Umm, your life, but Rio Rancho is no sand pit. Quite beautiful along the banks of the Rio Grande and VERY close to Kathy Lare's home/shop.

Guessing you've been there in person and didn't like it for some reason. I'd move there in a heartbeat were it possible.

Also near the home of Z Coil shoes...and the mountains, and Santa Fe, and a LOT of hot springs....

Ron