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Suburban Real Estate Resource for the Greater Albuquerque Area |
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Interested in suburban homes, in and around Albuquerque? |
 You may have heard that there are no suburbs in the Albuquerque area. In a sense, this is so. Albuquerque, like other Western cities, had no pre-existing small towns clustered around to be absorbed by urban sprawl, so most mailing addresses are "Albuquerque" addresses. But there are, nonetheless, areas of Albuquerque that are "suburban" by any definition other than mailing address, and there are even a few independent "suburbs." Click here to view a map of Albuquerque and surrounding areas, with descriptions of each area.
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Below are the main geographic areas of Albuquerque, and the surrounding areas. Included are areas that are "suburban" in character, as well as Albuquerque's urban neighborhoods, and areas that are quite rural. Click on any area for a description of the various neighborhoods and types of homes available in each region. |
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Northeast Heights |
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|  Albuquerque's Northeast Heights is made up of numerous neighborhoods that are essentially suburban in character. In the far northeast, at the base of the Sandias, are the exclusive neighborhoods of Sandia Heights and North Albuquerque Acres. Both offer executive homes on lots of up to an acre in size, and are not part of the city proper. Homes usually have wells, and in North Albuquerque Acres, residents can even keep horses.
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 South of Sandia Heights, but also lying at the base of the Sandia Mountains, are many other attractive Northeast subdivisions, beginning with the exclusive High Desert coummunity, and continuing through other areas of executive homes like Glenwood Hills, Casa Grande Estates, Rebonito, and Summit Hills. Slightly further west of the mountains lie the luxurious gated community of Tanoan Country Club and high-end subdivisions such as Quintessence, Academy Estates and various new subdivisions near La Cueva High School. |
 The Northeast Heights also offers many more reasonable-priced homes, in areas of continuing high demand like Heritage Hills and Heritage East, Holiday Park, and the ever-popular Mossman neightborhoods. There are even homes priced for the first-time buyer, in neighborhoods such as Snow Heights, Hoffmantown, and Princess Jeanne. |
Southeast Heights |
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|  Since much of Albuquerque's Southeast Heights area is occupied by Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Labs, and the Albuquerque Airport, there are relatively few residential areas in this region. However, the exclusive Four Hills neighborhood is located in the Southeast section, at the foot of the mountains, and is a favorite location for many who work at the Lab or on base. There are a number of other wonderful residential areas that are in the "SE" quadrant, but these are more properly considered to be part of the UNM, or University area and are described in that section. |
UNM University Area and Downtown |
 The UNM area, or "University Area" has always been a popular location. Quite definitely an urban area, it boasts the "old money" residences of "Pill Hill" and "Nob Hill." The elegant Parkland Hills, Siesta Hills, and Ridgecrest neighborhoods of the Southeast Heights are part of the "UNM Area," as are the high-demand residential enclaves of Altura Park, Netherwood Park, La Hacienda Addition and Haines Park in the Northeast Heights. And downtown features the exclusive "Old Country Club" area of Huning Castle. For more information about Albuquerque's historic areas and homes of vintage charm, Click here.
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The West Side |
 The West Side has many of Albuquerque's newest residential areas, and is the region of burgeoning growth. Recent development has provided the West Side with its own schools, shopping malls, restaurants, and other businesses, along with some of the area's most desirable subdivisions. Generally, it costs less to purchase or build a home on the West Side than the same home would cost in the Northeast Heights, and this has fed the high demand. |
Taylor Ranch, Paradise Hills, and now Ventana Ranch in Northwest Albuquerque offer wonderful homes in every style and price range. First-time buyers and corporate executives alike often find Taylor Ranch or Paradise Hills to be the ideal location. The are also numerous new subdivisions being completed on the Southwest Mesa. These areas principally cater to the first-time buyer price range, and offer smaller new homes at affordable prices.
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Rio Rancho |
While local denizens might object to having Rio Rancho considered just a "suburb" of Albuquerque, bragging that it is, in its own right, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, by most standards Rio Rancho is suburban to Albuquerque. Immediately contiguous to Albuquerque's Paradise Hills region, this small city has its own school system, shopping, and businesses, but began as a "bedroom community" for Albuquerque. It still serves that function for a large percentage of its residents, as most Rio Rancho homeowners work in nearby Albuquerque, enduring a commuting time of only about 15 to 30 minutes. While originally Rio Rancho grew as the "low cost" housing alternative to Albuquerque, nowadays buyers find an excellent selection of homes in all styles, sizes, and price ranges. Rio Rancho offers the entire housing spectrum, from upscale, luxury neighborhoods to affordable, lower-income housing.
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North Valley |
Albuquerque's North Valley is one of the oldest areas, and parts of the area are not even in Albuquerque, technically, but rather form the separate entity of "Los Ranchos de Albuquerque." Los Ranchos is virtually a rural area, right along the Rio Grande, which features many true "landed estates," elegant homes on an acre or more or often irrigated land, nestled under the cottonwoods. some of the areas priciest real estate is located in the North Valley, indluding some stunning horse properties, and many of the arears top hunter-jumper show barns. But the North Valley is also an area of contrasts. As one of the earliest-settled areas of Albuquerque, the North Valley is also home to many modest, older homes, and even mobile homes, allowing buyers of every price range to purchase a home in the area.
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South Valley |
The South Valley of Albuquerque has largely retained a very rural appearance, and is still home to many small farms. While the southwest mesa area has seen the development of a number of subdivisions of modestly-priced housing, the in the valley itself, lots ususally run from a half acre to several acres of land, often irrigated, with many residents raising horses and other livestock.
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Corrales |
Located on the west bank of the Rio Grande, just north of Albuquerque is the historic village of Corrales, known for its centuries-old cottonwoods, artists, agriculture, picturesque adobe homes, and horses galore. Corrales residents love the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, with a single main road through town, with various "horse crossing" signs, and one sign warning:"Drive slow, see or village: drive fast, see our judge."
Corrales mayor Gary Kanin once characterized Corrales as a "town of home occupations" In fact, of 500 business licenses in Corrales, 80% are for home businesses. A majority of the rest are quaint and charming restaurants and small shops, and occasional fresh produce stands and markets, orchards, and nurseries hark back to the village's more agricultural past.
While hardly a typical "suburb," this village of mostly adobe and southwestern style homes offers a quiet a peaceful lifestyle that requires just minutes in commuting time. Most properties are on small acreages, with horses welcome, and residents love walking, riding, or biking along the acequias, or irrigation ditches.
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Placitas |
Placitas is located about half an hour north of Albuquerque, in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Homesites in Placitas offer more land, bigger homes and a continuity of architectural style (Pueblo and Territorial designs are the most prevalent). Founded in 1745, the area was initially a large tract of land divided among 21 families, many of whose descendants still live in the area. Today, Placitas is a quiet, low-density residential community offering spectacular views day or night. Placitas has grown rapidly in recent years, and is in high demand as a residential area. Most homes are southwestern in style, on lots of an acre or more, with prices ususally ranging from the upper $200's on up.
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East Mountains |
The "East Mountain" refers to the communities on the eastern, or "green side" of the Sandia Mountains. These communities include Tijeras, Cedar Crest, and Sandia Park, which lie in the mountinas themselves, amidst the pines in the cooler mountain air, and also Edgewood and Moriarty, slightly further east, which offer flatter agricultural land. All of the East Mountain areas appeal to those who want a more rural lifestyle outside the city, with some acreage and perhaps a horse or livestock.
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Valencia County |
Valencia County lies immediately south of Albuquerque, and offers both suburban subdivisions and rural properties. Commuting time to Albuquerque ranges from as little as 20 minutes from some areas of Valencia County, like Bosque Farms and Peralta, to about 30 minutes for Los Lunas or 40 to 45 minutes to Belen. Attractive and relatively inexpensive supdisions have recently been developed on the mesa areas, while the irrigated valley land is home to small farms, horse properties, and some landed estates.
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Sandia Heights is an area of executive homes in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Most homes have large lots, of approximately an acre. The average Sandia Heights home sells in the $300,000+ range, with the least expensive homes going in the $150's, and the highest priced running over $1,000,000. |
| North Albuquerque Acres On the northern outskirts of Albuquerque, this is also an exclusive residential area, offering many large lots of approximately an acre, where horses are allowed. There are also several newer subdivisions with smaller lots. Prices start over $200,000 and range upwards to nearly $1,000,000. |
| High Desert is Albuquerque's newest "luxury homes" region. Lying in the foothills of the Sandias, just south of Sandia Heights, homes in this area are quite new, and range in value from a low of $300,000 to highs well over 2 million. Stunning views and southwestern ambience are the norm. |
Glenwood Hills is an area of elegant executive homes that lies in the foothills of the Sandias, just south of High Desert. Homes in this area are usually about 25 to 35 years old, and have often been remodeled and updated. Lush lawns, mature landscaping, and generous city lots characterize the area, with prices ranging from just under $200,000 to the $300,000's. |
| Casa Grande Estates lies just south of Glenwoods Hills, and featured similar homes, lots, and prices. Traditional brick homes are common. |
| Rebonito, Summit Hills, and other similar subdivisions lie south of Casa Grande Estates. Situated high in the foothills, these homes boast stunning views and usually slightly newer homes, about 10-20 years old. Southwestern and Scottsdale styling are common, and prices tend to range from below $200,000 to upwards of $400,000. |
Tanoan Country Club is a luxury, gated community surrounding the country club's golf course, in the Northeast Heights in an area slightly west of High Desert. Homes range from nearly new to 15 or 20 years old, and can vary in price from the $200,000's to over $1,000,000. Lots tend to be small, with fairway lots bringin a premium.
