$270,844Average Value$164Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Railroad history and culture in Albuquerque's South Valley
By the Rio Grande River in the South Valley, Barelas is one of Albuquerque's older neighborhoods. At one time a 17th-century Spanish colony, during the 1880s Barelas grew around the railroad industry, as people of many different backgrounds arrived to work in the rail yard. "We have a melting pot here," says Leba Freed, president of the Wheels Museum. "It's an old, interesting neighborhood. It's really gaining popularity and success." Barelas has received increased attention in recent years. Though newcomers are moving to Barelas, it's still home to many multigenerational families. Many events in Barelas highlight its rich culture.
Ongoing Investment in Barelas improves conditions
Though Barelas has experienced economic challenges and its CAP Index Crime Score is double the national average, efforts have been underway in recent years to improve the area's economic viability and living conditions. In 2022, the state announced a $2.2 million investment in Barelas, with much of that going toward infrastructure. Improved roads, lighting and signage are among the upgrades. Various community organizations work to enhance life in Barelas.
Transportation options like ABQ RIDE buses, a nearby station
Though many people walk, fare-free ABQ RIDE buses run for the community, with stops mainly along Fourth Street Southwest and Eighth Street Southwest. State route 47 and Interstate 25 run to the east, and Interstate 40 is north of Downtown. From central Barelas, it's about a mile to Downtown's Alvarado Transportation Center. Commuters may take Rio Metro's New Mexico Rail Runner Express line from there. There's also Amtrak service. Albuquerque International Sunport, the region's main airport, is about 5 miles from Barelas.
Locally owned in the Barelas-South Fourth Street Historic District
The Barelas-South Fourth Street Historic District, the neighborhood's primary commercial area and part of the historic Route 66 is on the National Register of Historic Places. "Barelas is the heart of Albuquerque's culture — rich in history, art, and community," says Gina Riccobono, owner of Flyby Provisions gift shop, located nearby in the downtown area. "It's a neighborhood where tradition thrives alongside creativity, and every corner tells a story." Among the long-standing locally owned businesses is El Modelo Mexican Foods, which has been open since 1929. La Mexicana Tortilla Co., Albuquerque's first tortilla company, opened in 1932 and is also a restaurant. Another mainstay, Barelas Coffee House, has been around since 1978 and specializes in New Mexican comfort food. Some small markets are close to the neighborhood, and there's a Smith's grocery store about 3 miles to the east. Coronado Center, New Mexico's largest mall, is about 7 miles northeast of central Barelas.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center and The Yards
The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) provides educational and creative programming and has a research library. Among the center's events is the multiday Festival Flamenco Albuquerque in June, the biggest flamenco festival outside of Spain. In April, the Cesar Chavez Fiesta includes a march that starts at the center. The NHCC is also home to La Fonda del Bosque, a Latin fusion restaurant. The center's Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts includes the Albuquerque Journal Theater, which has one of the state's largest indoor stages. The Albuquerque Rail Yards, also known as The Yards, is a complex of early 20th-century railroad industry buildings. Ongoing redevelopment has created new community spaces at The Yards, and more projects are anticipated. "There's been so much renovation. Lots and lots of good things are happening," Freed says. At the Yards, the Wheels Museum, visited by roughly 100,000 people each year, has educational exhibits related to transportation history. Museum events include lectures, dance parties, car club swap meets and musical and theatrical performances. The Rail Yards Market is held on Sundays from May to October. In addition, there's a Valentine's Day market and a holiday market in December that more than 30,000 people attend.
Barelas Park upgrades, Las Posadas and the ABQ BioPark
The city's 2023 renovation of Barelas Park added a new multiuse court, playground equipment and a promenade. Lighting was upgraded, 117 new trees were planted, and ADA accessibility was improved. Future renovation phases call for pickleball courts, horseshoe pits and outdoor exercise equipment. By the park, the Barelas Senior Center and the Barelas Community Center offer a variety of activities, such as fitness and sports programs. In December, the community center hosts Las Posadas de Barelas, a nativity-themed procession planned with the Barelas Neighborhood Association and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. CASA Barelas, a non-profit community hub, is one of the organizations promoting October's Las Fiestas de Barelas, which features music and dance. The ABQ BioPark Zoo is part of an expansive complex that includes an aquarium, a botanic garden and Tingley Beach. Hiking trails are available within the Bosque, a cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande.
Vintage bungalows, ranch-style homes and townhouses in Barelas
There are a variety of home options in Barelas. "Don't be surprised to find homes that are 100-plus years old," says Leigh-Jo Anzures, qualifying broker with Syan Real Estate. Many of the homes are early 20th-century bungalows and cottages. There are also some ranch-style and newer single-family homes and townhouses. "Prices are in the high $200,000s and go up depending on the size," Anzures says. On the high-end, homes are typically under $500,000. Some properties include a casita, which could be called a guest house or ADU.
Gonzales Elementary, Washington Middle and Albuquerque High
Dolores Gonzales Elementary School earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Washington Middle School receives a C, and Albuquerque High School has an A-minus. Albuquerque Public Schools' district magnet schools offer application-based enrollment.
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
Don't miss this chance to own an updated adobe home in the nationally recognized Historic Barelas Neighborhood.Bursting with character, this home features original 18in adobe walls that add charm and history to your living space. Recent updates include new stucco, fresh paint, new granite counter tops, new cabinets and new kitchen appliances complete with new washer/dryer. Enjoy the durability of
This cozy two bedroom one bathroom Home is located downtown in the Barelas neighborhood. This Home has a lot of updates large bathroom & nice size bedrooms. The open floor plan has plenty of room for entertaining & chilling. The Home stays nice & cool with the large master cool that was installed two years ago. The updated kitchen is perfect for cooking your favorite meals. The large backyard is
Zocalo is a new mixed-use development with 21 residential apartments and 10,000 sf of ground floor commercial space just moments away from Downtown Albuquerque. Our new and spacious studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartment homes feature modern finishes and European inspired floor plans. Zocalo is conveniently located in the heart of Albuquerque for easy access to some of New Mexico’s finest dining,
Property Id: 52197Charming 2-Bedroom Home Near Historic Old Town - 1,500 sq ftBeautiful and spacious two-bedroom, one-bath home available for rent just steps from Albuquerque's Historic Old Town. This 1,500 sq ft residence blends vintage charm with modern updates and is within walking distance to museums, parks, Explora, the Sawmill District, grocery stores, and a variety of
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jessica Rasband,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,977
Median Age
44
Population under 18
17.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,315
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,840
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.5%
College Graduates
25.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.9%
% Population in Labor Force
55.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
8''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
72/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
74/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
43/ 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.
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.
