The Sandia and Manzano Mountains act as
a climatic and geographic barrier between urban Albuquerque and
the green eastern slopes. You'll love the green pinons and
juniper forests under the clear New Mexican sky. At night, the
stars seem close enough to touch.
At our elevation of 6500-7200 feet, temperatures are 5-7
degrees cooler than Albuquerque. We usually get twice the
precipitation of the western slope of the Sandias. That does
include snow, some years over 150 inches. The county road plows
are busy and these rare times offer an opportunity to enjoy the
glistening New Mexico powder in your own way.
Our backyard is the Cibola National
Forest crisscrossed with hiking, biking, skiing, and horseback
riding trails. Sandia Peak Ski Area is only 7 miles up the Crest
Road and has an excellent ski school program.
There are two school districts serving the east slope as we
straddle the boundary between Albuquerque Public Schools and
Moriarty Schools. Currently there are 5 elementaries, 2 junior
highs, and 2 high schools. Larger lot sizes accommodate horses
and 4H projects, with not a mall in sight. The mountain area has
its own AYSO league, and an ever growing Little League Baseball
program.
Estimates of our population in 1995
were almost 20,000 with steady growth expected. The commercial
services include numerous restaurants and delis, groceries,
banks, western and tack stores, video rentals, dry cleaning,
galleries, and service businesses. There are several day care
centers for the children, a gym, and our latest addition, a new
library. Plans are underway for a community and art center, and
more playing fields.
The eastern slope is an area that appeals to
the special few who can appreciate the beauty, prefer the
privacy, and enjoy the uniqueness of living on "the other
side of the mountains."
