The South Valley is an area characterized by rich history and culture. The South Valley has a plethora of cultural traditions and the residents own most of the land that comprises the South Valley. The South Valley was first settled by the Pueblo Indians and then by the Hispanic Culture. The northern urbanized neighborhoods near Central Avenue in the Atrisco area merge into the more semi-urban, and farther south is the open rural ranchos of Pajarito and Los Padillas. The neighborhoods of Barelas and Astrico, south of Downtown Albuquerque, are full of local culture and life with the many great indigenous grocery markets, coffee shops, and restaurants.
