Is Moving to Belen NM Right for You? ☀️ | ULTIMATE Living in Belen Guide
Have you been searching for an idyllic small town offering beautiful landscapes and an affordable cost of living? Then you should consider moving to Belen, NM, a small city on the Rio Grande River in the Albuquerque metro area.
Belen is known for its small-town charm and central location. Originally founded as Nuestra Señora de Belen (or Our Lady of Bethlehem) by a group of colonists in 1740, Belen has a rich history that dates back several centuries. However, it wasn't officially incorporated until 1918, and its name was shortened to just Belen.
Today, Belen is a great place to live for anyone in search of a small-town atmosphere and access to amenities in Albuquerque. Think this might be the ideal community for you? Here is everything you need to know about living in Belen.
Where Is Belen NM?
Belen NM is Valencia County, within the Rio Grande Valley of the Albuquerque Basin. It sits on the west bank of the Rio Grande River. It's a hub city for the region, and I-25 and New Mexico State Road 314 both pass through the area, providing interstate vehicle travel to Albuquerque and other parts of New Mexico for drivers living in Belen.
State Route 47 also passes near the eastern edge of Belen. Nearby communities include Los Lunas, Los Chavez, El Cerro, Tome-Adelino, Rio Communities, Sausal, Pueblitos, Jarales, and Bosque.
It's 34 miles or a 35-minute drive from Belen, NM, to Albuquerque, NM.
Belen Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Belen NM is 7,360. The number of people living in Belen has increased gradually over the years and with a modest population growth of 1.25% between 2010 and 2020. Despite this growth, Belen still maintains a laid-back, spacious feel, with a population density of just 390 people per square mile, which is a big part of its small-town appeal.
Belen is a predominantly Hispanic community, which plays a major role in shaping the city’s rich cultural identity—from local cuisine and bilingual signage to annual festivals like Fiesta de Belen.
While a good portion of residents identify as white, the overall population is a blend of mostly families and retirees. Twenty percent of people living in Belen are under 18, and 18% are 65 and older. It’s common to see multiple generations living in the same home or nearby, which adds to the city’s strong sense of community.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 70.4% Hispanic or Latino, 52.2% white (28% white, non-Hispanic), 1.2% Asian, and 32.5% two or more races.
Other Belen demographics
- The median age is 39 years old
- 53% of the Belen NM population is female and 47% is male
- The median household income is $40,354
- 80.5% of people living in Belen have a high school diploma, and 14.3% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 8.1%
Notable residents who have lived in Belen include boxer Art Aragon and actress Gloria Castillo.
For the most part, living in Belen is safe, though it’s important to note that crime rates are higher than national and state averages. The total crime rate is 5,563 per 100,000 people, which is 47.8% higher than the rest of New Mexico and 139.4% higher than the U.S. average.
- Violent crime in Belen is 40.8% higher than the state average and 197.2% above the national average, a statistic that highlights the importance of staying aware and connected with neighbors.
- Property crime is also an issue, at 50% higher than the state average and 128.4% above the national rate.
That said, Belen’s strong sense of community and active police presence help curb major incidents. The Belen Police Department, staffed by 21 officers and one civilian employee, works hard to protect the city’s neighborhoods.
Cost of Living in Belen
The cost of living in Belen is reasonable in comparison with the rest of the county. Examining the cost of living index is a great way to assess how much it costs to live in an area. It compares the typical price of consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Albuquerque area is 93.8, indicating that the cost of living in Belen is about 6.2% less expensive than in the rest of the US. The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator is also a helpful resource. It suggests that the typical family of four consisting of two parents and two children needs to earn $95,034 to afford the cost of living in Belen.
Typical Expenses of Living in Belen:
- Loaf of bread: $3.86
- A gallon of milk: $4.55
- Carton of eggs: $3.38
- Hamburger: $5.39
- Bunch of bananas: $0.70
- A gallon of gas: $3.04
- Visit to the doctor: $134.56
- Average Belen monthly bill for utilities: $187.67
Source: Payscale
Belen real estate is also very affordable. Redfin data indicates that the median price of homes for sale in Belen, NM is $210,000. That makes a Belen house 50% less expensive than the median home price in the US. The median price per square foot of houses for sale in Belen is $136.
Tenants moving to Belen won't struggle to find options. According to census data, 75% of homes are owner-occupied, and 25% are rented out. While rental data is not available for Belen specifically, Rentcafe suggests the average rent in the Albuquerque area is $1,366. So tenants living in Belen should expect to pay around that amount. Rents start around $900 for a one-bedroom and go up to $2500 for two or more bedrooms.
Belen Neighborhoods
For a small community, living in Belen offers a range of interesting neighborhoods, each offering something unique and enchanting. While you'll find fantastic Belen, NM, real estate anywhere you look, there are some areas that offer a little something special. So, if you're planning on moving to Belen, here are the best places to look.
Mesa and Aragon | A Centrally Located Neighborhood With a Pleasant Atmosphere
Known for its peaceful atmosphere and park access, Mesa and Aragon is a peaceful residential area popular among families living in Belen that offers spacious lots and a mix of older and newer homes.
Jardin De Belen | A 55+ Neighborhood In Belen With a Strong Sense of Community
For seniors moving to Belen, Jardin De Belen is a well-maintained 55+ neighborhood known for its tight-knit community, affordable living, and proximity to local shops and conveniences.