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| Quintessence is a new subdivision in Albuquerque's far northeast heights offering new construction by some of Albuquerque's premier builders. The subdivision offers value and aesthetic protection, while offering a wide range of custom floor plans and styles. Amenities such as bicycle trails, pedestrian trails, and beautifully landscaped streets abound. Prices vary based on the builder and the buyer's wishes, but start in the $200,000's and range upward. |
| Academy Estates and other similar subdivisions are excellent choices for buyers desiring a traditional brick homes in a neighborhood with a traditional "suburban" feel. Most homes in this area are brick, often with cedar shake roofs, and are large and elegant homes with spacious lots and mature landscaping. Homes are usually 20 to 30 years old, often updated, and tend to be priced in the $200,000's and $300,000s. |
Heritage Hills, located in the far northeast heights of Albuquerque, is an area with suburban ambience and moderately priced homes of both southwestern and traditional styles. Prices range from the mid to upper $100,000's. Homes are of moderate size, typically from about 1400 to a little over 2000 square feet, and most are between 15 and 25 years old. |
| Heritage East is just east of Heritage Hills, and is an area of slightly newer and larger homes in comparison. Homes are usually 10 to 20 years old, and between 1800 and 3000 square feet in size. Prices can be expected to be usually in the $200,000's, with smaller homes occasionally selling in the upper $100,000's. |
Holiday Park and New Holiday Park are subdivisions developed by the popular building team of Brown and Rutledge in the late 1960's and 1970's. Located just west of Tramway, with the feel of "Back East" suburbs, these neighborhoods offer mostly a traditional brick veneer styling, although there are occasional homes of southwestern design. With sizes ranging from about 1400 square feet to just over 2000 square feet, and prices from about $125,000 to $175,000, these neighborhoods remain in high demand. |
| Mossman neighborhoods, near Sandia High School, remain in high demand due to the quality constrcution and desireable locations. Built 30 to 50 years ago, Mossman homes often boast such features as hardwood floors and tongue-and-groove raised ceilings, as well as generous lot sizes, lush, mature landscaping, and convenient, more central locations. Smaller Mossman homes may be under 1500 square feet, and priced from the lo $100,000's, while many of the large and elegant models bring well up into the $200,000's. |
Snow Heights is a comfortable, modestly priced area of the Northeast Heights, built 40 to 50 years ago, and featuring homes of a flat-roofed, "pueblo" style. The smallest Snow Heights homes are under 1000 square feet, and nearly all are under 2000 square feet. These homes are very affordable, with prices starting below $100,000, and nearly all are priced below $150,000. |
| Princess Jeanne offers some of the most modestly priced homes in the entire Northeast Heights. Generally 40 to 50 years old, these homes range in price from the $80,000's to the lower $100,000's. With both pitched and flat roof models available, and usually small in size, these homes are always attractive to first-time buyers, and also to investors. |
Hoffmantown, with a convenient, fairly close-in loaction, and well-built brick homes remains a perennial Northeast Heights favorite. Generally 40 to 50 years old, these brick homes have a true traditional feel, and usually cost from the low $100,000's to under $150,000. |
| Four Hills is an exclusive subdivision in the foothills, just south of Central. Due to the single entrance into the subdivision, there is no through traffic, making for a serene and peaceful environment. Some homes in Four Hills are new or nearly new, while others are 30 or more years old. Lot sizes tend to be generous, with lush, mature landscaping. The Four Hills Country Club and golf course are prime attractions for the area, as is its quick and easy accessibility to Sandia Labs and Kirtland Air Force Base. Prices in the area range from uner $200,000 to over $500,000. |
Parkland Hills is an older residential area in the Southeast Heights, located conveniently close to the University of New Mexico. Homes here boast the charm of yesteryear along with their conveninet urban location, and have always remained in high demand. Parkland Hills is comprised of several neighborhoods of homes of various sizes and prices, making it one of the few areas of city accessible to almost all pocketbooks. Pueblo style homes of 1000 square feet and smaller are often available for under $100,000, while many truly elegant residences of 4000 square feet or more may fetch prices in the $500,000 range. All sizes, styles, and price ranges in between the two extremes are available in this area. While a few houses are newer, most homes in this area are 30 to 60 years old, and often boast hardwood floors, coved ceilings, and other charming features of their viintage. |
