Belen, Spanish for Bethlehem, is a community based on agriculture. By the 19th century, Belen?s economy had expanded into sheep herding, and the town grew. The arrival of the railroad in 1880 brought shops, a roundhouse, ice plant, and yards containing miles of track and a depot. In 1918, the village of Belen came into existence. Belen became a town in 1940 and then a city in 1966.  Rich in family roots and history, today, Belen offers a community of stores, motels, restaurants, friendly residents, and interesting places to visit and enjoy.  Located South of Albuquerque and North of Los Lunas, residents of Belen can travel in either direction for work, school, and entertainment.  Belen also offers a variety of homes and land options for new residents.