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Placitas

Placitas

Neighborhood in New Mexico

Sandoval County 87043

$694,414 Average Value
$280 Average Price per Sq Ft
37 Homes For Sale

Community right on the edge of the Sandia Mountains

The community of Placitas sits right along the northern tip of the Sandia Mountains, a location that gives residents an up-close view of one of the region’s most prominent natural landmarks. The mountains have made way for a network of dirt and rocky trails that can lead to overlooking views of the greater Albuquerque area’s landscape. The more rugged topography here has been credited with playing some role behind why many have chosen to come to this once small rural village over the years. “In Placitas, you can have multiple acres, but because of the hills, part of that acreage is unusable,” says Lynn Martinez, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Legacy and who specializes in outlying communities like Placitas and Corrales. “But on the other hand, that unusable acreage might be affording you privacy and views you might not otherwise get.” The scenery here, which includes sightings of wild horses, has helped shape the community’s culture. “It’s a great arts community. They have a lot of community events that involves their arts and crafts, probably because of the undulating hills,” Martinez says. An example of this culture can be found at the Placitas Community Library, where outside the facility is a circular labyrinth made out of rocks laid on red earth. An, also circular, bench made up of separate blocks of stone sits at the center of this community monument, which the library’s website says intends to share a meditative theme.

Homes in Placitas sit on large lots and are well spread out.
Homes in Placitas sit on large lots and are well spread out.

Find upscale adobe homes in the hills

Like elsewhere in the region, homes made with Spanish and Pueblo influences – styles that stand out with their adobe sidings and flat roofs – are common here. Many homes can be found in the hills located along narrow roads and on lots naturally adorned with small trees, shrubs and other plants like cacti. With an average of $696,423, Placitas homes have higher price points when compared with at least a few other communities in the greater Albuquerque area. A modern two-story adobe with features like a three-car garage and an enclosed courtyard in the front can go for $947,000.

Mountain views and rolling hills are some of the beautiful views found in Placitas.
Mountain views and rolling hills are some of the beautiful views found in Placitas.

Journey into the Sandia Mountains

Among the several trailheads located around Placitas is the Tunnel Spring Trailhead located right on the northern tip of the mountains. Hikers there can get on natural trails and venture up the rugged lands to get panoramic views of the surrounding region. They might even spot some petroglyphs carved out by ancestral Puebloans. Slightly to the east is the Las Huertas area where pathways and foot bridges can lead them to tucked away picnic tables and grills. Those on the eastern side of Placitas can gaze at another major mass of land, the Crest of Montezuma.

Placitas Cafe has been a local staple for years and a great stop after a long hike.
Placitas Cafe has been a local staple for years and a great stop after a long hike.

Get breakfast at the Placitas Café

Residents here can pick from a variety of breakfasts at the Placitas Café, which serves options like the huevos rancheros. The dish involves two eggs of any style put on top of a corn tortilla and covered with a variety of toppings like red or green chili. For lunch, they can simply go a few doors down in this adobe style strip mall and find the Placitas Pizza Co.

The Placitas Community Library is a great stop for locals to sit back and relax with a book.
The Placitas Community Library is a great stop for locals to sit back and relax with a book.

Admire artwork at the Placitas Community Library

Residents can find artwork at the Placitas Community Library, which puts on a variety of exhibits throughout the year. Neighboring the library on state road 165 is the La Hacienda de Placitas, an adobe style villa that is perhaps better known in pop culture as Don Eladio’s Estate in the Breaking Bad universe.

Connecting to important Albuquerque facilities

Although the two places are about 25 miles apart, state road 165 connects to Interstate 25 to provide an almost direct connection between Placitas and downtown Albuquerque. Both The University of New Mexico Hospital and the Albuquerque International Sunport – the airport – are located right off I-25 in the city.

Entrance to Bernalillo High School.
Entrance to Bernalillo High School.

Strongly rated schools

Schools serving the area include the community-based Placitas Elementary School and the nearby Mountain View Middle School and Bernalillo High School, all of which received grades of C-plus or higher from ratings site Niche. Mountain View Middle, which received an A grade, ranks as the seventh public middle school in New Mexico. The clubs at Bernalillo High include the New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement, a pre-college program that aims to prepare students for careers in those fields.

Yann Ranaivo
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Kody Martin
Photography Contributed By
Kody Martin
Mallory Nolte
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Mallory Nolte

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Stephen Garth, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Albuquerque International Sunport

57 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Placitas US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$700,000
Median Single Family Price
$750,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$280
Number of Homes for Sale
37
Last 12 months Home Sales
125
Months of Supply
3.60
Median List Price
$819,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,646
Median Year Built
2000
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,695
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,529
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,339
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
65,340

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 4pm

    38 Calle Chamisa, Placitas, NM 87043

    $967,813

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,559 Sq Ft
    • 38 Calle Chamisa

    Discover your personal oasis in Placitas! This stunning custom-built home boasts an impressive array of upgrades. Nestled on its own hilltop, the sprawling layout features multiple patios offering breathtaking views in every direction. As you enter, you're welcomed by a beautiful adobe archway and wall. Ample natural light through the large windows and automated Velux skylights, complemented by

    Agent Photo
    Toby Rich
    Amazing Properties
    (505) 539-1874
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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 3pm

    2 Tiwa Trail, Placitas, NM 87043

    $927,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,850 Sq Ft
    • 2 Tiwa Trail
    • New 9 days ago

    Experience the perfect balance of elegance, comfort, and functionality in this custom built 2022 Parade of Homes award winning home. Ideally situated on a 1.71-acre cul-de-sac lot in the prestigious Anasazi Trails subdivision, this thoughtfully designed single-level 2,850 sq ft residence is a rare find. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2 spacious living areas, the home's open, split-bedroom

    Veronica Gonzales Keller Williams Realty

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  • Saturday, May 10
    12 - 3pm

    43 Tierra Madre Rd, Placitas, NM 87043

    $975,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,669 Sq Ft
    • 43 Tierra Madre Rd

    OPEN HOUSE: MAY 10th, 12-3PM. Discover your private, quiet retreat in this beautifully appointed home, featuring breathtaking views and an abundance of natural light. The spacious layout includes a huge primary bedroom & bath, perfect for relaxation and tranquility. Options abound with many large rooms for either workspace, artistry, games or additional bedrooms! Separate large heated

    Jody MacGillivray Desert Oasis Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Stephen Garth, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,729
Median Age
62
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
11.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
44.1%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$94,879
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,308

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
51.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.3%
% Population in Labor Force
48.9%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
8''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Placitas