Sunrise Bluffs | A Gated Community With Breathtaking Views
Sunrise Bluffs is a gated community for older residents living in Belen, offering breathtaking views of the Manzano Mountains, friendly neighbors, and regular community events.
Belen Weather & Climate
Belen's weather is typical for what you might expect of an area near the desert. According to the Koppen classification system, it has a semi-arid climate, which is characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
Temperatures typically range from about 27°F to 94°F, although the winter can drop down to 19°F, and summers can get as hot as 100°F. The best time to visit anyone living in Belen is any time from May through September.
Even though it has a desert climate, you should still prepare for some precipitation if you plan on moving to Belen. It gets an average of 6 inches of snow and 10 inches of rain every year, so you may want to bring an umbrella.
Things to Do in Belen
Although it's a small community, you'll still find plenty of fun things to do in Belen, NM, from parks to museums. It's famous for its yearly cultural events, including Our Lady of Belen Fiestas, the World's Largest Matanza, and the St. Patrick's Day Balloon Rallye.
Those living in Belen will find plenty of shops and local businesses at the Del Rio Plaza Shopping Center. You'll also find plenty of local shops scattered around I-25, including Farm to You or the Belen Flea Market. Outside of shopping, here are a few other fun things to do in Belen, New Mexico.
Harvey House Museum
Located inside a beautiful Mission/Spanish Revival-style building, the Harvey House Museum is a local history museum telling the story of the area's impact on the railroad industry and other good stuff about Belen. Anyone living in Belen who’s interested in history should check it out.
104 N 1st St, Belen, NM 87002 (505) 861-0581
Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area
Positioned near the banks of the Rio Grande, the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area is a sprawling nature preserve with walking trails and picnic tables. It’s a popular destination for bird watchers and hikers living in Belen.
2424 NM-47, Belen, NM 87002 (505) 864-8914
Skydive New Mexico
Operating out of the Belen Regional Airport, Skydive New Mexico offers tandem skydiving and training for thrill seekers living in Belen.
240 Airport Rd, Belen, NM 87002 (505) 864-7942
Additional Attractions in Belen
For those looking for more fun things to do while living in Belen, the Belen Parks and Recreation Department has a list of public facilities, such as Daniel Fernandez Memorial Park or Eagle Park in Belen, New Mexico.
Belen Restaurants
There are also many delicious restaurants in Belen, NM, serving everything from steak to Mexican cuisine. Here are a few of the best places to eat.
Alejandro's Cafe
Alejandro's Cafe is a laid-back Belen restaurant in New Mexico. It serves classic Mexican dishes like burritos and tamales in a familiar setting, along with coffee and other breakfast items.
908 S Main St, Belen, NM 87002 (505) 861-1222
Taqueria Sinaloa
Taqueria Sinaloa is another popular Mexican spot among those living in Belen, offering tacos, tortas, and other classic dishes in an unassuming spot in a local strip mall.
516 S Main St, Belen, NM 87002 (505) 864-427
Varelas Restaurant Steaks and More
Varelas is one of the best restaurants in Belen, NM, if you're in the mood for a 12 oz T-bone steak or a cheeseburger with green chili, served in a relaxed space full of local friends.
710 Dalies Ave, Belen, NM 87002 (505) 864-4616
Jobs in Belen
Living in Belen offers access to stable employment. The local economy is primarily supported by industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and transportation. Its central location with access to highways and rail lines makes it attractive to businesses.
Belen has its own industrial park, which is home to businesses manufacturing everything from desiccants and rock crushers to construction-grade concrete and sheet metal fabrication.
Belen is also home to BNSF, one of the largest rail yards in the Southwest. The Belen Regional Airport also operates as a training facility for the US Air Force, which creates a range of jobs in Belen, NM.
Other Major Employers in Belen, NM:
Employees living in Belen will receive adequate compensation. Payscale indicates that the average salary in Albuquerque is $74,000 per year. So you can expect Belen NM jobs to pay about that much.
From social media manager to marketing director, you'll find various fantastic Belen jobs available. Anyone looking for positions with the local government will also find city of Belen jobs available.
Belen Schools
Another one of the good things about living in Belen is its fantastic schools. Most of Belen is within the Belen Consolidated Schools District, although a small portion of the community is within the Los Lunas Public School District.
The Belen School District features seven elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. It also features one alternative school and a family school for homeschooled students. Belen High School is fairly well-regarded and ranks 90th in the state of New Mexico.
Several notable private schools are in Belen, including St. Mary's, a Catholic high school affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe, and Canon Christian Academy, a private K-12 school run by the Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley.
The University of New Mexico's Valencia Campus in Time and the main campus in Albuquerque serve residents living in Belen. The Belen Public Library is also open to those seeking books and community events.
Belen Statistics & Information
- County: Valencia County
- Belen area: 19.08 square miles
- Belen NM zip code: 87002
- Belen NM area code: 505
- Belen elevation: 4,810 ft
- Belen time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- The closest airport to Belen, The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), is 30 miles away.
Belen NM Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do with this Belen New Mexico map.
Find Out What Living in Belen Has To Offer for Yourself
Ready to see for yourself what living in Belen has to offer? When you’re ready to make the move to this peaceful community, you can trust the dedicated Belen movers at Pro Move Logistics to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (505) 795-5260 today for a free quote.
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