Communities of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Region
The Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area (ABQ MSA) includes a number of communities identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as Census-Designated Places (CDPs). These areas function as population centers and recognizable communities but are not incorporated municipalities like cities, towns, or villages.
Census-designated places often represent neighborhoods, historic settlements, rural communities, or suburban areas that have developed around larger cities or along major transportation corridors.
Although CDPs do not have their own municipal governments, they remain important parts of the Albuquerque metropolitan region and contribute to the diversity of communities across Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties.
The census-designated places within the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area include the following communities.
Algodones
Algodones is located in Sandoval County along the Rio Grande north of Albuquerque. The community reflects the historic agricultural traditions of the river valley.
Carnuel
Carnuel is located in Bernalillo County just east of Albuquerque in Tijeras Canyon. The community lies along historic Route 66 and serves as one of the eastern gateways into the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
Casa Colorada
Casa Colorada is located in Valencia County along the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque. The area is known for its agricultural lands and rural character.
Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest is located in Bernalillo County in the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque. The community serves as one of the primary population centers of the East Mountains region.
Chilili
Chilili is a rural community located in Bernalillo County south of Tijeras and east of Albuquerque. The area reflects the traditional village culture of the Manzano Mountain region.
Cochiti
Cochiti is located in Sandoval County and is associated with the nearby Pueblo of Cochiti and the surrounding scenic landscapes along the Rio Grande.
El Cerro-Monterey Park
El Cerro-Monterey Park is located in Valencia County near the village of Los Lunas. The area has experienced residential growth as part of the expanding Albuquerque metropolitan region.
Isleta Village Proper
Isleta Village Proper is located in Bernalillo County and is associated with the historic Pueblo of Isleta, one of the oldest Native American communities in the region.
Jarales
Jarales is a rural community in Valencia County located south of Los Lunas along the Rio Grande Valley. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy.
Jemez Pueblo
Jemez Pueblo is located in Sandoval County northwest of Albuquerque and is home to the Jemez Pueblo community, which maintains a strong cultural and historical presence in the region.
La Jara
La Jara is a small rural community located in Sandoval County surrounded by the high desert landscapes of northwestern New Mexico.
Los Chaves
Los Chaves is located in Valencia County along the Rio Grande near Belen. The community reflects the agricultural traditions of the valley.
Los Trujillos-Gabaldon
Los Trujillos-Gabaldon is a small residential community located in Valencia County near Los Lunas.
Manzano
Manzano is located in Torrance County near the Manzano Mountains, an area known for its rural landscapes and historic communities.
Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake is located in Valencia County west of Los Lunas. The area has experienced significant residential development in recent decades.
North Valley
North Valley is located in Bernalillo County just north of Albuquerque. The area includes several residential neighborhoods and agricultural lands along the Rio Grande.
Pena Blanca
Pena Blanca is located in Sandoval County along the Rio Grande between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Placitas
Placitas is located in Sandoval County between Albuquerque and Santa Fe near the base of the Sandia Mountains. The community is known for its scenic landscapes, custom homes, and active arts community.
Ponderosa
Ponderosa is located in Sandoval County in the Jemez Mountains region, offering forested landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Pueblo of Sandia Village
Pueblo of Sandia Village is associated with the Sandia Pueblo community, located along the Rio Grande north of Albuquerque.
Regina
Regina is located in Sandoval County and serves as a small rural community in the northwestern portion of the Albuquerque metropolitan region.
Rio Communities North
Rio Communities North is located in Valencia County near the city of Belen and reflects residential growth in the Rio Grande Valley.
Rio Communities
Rio Communities is located in Valencia County and has grown as a residential community near Belen.
San Felipe Pueblo
San Felipe Pueblo is located in Sandoval County along the Rio Grande north of Albuquerque and represents one of the historic Native American pueblos of the region.
Santa Ana Pueblo
Santa Ana Pueblo is located in Sandoval County along the Rio Grande between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Santo Domingo Pueblo
Santo Domingo Pueblo, also known as Kewa Pueblo, is located in Sandoval County north of Albuquerque along the Rio Grande.
South Valley
South Valley is located in Bernalillo County just south of Albuquerque and represents one of the most populated unincorporated areas in the metropolitan region.
Tajique
Tajique is located in Torrance County near the Manzano Mountains and reflects the rural heritage of the region.
Tome-Adelino
Tome-Adelino is located in Valencia County near Los Lunas and includes residential and agricultural areas in the Rio Grande Valley.
Torreon (Sandoval County)
Torreon in Sandoval County is a rural community located in the northwestern portion of the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
Torreon (Torrance County)
Torreon in Torrance County is located in the Estancia Valley region and reflects the agricultural traditions of the area.
Valencia
Valencia is located in Valencia County along the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque and includes both residential and agricultural areas.
Zia Pueblo
Zia Pueblo is located in Sandoval County northwest of Albuquerque and is home to the Zia Pueblo community, whose sun symbol appears on the New Mexico state flag.
Census-designated places (CDA) for the Albuquerque MSA include Wikipedia pages for the following communities: