The North Valley is unique for the abundant evidence of early settlement and agriculture including acequias, winding streets, long narrow parcels, and older homes. Even in areas where housing densities approach or exceed those of other metropolitan areas, the physical history of the valley has established a unique context for growth. Most of the buildings in the valley occupy land that was once in agricultural use. Unfortunately, the uniform lot sizes and setbacks common to many of today's subdivisions do not reflect the valley's past. In some locations, however, subdivision design includes open space and use of the acequias, thus paying homage to the valley's history and to the only land in the entire region suitable for irrigable agriculture.

Existing housing in the North Valley is diverse in type, quality, size, and price. Residences consist primarily of single-family homes (74%). Very little land is developed with apartments. Fourth Street was once the main north/south route in the region and is now the major commercial shopping area in the valley. The street connects three separate jurisdictions including the City of Albuquerque, the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and the land that lies in the unincorporated area of Bernalillo County.

Despite the fact that development trends have shifted the primary growth in the region to the mesas east and west of the river, the Rio Grande Valley remains the historical and cultural heart of the region, transcending the centuries. (Information from Friend's of Albuquerque's Environmental Story)