Belen Community Overview

Located 30 miles south of Albuquerque but still within Metro New Mexico, Belen is enjoying a remarkable growth spurt. This family-friendly, semi-rural community has an ideal climate (average temperature is 73 degrees) and is located within a few minutes drive of some of New Mexico's most spectacular public recreation areas. It has low-cost industrial sites, low average wages and very affordable housing.

Housing

From a horse property to an historic home in town, to a new house on the mesa, Belen has a housing option to suit everyone's needs

• More than 62% of homes were built after 1970; fewer than 3.6% of homes were built before 1939. (Bureau of Business and Economic Research).
• The median sales price for a single-family home in 2005 was $108,000.
• Three new subdivisions are 80 percent built out.
• Average rent is $490 for a one bedroom apartment.

Quality of Life

With an elevation of 4800 feet above sea level, Belen has a mild, four-season climate. Winter daytime temperatures average in the low 50s during the day and low 20s at night. Summer temperatures average 95 degrees during the hottest months, with lows in the 60s at night. Average annual precipitation ranges from seven to ten inches.

Belen is within easy driving distance to the museums, concerts and cultural amenities of Albuquerque. Located along the Rio Grande Valley, the town is within close proximity of the Manzano and Magdalena mountains, which offer vast hiking and camping opportunities, and the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge, the home of one of the largest winter bird migration populations in the country. Belen is revitalizing its historic downtown, and residents here enjoy a family-friendly, semi-rural lifestyle.

Some local events, like the Christmas Festival and the annual Matanza — a day-long event with pig roasting, tortilla-rolling and a red chili cook-off — draw on Belen's historic Hispanic traditions.

Public School District - Belen Consolidated Schools

School Budget $32,252,280.00

St. Mary's Catholic School

Universities & Community Colleges

County % High School Graduates, 2000 = 70.2%
County % College Graduates, 2000 = 6.5%

Belen Resources

• City of Belen -Tourism, economic development, Chamber members, city information, relocation
• Valencia County -Community information, government
• Alexander Municipal Airport - General aviation airport
• Bosque del Apache - National wildlife refuge
• Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway -Major freight hub
• New Mexico Tech -Undergraduate and graduate university specializing in science and engineering education and research
• Valley Improvement Association -Rio Communities, Belen, New Mexico
• The Very Large Array (VLA) Telescope - Giant radio telescopes that move along 27 miles of Y-shaped tracks