| Siesta Hills is a neighborhood of gracious and elegant homes close to Lovelace Hospital, Sandia Labs, and Kirtland Base. Lots are large, often half an acre or more, usually lushly landscaped. Homes are usually well over 2000 square feet, and often 3000 square feet or more, in varying styles and of various ages, from new to over 30 years old. Prices in this area vary from a low of just under $200,000 to about $400,000. |
Ridgecrest, like Parkland Hills is also in the Southeast Heights, near UNM. Smaller houses may be had for slightly under $100,000, while large and more elegant homes may range up to as much as $300,000. Proximity to the University and the vintage charm of these older homes keep this a popular neighborhood. |
| Altura Park and Altura Addition in the Washington/Indian School area are always in high demand. Most homes are older, from 25 to 45 years old, although the Altura Village subdivision offers new and nearly new homes. Throughout the Altura Park area, even small, 1000 sqaure foot homes may bring in the $120,000's, while larger homes ranging up to 3000 or 4000 square feet may cost up to $500,000. |
| Netherwood Park is a very popular, estabished neighborhood of executive homes, located in Northeast Albuquerque close to the University of New Mexico. Homes are usually fairly large, with few under 2000 square feet, and 3000 square feet or more is not uncommon. Custom homes in all styles are available, although traditional brick is very popular. Most of these porperties are 30 to 40 years old, and prices range from a low of just under $200,000 to highs in the $400,000 range. |
La Hacienda Addition, off Carlisle and Constitution, near UNM, boasts charming older homes built in the 1950's and 1960's. This always popular neighborhood features many traditional brick homes, often with hardood floors and other old-fashioned charm. Lots are generous and usually lush and green with established landscaping. The few homes available under 2000 square feet may be priced in the mid $100,000's, while large homes range upwards of 3000 square feet and can cost well into the $300,000's. |
| Haines Park, located near Carlisle and Indian School, like the other "UNM area" neighborhoods, has maintained a consistent popularity. These houses were built primarily in the 1960's and 1970s, and are usually between 1800 and 300 square feet or so. Prices range from the $150,000 range to the mid and upper $200,000's. |
| Huning Castle, the "Old Albuquerque Countyr Club" area, is situated right downtown, and boasts many of oldest and most charming luxury homes in town. While here and there a nwer home may be found, most of residences in area are 50 to 70 or more years old. Each home is truly unique, whether of traditional brick style, Spanish Mission style, or very southwestern, with vigas, nichos, and other southwestern touches. Occasionally an unusually small home, or one that is a "fixer-upper" may be purchased in the $150,000 range, but most properties here run from about $200,000 to over $500,000. The Huning Highlands area nearby offers even older homes, some of which are true Vicorians. Smaller homes here are sometimes available in the $100,000 range. |
Taylor Ranch refers to the West Side area north of the freeway and ranging either side of Montano. It is made up of numerous subdivisions which have been developed at various times over the past 25 years or so. Brand new construction is still avalable, as are homes 25 or 30 years old, and everything in between. Some neighborhoods are of exclusively brick constrcution, others are strictly southwestern, and still others offer a mix of styles. Custom homes are fairly uncommon, with most neighborhoods have been developed by a single builder, or a small number of builders. Large lots and small, townhomes, patio homes, and detached residences are all available in various neighborhoods of Taylor Ranch. |
| Paradise Hills is the West Side area closer to the Paradise Hills Country Club. It is west of Coors, north of Taylor Ranch, and south of Rio Rancho. Many new stores, restaurants, businesses, and new Cottonwood Mall are close and convenient for those living in Paradise Hills. The area includes many different subdivisions of varying ages. The oldest homes, built around the Country Club and its golf course, are generally 25 to 35 years old. However, many new subdivisions are still under construction, and whatever the age or style of home you prefer, you'll be able to find something to your liking in this area. |
| Ventana Ranch is a new West Side development, located west of paradise Hills. VEry suburban in appeal, Ventana Ranch still has much new construction ongoing, and few resale homes are over 5 years old. Several different builders are involved in the development, and homes of various styles are available, although traditional, pitched roof homes are prevalent. |
