall are both located in this neighborhood, which is suburban in density. Here, too, you'll find tasty southwestern and Mexican food in local restaurants. Housing consists primarily of small to medium-sized single-family homes and mobile homes, with a preponderance of properties occupied by owners, and built between 1940 and 1999.
El Llanito: Located right off Interstate 25, this suburban neighborhood offers single-family homes and mobile homes, as well as occasional small apartment complexes like John Rinaldi Apartments, which offer the opportunity to find two bedroom apartments for rent. Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999.
Life in Bernalillo is pure southwestern lifestyle. With adobe a popular form of building material, meals that commonly include black beans and jicama, and stunning views of the Sandia Mountains, this is a community that includes natural beauty and the history of the region, which includes Spanish conquistadors and the Pueblo Native American tribe.
Located at a high altitude in the upper edges of the eco-region of the Chihuahuan Desert, you'll be able to stargaze at night, and enjoy the clean, dry air. Take the short drive into Albuquerque to explore the historic Old Town area and the indigenous culture of the region at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Or head out to enjoy nature at its best at the Rio Grand Nature Center Park. History and the outdoors combine at the Petroglyph National Monument. There is no shortage of interesting geography and history to explore.
At the edge of town, you'll find the Coronado Historic site, where in 1540, Francisco VÌÁsquez de Coronado, along with his five hundred soldiers and some two thousand Native American allies entered the Rio Grande Valley. He was looking for the Seven Cities of Gold, and, while the sunsets can be golden, that light fell on native villages and farms located in this area.
History not your thing? Also nearby are the Santa Ana Casino, and the Santa Ana Golf Club and Twin Warriors Golf Club. Roll the dice or take a swing at a hole in one within a few miles of your home.
Dining options also abound, including chain restaurants and fast food eateries. Abuelita's Mexican Restaurant is well known for exceptional salsa. The Range Cafe is located in an historic building that once housed the Lovato Drug Store, and serves fresh New Mexican-style cuisine in a structure that also houses an art gallery, gift shop, and the Lizard Rodeo Lounge bar.
Need to work off that meal? Nearby Sandia Crest offers plenty of hiking and exploring opportunities in this rugged wilderness area. Grab your crampons and backpack and set out for a day of adventure. Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures can take you out on the waters of the Rio Grande for more exploring. The Jemez Canyon reservoir is only a short drive away as well. So if you like sunshine and the great outdoors -- in a landscape of high desert beauty -- Bernalillo is a great place to hang your hat.
