THE AREA
PLACITAS
When you ask people what they like best about living in Placitas, most talk about the peacefulness, big mountain views and proximity to hiking trails while still being minutes away from shopping and dining. Others love the perfect weather (four distinct seasons without harsh extremes), the amazing sunsets, and the stunning starry nights.
Placitas is a small town with historic charm that’s home to around 5000 people. Similar to Santa Fe, there are artists and artwork everywhere you turn. It has more artists, designers and people working in media than 90% of the communities in America. This concentration of artists helps shape Placitas’s unique character.
Placitas borders the 1.6 million-acre Cibola National Forest which ranges in elevation from 2,700 to over 11,300 feet. People come from all around to enjoy this area’s extensive trail system offering stunning natural beauty and diversity that can be enjoyed by hikers, runners, equestrians, and mountain bikers. And, if you like winter sports, Sandia Peak Ski Resort and Ski Santa Fe are in close proximity.
You’ll find the warmest weather May through September where the average highs range from 70 – 82 and lows range from 50-63. December through February offer colder temps. It may snow a few times each winter but melts quickly and is limited to about 33 days a year amounting to less than 10 inches.
Placitas has an active community and a year-round event schedule. There is the well-known Placitas Artist Series, Artists’ Studio Tours, musical series, and the 4th of July parade. You can also enjoy the modern Community Library, Signpost newspaper, volunteer recycling facility, modern Community Library, Volunteer Fire Brigade, philanthropic club, and a Community Center.
THE TOWN OF BERNALILLO
The Town of Bernalillo is set at the northwest slope of the Sandia Mountains and hugs the banks of the state’s major river, the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande splits the town from north to south and it is not unusual to watch enterprising folks rafting in the slow-motion waters. This community boasts being the historical center of the State of New Mexico with occupation reaching back almost a thousand years. Bernalillo progressed from a string of haciendas along the river in the 1600’s to a commercial center of trade among the pueblos and the Mexican settlers in the 1800’s. Founded by Don Diego de Vargas in 1695, the Town of Bernalillo remains a retail trade and service center for this part of the Rio Grande basin.
This community has much to offer in recreation, commerce, and social amenities. It has the advantages of larger cities and access to large-city services without the strain of urban living. The Town of Bernalillo, borders the state’s fastest growing metropolitan area, Rio Rancho.
Bernalillo’s location provides direct access to the Jemez Mountains to the north-west and the Sandia Mountain range to the south-east, guarantees opportunities for unique and plentiful outdoor activities. Numerous city parks, ball fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas including historical, social, and cultural events are mainstays of community life.
Consistent with the commitment to provide the best in quality of life and family value opportunities, this community of friendly, warm and caring people has seen a steady rise in population growth over the past few years.
There are many activities and events in Bernalillo each year including:
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Bernalillo celebrates the wine industry and the local heritage each Labor Day with the premier event in the state: The New Mexico Wine Festival at Bernalillo.
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One of the Town’s oldest traditional celebrations and dating over 310 years, Las Fiestas de San Lorenzo is held annually on August 9, 10 and 11. In that drama and recognition of historical religious influence, dance performers of Los Matachines progress through the Town of Bernalillo in a spectacular event which dates to the 1600’s.
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Annual Mountain West Brew Fest that is held every summer
https://www.americantowns.com/place/town-of-bernalillo-bernalillo-nm.html
SANTA FE
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of the most visited cities in the southwestern United States because of its unique blend of natural beauty, multi-faceted culture, recreation, and lifestyle. Because Santa Fe is one the country’s hottest art markets, the city is fertile ground for many different styles. There are numerous exhibits, gallery events and studio tours that take place throughout the year. Along with annual events, classes and workshops, historic sites, kids’ activities, nightlife, tours, road trips, and outdoor adventures in this unique gem of a city.
Here’s a quick snapshot of Santa Fe:
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A vibrant arts community with over 250 art galleries, museums, symphony orchestra & chorus, world-renowned opera, film & theatre.
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Sophisticated restaurants, relaxing spas, and extensive shopping
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Natural beauty in wide-open skies with surrounding mountains, streams, desert and forests—including 1.5 million acres of national forest
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Crisp, clean climate for year-round outdoor recreation including golf, hiking/camping, biking, fishing and snow skiing
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A unique character that honors its rich Native American and Hispanic history
ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque is one of the most exciting cities in the Southwest because of the tremendous variety of activities that are unique to this city. Albuquerque is known for its rich culture, recreation, arts and museums and is always bustling with a wide variety of special events. During any given week you’ll be able to choose from cultural festivals, art exhibits, craft fairs, theater performances, sporting events and more.
Here are some highlights of Albuquerque:
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Albuquerque is widely known for the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta that occurs every October and attracts 600 balloons and close to 1 Million people. For nine days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from the Balloon Fiesta Park. Colorful shapes and Balloon Glows create a magical landscape for spectators to view.
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Albuquerque has more theater per capita than any other city its size, with musical and theater performances taking place in different venues throughout town.
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Ranked as one of the top film locations in the world for the past several years, with Breaking Bad, The Lone Ranger, The Avengers and more being shot in the area.
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The river that intersects the city has bosque woodlands on either bank that provide walking trails, biking and hiking opportunities as well as a place to relax and enjoy nature. River expeditions can include kayaking and paddle boarding as well as canoeing.
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Thirty percent of Albuquerque is devoted to parks and open spaces. Biking trails crisscross the city, nature centers provide tranquil spaces for bird watching or hiking, and explorations are made easier because the city has such clean air.
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Old Town Albuquerque, full of shops, restaurants, museums and galleries, is thought to be the heart of New Mexico. Formed over 300 years ago, many of the buildings are made from original adobe.
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Sandia Peak Tram – the longest aerial tram in the United States offering 11,000 sq. miles of panoramic views.
ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Albuquerque International Sunport offers non-stop service to 24 major cities by eight major commercial carriers: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United. It also receives regular service from commuter airline Boutique Air.
