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No HOA in my part of enchanted hills.. but I don't think even the biggest houses (mine is 5bd, 3400 sq ft) are selling for $350k at the moment.
Well, let me say that differently. We do have an HOA, but membership is voluntary, and while I'm sure they do great things for the community, I'm not involved. Bad taste from my Austin HOA. They apparently (from the part of the sales pitch I listened to from a well-meaning neighbor) collect dues on a voluntary membership basis and use that cash to benefit the common areas on the neighborhood.
Your info is helpful.. we are relocating to area shortly. Rio Rancho area is what we prefer, alot of the reasons you posted are what we want. Silly question....Are there any critter probs, such as scorpions, freaky spiders etc...? Thanks for any further info!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zandyman
I've lived in Rio Rancho for nearly a year and a half now, it's got an upside and a downside, like all places.
I live in Enchanted Hills, nearer to Bernalillo than to what really seems like Rio Rancho, but have a Rio Rancho address, but here's my thoughts on the place.
1) It IS cookie-cutter generic suburb, and it boils down to "do you want that?" Personally, I prefer to live somewhere quiet, stable, and unexciting where I can GO to exciting and get home, so it works for me. In my neighborhood crime is rare, neighbors are friendly, there's tons of kids and lots of parks. There are no family-run businesses or quirky stores or anything I'd really consider 'interesting' but i can be in Los Ranchos or down on north 4th or central in 20-25 minutes, so I can get to those things when I want to.
2) The police are annoying. There's a line between 'doing their job' and 'harassing people because they can' and Rio Rancho PD missed that line. Traffic stops for 2mph over the speed limit or even imagined offenses (You were weaving, you didn't signal long enough before changing lanes, etc...) happen frequently.
3) The schools are awesome. I have one in Vista Grande Elementary, my job involves working with schools and school boards, and they were a HUGE part of my decision to pick Rio Rancho over other suburbs or ABQ itself.
4) It's actually pretty well planned. The city has done a really good job with its responsibility for growing. New businesses (like HP, as you found) are being brought in, infrastructure is strong and well-thought-out.
5) It's sleepy. The sidewalks roll up at 6 on weekdays. I can't actually think of a club or a bar in my part of town. I have 2 small kids and I'm a single Dad, so that doesn't bug me much. We're home and settled by early evening anyway. I can see how that would bother someone, though. A lot.
It's a great place to raise a family, be close to Santa Fe, ABQ, and closer to the woods (Jemez or Cibola) than being in Metro ABQ. But it's not a hotbed of culture, education, or fun, so it's more about what you're looking for.
we are relocating to area shortly. Rio Rancho area is what we prefer, alot of the reasons you posted are what we want. Silly question....Are there any critter probs, such as scorpions, freaky spiders etc...?
I have a few pictures in this thread. Insects etc, not really that bad, I have seen worse in other parts of the country, like FL, MD, PA, WV, GA etc...
Just be aware of the area and how to handle some of this issues...
I've noticed that restrictions go hand in hand with HOA costs, the more they charge the more they feel like they should be instructing you on how to keep your property.
No HOA in my area north of Northern Blvd and west of 528. Most homes are $300k and up (up to $1+ million). All 1/2 acre or more and all custom homes. While I like the lack of a HOA, I wish there was some control over where RVs, boats, and big rigs are parked. Some folks with smaller lots tend to wedge an RV in front of the house blocking most of their road frontage. It's a bit obnoxious.
Sleepy
Last edited by SleepyinSeattle; 01-30-2010 at 10:10 PM..
Reason: formatting
While I like the lack of a HOA, I wish there was some control over where RVs, boats, and big rigs are parked. Some folks with smaller lots tend to wedge an RV in front of the house blocking most of their road frontage. It's a bit obnoxious.
Sleepy
Just because there isn't an HOA it doesn't mean there aren't covenants.
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