Belen Community Overview

Belen is centrally located in the State of New Mexico along the Rio Grande Valley.  Located only 30 miles south of Albuquerque but still within the Metro area, 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.  With three access points to Interstate 25, a growing municipal airport, home to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and the beginning of the line for the RailRunner commuter train, Belen has been tagged as the Hub City.  120 trains come into and through the city every day making Belen a perfect location for any expanding industry with rail needs to move their goods and services.

Housing

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

• The average sales price for a single-family home in 2009 was $114,107.
• Three new subdivisions are 80 percent built out.
• Average rent is $609 for a one bedroom apartment.

The local real estate market is booming.  The annoucement of Rancho Cielo, a 5,600 acre mater planned community, has brought in lots of interest and out of state investment.  The City of Belen annexed the Rancho Cielo property in 2006.  The plans are for 3,000 homes in the greater Belen area.

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 "Miracle on Main Street" and the annual Hispano Chamber of Commerce 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 % Bachelor Degree or higher, 2005 = 15%

Belen Resources

• City of Belen -City information, government 
• Valencia County -Community information, government
• Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce - tourism, members, relocation
• 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