What’s It Like Living in Los Lunas NM? ☀️ | COMPLETE Guide to Moving to Los Lunas
Known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and top-rated public schools, Los Lunas is a cozy village located just outside of Albuquerque, NM. The small community boasts a thriving economy, affordable housing, and friendly residents, providing big possibilities for career growth and family life for those living in Los Lunas NM. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about moving to Los Lunas, New Mexico.
Where Is Los Lunas New Mexico?
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Los Lunas NM is in Valencia County and is located in the Rio Grande Valley of the Albuquerque Basin along the west bank of the Rio Grande. Living in Los Lunas NM is a popular choice among commuters who need access to the big city, as it is only 23.9 miles from Los Lunas NM to Albuquerque NM. Additionally, it is only 85.3 miles from Los Lunas NM to Santa Fe NM.
When living in Los Lunas NM, the best way to get around is by car. However, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District provides bus service to Los Lunas and the rest of Valencia County.
Los Lunas Population & Demographics
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What is the population of Los Lunas, New Mexico? The Los Lunas population is 17,242, which is a 16.2% increase over the past 10 years. Los Lunas is also a part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 923,630.
When living in Los Lunas NM, you will be a part of an affluent community, with a median household income of $68,934. This is higher than both the Albuquerque average of $63,971 and the New Mexico average of $58,722. The Los Lunas population is mostly made up of families, with a median household size that is 10% higher than both the Albuquerque and New Mexico average.
A few notable people who have once called Los Lunas home include MLB president Sal Artiaga, musician Bo Diddley, and author Walter Jon Williams.
Additional Los Lunas Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 51% male, 49% female
- Median age: 38.3
- Racial and ethnic composition: 67% White (30.4% non-Hispanic), 18% two or more races, 4.5% American Indian, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian
- Educational attainment: 90.1% high school degree (or higher), 27.2% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 4.6%
Is living in Los Lunas NM safe? Here’s an overview of the Los Lunas crime rates:
- Overall crime in Los Lunas: 4,459 crimes per 100,000 people (92% higher than the national average and 18% higher than the New Mexico average)
- Violent crime in Los Lunas: 512 crimes per 100,000 people (38% higher than the national average and 27% higher than the New Mexico average)
- Property crime in Los Lunas: 3,948 crimes per 100,000 people (102% higher than the national average and 50% higher than the national average)
Although the crime rates are higher in this area, Los Lunas is still a safe place to live. The Los Lunas crime rate is still well below the Albuquerque crime rate, making the town a safer alternative to the big city. It was also reported by the Valencia County Bulletin that the Los Lunas Police Department recently changed its crime reporting system, causing the increase in crime to seem more dramatic than it actually is. Additionally, the Los Lunas PD has several programs in place to protect residents living in the small community.
Cost of Living in Los Lunas New Mexico
Living in Los Lunas NM is very affordable. The town has a low cost of living, with a Cost of Living Index of 86.3. This means that it is 13.7% more affordable to live in Los Lunas than the national average of 100. The cost of living in the community is also 6.8% less than the cost of living in Albuquerque.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Los Lunas NM would need to earn $91,179 per year to live comfortably in the community.
Typical Los Lunas Living Expenses
- Gallon of gas: $3.15
- Loaf of bread: $3.82
- Gallon of milk: $2.39
- Carton of eggs: $2.21
- Doctor’s visit: $113.54
- Average Los Lunas utilities per month: $162.14
Source: PayScale
There are big possibilities when it comes to buying or renting Los Lunas NM real estate. According to Redfin, the average home price in Los Lunas is $315,000. This is below the national average of $420,000. Additionally, it is an affordable alternative to Albuquerque, where the average home price is $335,000.
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If you’d rather rent real estate when living in Los Lunas NM, then you’ll also find several affordable options in the community. According to RentCafe, the median rent in Los Lunas is $1,471 per month.
Neighborhoods in Los Lunas
Because Los Lunas is such a small village, there are not very many distinct neighborhoods to choose from in the community. However, where you choose to settle down in the town may depend on your specific lifestyle.
If you are looking for a good place to live for young professionals, then you may want to check out the downtown area of the village. This walkable area has several small businesses, restaurants, and coffee shops for you to explore, as well as a few apartment complexes like Ventana Cove Apartments and Encantada Apartments.
For retirees, the western portion of the small community may be a great option. This area is full of beautiful natural attractions like El Cerro de Los Lunas Preserve and Huning Ranch Park. Additionally, it is home to Jubilee at Los Lunas, which is one of the best retirement communities near Albuquerque.
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Families may enjoy the section of the community that is east of the Rio Grande. This part of the village is incredibly safe and is close to some of the best education options in the entire region.
