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Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa

Neighborhood in Sunland Park, New Mexico

Dona Ana County 88008

$302,078 Average Value
$169 Average Price per Sq Ft
38 Homes For Sale

A community's fight for independence

Located about 13 miles from El Paso, Texas and roughly 42 miles from the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Santa Teresa is a semi-rural New Mexico community that plays a major role in border trade. The Santa Teresa Port of Entry and Border Industrial Complex sit on its southwest corner, connecting the community to Chihuahua and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico while the Union Pacific Railroad rumbles along its western edge. Most folks here either work at the Border Industrial Complex or the railroad, but some residents commute to El Paso or 6 miles east to Sunland Park for work, groceries and other essentials. In 2015, the community officially sought incorporation as its own municipality, a move that reignited a dispute for control of the community that can be traced back to the 1960s. As Raul Tellez, lifelong New Mexico resident and owner of Select Realty Las Cruces, puts it: "Santa Teresa is its own place, and residents here prefer it that way. Folks here have been fighting for a long time to get it incorporated as a city." Despite their efforts, Sunland Park is fighting back for annexation — a battle that, as of spring 2024, has been put on pause. The community maintains a spirit of togetherness, coming together at the local St. John Paul II Parish for fundraisers, Mass and outreach. Santa Teresa is home to the War Eagles Air Museum, displaying a collection of restored aircrafts from World War II at the Dona County Airport — another significant local employer. While the museum’s collection may not be exclusively tied to Santa Teresa’s local history, its presence, growth, and ongoing operations over the past three decades have made it an integral part of the area’s educational landscape.

Many scenic hiking trails and outdoor activities can be found in Santa Teresa.
Many scenic hiking trails and outdoor activities can be found in Santa Teresa.
An American Flag made of painted stones at the Santa Teresa Veterans Memorial Park.
An American Flag made of painted stones at the Santa Teresa Veterans Memorial Park.
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Construction underway in Rancho Santa Teresa

"One of the advantages of living in Santa Teresa is the lower property tax rate of approximately 1.3%, compared to El Paso's 3% of overall property value," says Realtor John Pena with Clearview Realty. Most homes here are found in two subdivisions, Valencia and Rancho Santa Teresa, and are either Spanish-, Pueblo Revival-, ranch- or adobe-style built between the early 2000s and the 2020s. All homes here have earth-toned stucco exteriors that help them blend into the surrounding desert landscape; most homes have roofs that are either flat or clay-tiled, and many offer panoramic views of the Franklin Mountains. A three-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot home ranges from $350,000 to $450,000, while a four-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot home ranges from $450,000 to $475,000. As of summer 2024, construction of three-to-six-bedroom ranch-and adobe-style homes is still ongoing in the Rancho Santa Teresa subdivision, and development has begun on Las Brisas, a planned gated community of quadruplex homes with two- to three-bedroom layouts.

Palm trees can be found throughout most of the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Palm trees can be found throughout most of the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
The Santa Teresa neighborhood seen with the Franklin Mountains in the distance.
The Santa Teresa neighborhood seen with the Franklin Mountains in the distance.
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High schoolers earns college credits for DACCC

Local kids can start school at Santa Teresa Elementary, which earns a B-plus from Niche, then continue to Santa Teresa Middle School, which earns a B-minus. Santa Teresa High earns an A-plus, giving students the opportunity to earn college credits from Dona Ana County Community College.

Santa Teresa Middle School proudly stands as Homes of the Braves, shaping future leaders.
Santa Teresa Middle School proudly stands as Homes of the Braves, shaping future leaders.
Santa Teresa High earns an A-plus, giving students the opportunity to earn college credits.
Santa Teresa High earns an A-plus, giving students the opportunity to earn college credits.
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Historic museums and local parks

A few of the closest open space parks are Sunland Park Sports Complex; featuring a soccer field and skateboarding area, and Villa Valencia Sports Park; featuring an open field and playground. The War Eagles Air Museum, founded in 1989, showcases restored aircraft from World War II and Vietnam, vintage automobiles, and military artifacts, teaching visitors about aviation history. Nearby, the Santa Teresa Veterans Memorial Park on Airport Road pays tribute to war veterans with a helicopter display. For outdoor activities, Villa Valencia Red Park provides a small open field and playground. Thrill-seekers can head to Sun City Skydive, a full-service skydiving experience on Airport Road, for an adrenaline-packed adventure. The private, 18-hole El Paso Country Club is about 4 miles from Santa Teresa. Membership here includes access to tennis courts, pools and the dining room in addition to the golf course.

