2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Rio Rancho, NM vs Paonia, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Paonia older or younger than people in Rio Rancho?
- The Median Age in Paonia is 1.8 years younger than in Rio Rancho.

Are housing costs cheaper in Paonia or Rio Rancho?
- Paonia housing costs are 25.1% more expensive than Rio Rancho housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Paonia or Rio Rancho?
- The average commute for residents of Paonia is 0.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Rio Rancho.

Things to do in Rio Rancho?
Rio Rancho is a wonderful city located in New Mexico. It's known for its vast open spaces, exciting culture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the local area by taking advantage of outdoor activities like visiting Old San Ysidro Church or playing a game of disc golf at the Riverwalk Disc Golf Park. Culture buffs can visit places like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and Petroglyph National Monument to gain insight into local culture. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Rio Rancho Pizzeria or Ichiban Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar. With so much to offer, Rio Rancho is an amazing place to visit for an unforgettable experience!

Things to do in Paonia?
Living in Paonia, CO is like living in a picturesque postcard. The small town of just over 1,500 is nestled among the rolling hills of the North Fork Valley with breathtaking views of Mount Lamborn and the grandiose San Juan Mountains looming in the distance. The locals are friendly and welcoming, making it the perfect place to call home. Here you can find a thriving community with unique shops, restaurants and galleries dotting Main Street. There is never a shortage of outdoor activities to explore such as hiking, biking and fishing on the Gunnison River or simply enjoying nature at its finest at any one of several nearby parks and preserves. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an active lifestyle, Paonia has something for everyone.

 Rio Rancho, NMPaonia, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,542329,725,481
 Median Income$70,615  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$310,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.38  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rio Rancho    21 Reviews

I have lived in the area for the past three years with my husband. Although vastly better than Albuquerque, this is not a safe area. We have had overt and petty crime on  More

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The pros: -Fairly good year-round weather. Sunny days outnumber cloudy days, there are days when the temps fall below freezing and the sun will still be shining. It's  More

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Over 5 years ago

Affordable housing, low crime (compared to Albuquerque), awesome weather with all 4 seasons, beautiful environment and some pretty awesome people. I love Rio Rancho,  More

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Reviews for Paonia    3 Reviews

Paonia is Colorado’s best kept secret... amazing food, climate and scenery. Close to ski resorts and big city amenities, but isolated and charming. The town is safe and  More

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I have lived just outside of Paonia for 35 years. The area is pretty, but jobs are scarce. Used to be mostly 'down to earth' farmers and ranchers and coal miners  More

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Over 16 years ago

"Mayberry in the Mountains" (Paonia and surrounding 8 mesas) population 6,600; median housing pricing is $164,207 (2007); average commute is less than 10 minutes;  More

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