Los Lunas NM Weather & Climate
When living in Los Lunas NM, you will experience a cold, semi-arid climate. This means that the village receives below-average precipitation but not as low as a desert climate. Here are a few climate statistics for those living in Los Lunas NM.
- Average summer Los Lunas temperature: 80.5ºF
- Average winter Los Lunas temperature: 39.5ºF
- Average annual rainfall in Los Lunas: 10 inches
- Best time of year to visit Los Lunas: late May to mid-July
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Things to Do in Los Lunas NM
When living in Los Lunas NM, you’ll find no shortage of resources and services to enjoy. Most people complete their grocery shopping at stores like Albertsons Market and Smith’s. If you want to enjoy some retail shopping, then head over to the Valencia-Y-Center or Trisquare Plaza. Here are a few fun things to do in Los Lunas.
Los Lunas Museum of Heritage & Arts
When living in Los Lunas NM, you’ll want to check out the Los Lunas Museum of Heritage & Arts. This museum showcases the history and differing cultural arts of Valencia County.
251 Main St NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031, 505-352-7720
Tome Hill Park
Tome Hill Park is one of the best things to do in the community. Complete the hike up the hill at this park to take a look at a beautiful sculpture as well as stunning views of the Albuquerque skyline.
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442-448 La Entrada Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031
San Antonio Park
Grab the children and head over to San Antonio Park. This community park features a walking path, tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and plenty of green space.
1819 Los Lentes Rd NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031
Additional Los Lunas Attractions
Still aren't sure what to do in Los Lunas NM? There are several big possibilities! You can check out the Community Calendar page on the village’s website for upcoming festivals and events in the area.
Los Lunas NM Restaurants
When living in Los Lunas NM, you’ll have access to some of the best food in the entire country. You’ll find several amazing places to eat in the village, with cuisine ranging from traditional Mexican to New American. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Los Lunas NM.
Rutilios Los Lunas
Rutilios Los Lunas is one of the best Los Lunas restaurants around. This family-owned business serves New Mexican fare as well as classic American breakfast dishes.
2350 Main St NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031, 505-565-2055
Weck’s
This local chain serves up American breakfast and lunch classics in a casual setting.
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3463 Main St NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031, 505-865-5770
Blake’s Lotaburger
If you’re craving a burger, then Blake’s Lotaburger is the place to be. This New Mexico-based chain restaurant is known for its green chile cheeseburgers and loaded fries.
314 Main St SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031, 505-865-5711
Jobs in Los Lunas NM
Are you moving to Los Lunas to look for a job? Luckily, there are several job opportunities to discover when living in Los Lunas NM. Because the community is so close to Albuquerque, many people commute into the city for work. Albuquerque accounts for half of the state’s economic activity, with top employers like Kirtland Air Force Base, University of New Mexico, and Sandia National Laboratories.
If you prefer to stay in the village, then there are a few options available to you. In 2019, Facebook opened a data center in Los Lunas, creating hundreds of jobs in the area. In late 2021, it was announced that the company was expanding the data center as a part of an $800 million project. According to PayScale, the average salary in the village is $63,000 per year.
Los Lunas Schools
Students living in Los Lunas NM are served by Los Lunas Public Schools. The Los Lunas Public School system serves over 8,000 students in Los Lunas and other surrounding communities. This school system contains three high schools, two middle schools, one intermediate school, and ten elementary schools. Valencia High School is ranked within the top 100 schools in New Mexico by US News and has an enrollment of just under 1,000.
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If you are searching for higher education when living in Los Lunas NM, then you’ll find several nearby options. The University of New Mexico - Valencia Campus is just 8.6 miles away from Los Lunas. Additionally, Albuquerque has several higher education options such as Carrington College, Brookline College, and Pima Medical Institute. Pima Medical Institute is a nationally accredited, private, medical career college.
Residents and students living in Los Lunas NM can find a quiet place to study, do research, or grab a good book at the Los Lunas Public Library.
Los Lunas Statistics & Information
- County: Valencia
- Los Lunas zip code: 87031
- Los Lunas area code: 505
- Los Lunas elevation: 4,856 feet
- Los Lunas time zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST), UTC-7
- Closest airport to Los Lunas: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), 21.3 miles away
Map of Los Lunas
Now that you know everything you need to know about living in Los Lunas NM, it’s time to get started! The experts at Pro-Move Logistics are ready to help you move into your new home. Our top-rated moving company has been serving the Los Lunas area for over 15 years, maintaining a claims rate of less than 1%. Contact our Los Lunas movers today at 505-471-3434 for a free quote.
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