A local enjoys the wealth of information and history at the War Eagles Air Museum.
A local enjoys the wealth of information and history at the War Eagles Air Museum.
Santa Teresa golfers can enjoy the greens year-round at several course in Las Cruces nearby.
Santa Teresa golfers can enjoy the greens year-round at several course in Las Cruces nearby.
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Local diners frequented by railroad workers

Penny’s Diner on Kitty Hawk Drive is a reliable, old-fashioned American diner that stays open 24 hours serving classic breakfast staples like bacon and hash, pancakes and omelets. Nearby fast-food spots include Subway. Residents drive to Sunland Park to stock up on groceries at Mercedes Grocery Store or Ortega's Grocery and Meat Market, and to do some retail shopping at The Shoppes at Solana, where stores include Aeropostale and Conn's HomePlus. Residents can go discount shopping at Dollar General, set within the neighborhood along McNutt Road.

Santa Teresa residents can head north to enjoy a delicious meal at Casa El Camino.
Santa Teresa residents can head north to enjoy a delicious meal at Casa El Camino.
Enjoy a classic burger and shake at Penny's Diner in Santa Teresa.
Enjoy a classic burger and shake at Penny's Diner in Santa Teresa.
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Interstate 10 leads to major cities

Interstate 10 is about 10 miles east. The neighborhood is bordered west by Pete Domenici Boulevard, which leads about 9 miles south to the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. Country Club Medical Clinic is less than 2 miles away, and El Paso International Airport is about 20 miles east via I-10.

Dust ordinances and the fight for clean water

Arsenic water contamination has been an ongoing issue in Santa Teresa. As of Spring 2024, the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) has instituted operational changes that have restored the local water supply, but to prevent further issues, residents are still advised to cut down on their water usage in the summer months. Las Cruces' dry desert climate, as well as its proximity to the Rio Grande, contribute to the presence of dust in the local environment. The City of Las Cruces attempts to control dust in various ways, such as requiring construction sites to implement dust-reducing practices and enforcing fines for excessive dust emissions.

Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea
Nate Myers
Photography Contributed By
Nate Myers
Daric Clarke
Video By
Daric Clarke

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 Luis Larrinua, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

El Paso International

45 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Santa Teresa US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$344,950
Median Single Family Price
$364,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$169
Number of Homes for Sale
38
Last 12 months Home Sales
130
Months of Supply
3.50
Median List Price
$354,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,348
Median Year Built
1995
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,864
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,182
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,429
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    309 Dream Spirit, Santa Teresa, NM 88008

    $435,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,800 Sq Ft
    • 309 Dream Spirit

    Great two story home featuring 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths (2 bedrooms down) with approximately 2800 sq ft. Nice kitchen with Island with an abundance of cabinetry open to family room. Formal living and dining room. Spacious Backyard and Double Garage on side of home.

    Agent Photo
    Sylvia Davidson
    Sandy Messer And Associates
    (575) 577-7411
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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    132 N Trevino Rd, Santa Teresa, NM 88008

    $253,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,116 Sq Ft
    • 132 N Trevino Rd
    • New 19 days ago

    Tranquil living in beautiful Santa Teresa. Welcome to this cozy home with many amenities like green areas, pool and tennis court. This house offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths and an open floor plan. Enjoy low property taxes. You can afford this home since it's priced from the past. At this low price this home will not last.

    Ramon Aguilar Armendariz BHGRE Steinborn & Associates

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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 Luis Larrinua, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,992
Median Age
34
Population under 18
27.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$58,929
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,911

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
44.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.8%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

21 / 100

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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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
Santa Teresa
Luis Larrinua
St. Rogers Realty
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