Rio Rancho Named 10 Best Towns For Families: 2013 by Family Circle

Today, Family Circle magazine listed Rio Rancho as one of its “10 Best Towns for Families: 2013.”

To create this year’s list, Family Circle used a research firm to generate an initial list of 3,335 cities and towns with populations between 10,000 and 150,000. This list was narrowed down to approximately 1,000 cities and towns that had a high concentration of households with median incomes between $55,000 and $100,000. The magazine then analyzed which cities and towns most closely met their family friendly criteria, which included: affordable homes, quality schools, access to health care, green space, a low crime rate, and financial stability.

“This recognition once again highlights the community’s long-standing commitment to invest resources and make a priority the things that matter most to families,” said Mayor of Rio Rancho Tom Swisstack. “Rio Rancho citizens should take great pride in knowing that they are living and raising their families in a place that stands out nationally.”

In highlighting Rio Rancho, the magazine specifically noted amenities like the Rio Rancho Aquatic Center, Rio Rancho Sports Complex, and city parks and bike paths. Also highlighted was the city’s tree steward program, which is coordinated by the Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. The program provides free training and certification to citizens so that they can assist in the care of trees in city parks.

Rio Rancho is the only New Mexico city to appear on the magazine’s 2013 list. To view the entire list of best towns for families, visit the Family Circle Web site at www.FamilyCircle.com/besttowns. A story featuring the 2013 list will appear in the Family Circle August issue, which will be on newsstands beginning July 2.

Since 2008, Rio Rancho has appeared on Money magazine’s list of 100 best places to live twice, has been recognized by Fortune Small Business magazine as one of the 100 best places to live and launch a business, and Bloomberg Businessweek named Rio Rancho one of America’s 100 fastest-growing cities and as New Mexico’s best place to raise kids.