Corrales

The Village of Corrales is a compact and extremely desirable area located within the rapidly expanding Albuquerque metropolitan area. It is definitely not a cookie-cutter type of suburban community. Village residents in Corrales are intent to retain a connection to their agrarian past, and outdoor lifestyles are the norm.

Among the pleasant aspects of life in Corrales is the Rio Grande Bosque, a greenbelt to the east of the village, along the Rio Grande river, which provides habitat for native animals and plants. Corrales, NM real estate for sale is located between the Rio Grande and the City of Albuquerque to the south. The growing city of Rio Rancho (pop. 93,000) lies to the north and west. The overall metropolitan area population is well over 800,000 while Corrales village has a stable population of about 8,300.

Historically, the Corrales Valley is thought to have been occupied since around 500 A.D. when the present-day Indian Pueblos’ ancestors made their living off the land in this fertile valley. Ensuing arrivals, including Spanish, Mexican, European and U.S. families, came here to raise livestock and to grow grapes and apples; today one sees pasturelands and orchards. Following World War II, Albuquerque grew, and so did Corrales. The unrushed pace of life, beautiful landscape and historic architecture had a strong appeal to many who moved here. While the last three decades have seen growth (the population since 2000 has grown by nearly 12%), local residents are keen to hang onto the rural-area attributes that attracted so many over the years.

Corrales, NM real estate for sale is situated amid a number of fine shops and quality eateries that draw patrons from throughout the metropolitan area. Locally made products are found in the galleries and shops along Corrales Road. Galleries include Sara Smith Contemporary, Ambiente of Corrales, Galleria de Corrales, Corrales Bosque Gallery, Epic Art, Gallery Nouveau and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center museum and shop.

For local shopping, options include Village Mercantile home and farm store, Frontier Mart (a mom and pop grocery specializing in wine, craft beer and New Mexico gifts), the Lavender Lamb knitting and crochet shop, Blue Sky Woodworks, Prized Possessions, Hanselmann Pottery, and Quilts Ole, just to name a few. Locals and wine-loving visitors alike enjoy stopping at Corrales Winery and Milagro Vineyards and Winery for tastings and to stock up on excellent local wine.

A large selection of malls, chain stores and retailers are available in neighboring Albuquerque-area communities. The closest mall to Corrales, the Cottonwood Mall, is a short drive away in Albuquerque and offers anchor stores Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney, Regal Cinemas plus more than 135 specialty retailers.

Corrales loves its independent shops and restaurants. Some mainstays are:

• Indigo Crow Café is a regional favorite situated in the Bosque (the riverside green zone) offering indoor or outdoor patio dining. Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion, prices run $19 to $31 with starters in the $6 to $12 range.
• Hannah & Nate’s is a favorite breakfast and lunch eatery.
• Village Pizza attracts regional pizza lovers.
• Perea’s Tijuana Bar, located in a 300-year-old adobe rich with history, serves fresh, homemade Mexican cuisine.
• Corrales Bistro Brewery is a popular spot for locally brewed beer and pub food.
• The Oasis of Corrales serves bistro-style fare in a garden atmosphere with fountains and walls of ivy.
• Sandia Bar is a local gathering spot for brew-lovers.
• Saffron Tiger serves Indian cuisine with most entrees under $10.

Some of the closest parks to Corrales are found in neighboring Rio Rancho and Albuquerque. These include Mesa Contenta with 8 picnic tables, Haynes Park (dog-friendly), Alameda Spray Park, Balloon Fiesta Park. A short 10-mile drive away you’ll find the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. The Petroglyph National Monument is a must-see that’s also about 10 miles from Corrales. Of course, with the Sandia foothills and mountains nearby, outdoor recreation like hiking and biking is always just minutes away.

Corrales values its past and its pastorally-inspired lifestyle. Whether enjoying the bountiful, sun-drenched trails, hills and mountains nearby or simply gathering at local eateries, residents of Corrales enjoy their unrushed pace of life.

Spanish style architecture is common throughout Corrales, NM real estate for sale. A majority of houses sit on lots with at least an acre. Exquisite views of the dramatic Sandia mountains are common; watching the red-hued radiance of the mountains at sunset never grows old. An extra plus is that Corrales has no street lights so the nighttime skies are breathtaking. The median home cost in Corrales is $415,900 but prices range considerably.

Corrales is home to a number of popular annual events:

• Corrales Art Studio Tour – Held every year on the first weekend of May, for two days. Art studios and galleries share with the public their original work in various mediums like paint, prints, ceramics, glass wood, fiber, furniture, jewelry and photography. This is your chance to discuss, learn and shop face to face with the artists of Corrales.
• July 4th Parade – Corrales presents a family-friendly 4th of July celebration! This annual parade includes something for everyone: horses, synchronized scarecrows, a lively kazoo band and more. Surprises abound at this fun annual event.
• Corrales Harvest Festival – This Village-wide annual event is held on the last weekend in September and celebrates Corrales’ agricultural roots. Buy farm fresh produce at the farmers market or select unique gifts and works of art at the arts and craft show. The themed corn maze at Wagner’s is always popular, as are the hay wagon rides to the various venues. A food court with continuous live entertainment offers fun and refreshment.
• Corrales Holiday Art Fest – The Corrales Holiday Art fest is a great place for holiday shopping. Visitors will discover affordable and collectible art and crafts including handcrafted jewelry, pottery, photography, sculpture, oil, acrylic and pastel paintings by local artisans.
• Starlight Parade – The annual Starlight parade begins the holiday season in Corrales. Lighted floats and vehicles trolling along Corrales Road brings out the wonder of childhood in all of us. A bonfire, cider, cookies and a visit from “St. Nick” follows at the Rec Center.

Corrales’ Corrales Elementary school is administered by Albuquerque Public Schools. Private schooling options include Cottonwood Montessori School and Sandia View Elementary.

Medical and dental offices are available in Corrales and the nearby communities. For acute care needs, Lovelace Westside Hospital is closest to town, while other excellent options in the Albuquerque area include UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center, Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and Lovelace Women’s Hospital. Corrales is also located just a short drive from several urgent care facilities.

Corrales is served by NM 448 (Corrales Rd. NW), with NM 313 (El Camino Real) nearby. Interstate 25/U.S. 85 is just a few miles to the east of Corrales. For air travel, the Albuquerque International Sunport is about 20 miles (30 minutes) away.