Tijeras refers to the area of the East Mountains that includes the areas just off I-40, as well as the "South 14" area, which is now more properly call Highway 337. With commuting times ranging from as little as 15 minutes to paerhaps 30 minutes, Tijeras is very popular with those wanting to be just a little out of the city, up in the mountains among the trees. Lot sizes range from half and acre to several acres, and in most areas of Tijeras residents can keep horses, and sometimes other livestock. Mobile homes in this area may be available for as little as $50,000, while site-built homes, unless in need of major work, generall run from a low of about $100,000 to upwards of $400,000. |
| Cedar Crest is also located in the East Mountains, but is located off North 14. This area has convenientaccess to the Sandia Peak Ski Area, and some properties backto the National Forest. Large pine trees, woooded lots, and privacy are among the pluses of Cedar Crest. Lots of half and acre to several acres are common, and the village of Cedar Crest offers a number of small stores, restaraunts and other businesses. Home prices start in the mid to upper $100,000's, and extend up to the $500,000 range, although manufactured homes are occasionally available at lower prices. |
| Sandia Park is north of Cedar Crest, along Highway 44 and Frost Road. Prices and sizes vary tremendously, from 1000 square foot "fixer-uppers" on half and acre for under $70,000 to 5000 square foot luxury estates in Paa-ko for over $1,000,000! Half acre lots are about the smallest, while many of the expensive estates are on ten or more acres. |
Edgewood is just east of Tijeras. Parts of Edgewood are wooded and hilly, while the other areas offer flatter, more open terrain. Most lots are 2 to 5 acres or more, and permit horses and other livestock. Small cabins, "fixer-uppers," and manufactured homes can often be found in the $50,000-$60,000 price range, but Edgewood boast homes in all sizes and price ranges, up to elegant estates worth $500,000 or more. |
| Moriarty is just east of Edgewood, and is decidedly rural in character. Land is flat, with great views of the back of the Sandias, and lot sizes tend to be large, often 5 acres of more. Many residents raise livestock of some kind, and mobile homes are very common. Moriarty has its own schools system, which is in high demand. Small homes and mobile homes start well below $50,000, while large farms or estate-type properties bring into the $300,000's. |
Bosque Farms, located about twenty minutes south of Albuquerque, is, as its name implies, situated in the "bosque" of the Rio Grande River.
Originally settled during the Depression, when the WPA cleared 28,000 acres, dividing it into 43 tracts, which were sold at $140 per acre to those relocated Dust Bowl farmers whose names were drawn in a special lottery, today's Bosque Farms offers most homes are on half-acre to five or ten acre lots. The official village seal boasts that Bosque Farms remains committed to "Preserving Rural America." Local residents enjoy their gardens and animals, peaceful and friendly neighborhoods, and low local crime rate. Horse shows, rodeos, and a yearly, old-fashioned community fair contribute to the village's appeal. Prices range from lows around $100,000 to highs in the $300,000's.
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| Los Lunas, just south of Bosque Farms, is a rapidly-growing small town of about 20,000 people. First settled along the river valley over 300 years ago, Los Lunas offers both rural living with irrigated acreage along the bosque and new, suburban-style subdivisions on city lots up on the mesas. The area offers a quick, 25 or 30 minute commute along I-25 to Albuquerque, with the newer subdivisions providing attractive, traditional homes at more modest prices than Albuquerque affords, while the more rural areas cater to those interested in 4H, horses, agricultural, and other country pursuits. With manufactured homes available in the $50,000 range, and site built homes offered from about $70,000, Los Lunas provides affordable options for first-time buyers. Homes, small farms, and equestrian estates are available in price ranges up through the $400,000's.
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Belen, which is south of Los Lunas, is about a 40 minute commute to Albuquerque, and is a town of some 15,000 in its own right. Like Los Lunas, Belen offers a mixture of new subdivisions, particularly in the Rio Communities area, and laid-back rural lifestyles on horse properties, small farms, and country estates. Some acreages range upwards of 10 acres, with verdant, irrigated land available. With the County Fairgrounds and the Sheriff's Posse arena, Belen plays host to numerous horse acitivities, as do Bosque Farms and Los Lunas. Reasonably priced subdivisions and manufactured housing provide low-cost alternatives in the local housing market, with mobile homes sarting in the $30,000 range and sometimes lower. High-end properties can sometimes bring up into the $500,000 range.
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