Rio Rancho Questions

[AlisonL]

I think the lack of pools is due to the fact that this is the desert and water is a precious commodity. However, Rio Rancho has a number of public pools. Including the wonderful Aquatic Center.

There is really no bad area here. The schools are excellent, though I am sure someone will jump in to say they aren't.

We moved here from Maine two years ago, and RR was highly reccomended as a great place to live. Most posters in ABQ don't like RR and will quickly point that out to you. To each their own. I love all parts of NM that I have visited.

[mortimer]

Originally Posted by AlisonL

I think the lack of pools is due to the fact that this
is the desert and water is a precious commodity.

If that were the case, then you would not see many pools
in the Phoenix area, yet everywhere you look, something
like 50% of the houses have a pool.

Here is the reason for the lack of pools:

Originally Posted by Zoidberg

Swimming pools (outdoor) are useless in
RR for about 6-8 months out of the year.

The water consumption in Rio Rancho is invisible. Lots and lots
of people have landscaping that is on irrigation systems that
pump many gallons of water into the ground where it is not
needed for the established desert plants in their landscaping.

Almost no one conserves water that doesn't cost them
much to waste. Go out for an early morning walk or ride and
you will see rivers of water flowing into the gutters and storm
drains. It doesn't matter where in the metro area you go.

[AlisonL]

Oh I know, my neighbor is one who irrigates his little patch of lawn daily. Washes his car every other day...can we say OCD. The plants we have are drought tolerant, other than a few flowers in pots. We have an irrigation system but its turned off, as there is no need for it.

I've never been to Phoenix, no desire to go. Too big and too hot I've been told.

If I had a pool, I would definitely use it more than four months out of the year. But, then I am used to swimming in the cold Atlantic Ocean, and a heated outdoor pool here is crazy to me.

My main concern would be good schools. Swimming pools aren't a priority to me.

[riomom]

Um okay, back to the Rio Rancho question. I have a child the ages of your kids and the elementary schools are great. The only area I would suggest NOT getting a house is west of Unser Blvd in the Southern Blvd area. The Corrales Heights area (some of it) is rather iffy - Not bad crime, just older houses. Oh! And if you choose one of those bigger, newer houses off of 528 towards Bernalillo make sure there's already a paved road in front of your house or you will regret it when the rains come.

We have a septic tank. No problems and lower water bill (because we don't have to pay that wastewater charge). My understanding is that septic tanks are only allowed for 1/2 acre + lot, nothing smaller. But we haven't had any issues with it, just get it pumped out every year or 2.

In my opinion, Rio Rancho means big house, small mortgage. At least compared to Albuquerque. We're very happy here!