East Mountain Area / Estancia Valley

The East Mountain Area/ Estancia Valley is located in central New Mexico, 20 minutes east of Albuquerque and 40 minutes south of Santa Fe. Interstate 40 is the primary artery running from Albuquerque east to Moriarty. State Road 41 is the north-south highway running from Mountainair to Santa Fe.

The East Mountain Area was homesteaded by cattle and sheep ranchers in the late 1800's. In the 1930's dryland pinto bean farming became the basis of the local economy. The area became known as the Pinto Bean Capital of the World. But with the Great Depression and Dust Bowl the farming economy collapsed. In the early 1950's vast quantities of underground water were discovered in the valley and irrigation brought the agricultural economy back. Today you can find miles of farms and center pivots running the length of the valley.

The East Mountain Area begins just east of Albuquerque on the forested slopes of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains. The area gradually falls into the Estancia Valley, an open plain dotted with farms and ranches. The east side of the valley gently rises up to the Perdenal Hills. The elevations in the valley range from 6,000 ft. on the valley floor to 10,600 ft. on Sandia Crest.

The town of Mountainair is located at the south end of the valley in the foothills of the Manzano Mountains. Still a ranching community, it has had an influx of artisans from around the country that continues to boost the local economy.

The town of Estancia, located halfway between Mountainair and Moriarty, is the county seat of Torrance county. The town was established around artesian springs and today large cottonwoods are found throughout the community.

Moriarty, located north of Estancia and east of Edgewood, is a crossroads community. Interstate 40 intersects with State Road 41 here. Moriarty has its own municipal airport with small jet capacity. Most days of the year gliders can be seen in the blue New Mexico skies.

Edgewood is the newest incorporated town in New Mexico, located between Moriarty and Albuquerque along Interstate 40. As the name implies, Edgewood is partly wooded and partly grassy plains. Edgewood is as much an area as it is a town. From mountains and valleys to plains, Edgewood has it all. A vibrant growing community, 20 minutes from Albuquerque, the area retains a rural flavor with miles of horseback riding trails.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the area, with riding, hiking, camping, and skiing available. Sandia Peak Ski Area and Cibola National Forest are just 20 minutes away.

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