$271,243Average Value$268Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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
Are you familiar with the Barelas neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Barelas
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Barelas Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Barelas, Albuquerque sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Barelas, Albuquerque over the last 12 months is $264,500, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exceptional investment opportunity! This modern 6-unit building, just two years old, showcases quality craftsmanship from an experienced builder/owner and delivers an impressive cap rate. Each unit is thoughtfully designed with contemporary finishes and efficient layouts, ensuring both style and durability. Currently operated as successful Airbnb rentals, this property offers strong, proven
Nestled on a corner lot in an unbeatable area, you are just minutes from downtown, the zoo, and Tingley Beach, placing dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation at your doorstep. Whether it is a quick commute, a weekend stroll by the water, or enjoying nearby city amenities, this location delivers exceptional convenience and lifestyle. This well cared for 1 bedroom, 1 bath home offers
Nicely remodeled home in the historic Barelas neighborhood at its best! Live in one unit and rent the other one out! Main house is 3 bedrooms with 1.5 bathrooms, and the studio on the side is perfect for a rental property. Could be a multi generation property, or a really good investment opportunity! The entire property has been remodeled with a newer tpo roof, newer furnaces, newer ac units,
OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE. This lot is full of potential! This lot is located near two parks, the zoo, and right next door to a community garden! Undeveloped lots in the downtown area don't come on the market very often. Don't miss out!
Welcome Home!Step into this beautifully crafted, multilevel contemporary residence that seamlessly blends modern design with comfort. bathed in natural light, the home features an open-concept floor plan perfect for today's lifestyle. Enjoy luxurious flooring, elegant quartz countertops, custom tile backsplashes, and stylish tile showers. Built with quality in mind, this home includes solid-core
(EXTREMELY MOTIVATED SELLER! BRING ALL OFFERS TODAY!!) Stylish and modern two BR, 2.5 BA single-family adobe home with 14 92 ft. in a rapidly revitalizing downtown community. This move-in ready home has been fully remodeled with new low E windows, flooring, aquaPEX plumbing tankless water heater Mini splits system units in every room, updated electrical and granite countertop! ****Optional 3rd
Beautifully remodeled Downtown/Raynolds property featuring a 3-bedroom main home plus a detached 1-bedroom casita with private alley access. The main home offers comfortable living space, an updated kitchen, and a flexible layout, while the casita provides additional space for guests, multigenerational living, home office use, or potential rental income. Each unit has its own entrance and full
Don't let the size fool you -- this impeccably maintained tiny home delivers the luxury details of properties costing far more. A true chef's kitchen steals the show with a KitchenAid refrigerator, six-burner gas range, sleek concrete countertops, illuminated cabinetry, and a built-in Lazy Susan. Rich hardwood floors flow throughout, and every square foot has been thoughtfully designed for
Beautifully renovated duplex located in the heart of Albuquerque! This is the perfect opportunity for an owner-occupant looking to generate income while living in one unit, or for an investor seeking a turnkey rental property. Huge backyard with potential to build more units as well. Thoughtfully updated with new windows, blinds, flooring, fresh paint, modern appliances, bathroom vanities and
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,
This warm and inviting property offers just the right blend of comfort and character, making it a great option for anyone seeking a peaceful, easygoing living space.Enjoy the convenience of on-site parking and a spacious yard, it offers a comfortable layout and plenty of natural light.Located in a convenient area, Safe & Secure Location in a quiet neighborhood with a strong sense of
“Studio” with wood floor/tiled kitchen bathroom. AC mini split keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Dedicated water heater so you’ll never run out of hot water. Clean and refurbished space. Entire gated parking space is yours for parking and/or your pet’s needs. Appliances are in the unit, cleaned a ready to go. 5 total windows for a bright and sunny space. Dimmer switch on front
This warm and inviting property offers just the right blend of comfort and character, making it a great option for anyone seeking a peaceful, easygoing living space.Enjoy the convenience of on-site parking and a spacious yard, it offers a comfortable layout and plenty of natural light.Located in a convenient area, Safe & Secure Location in a quiet neighborhood with a strong sense of
“Studio” with wood floor/tiled kitchen bathroom. AC mini split keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Dedicated water heater so you’ll never run out of hot water. Clean and refurbished space. Entire gated parking space is yours for parking and/or your pet’s needs. Appliances are in the unit, cleaned a ready to go. 5 total windows for a bright and sunny space. Dimmer switch on front
Charming updated bungalow in the heart of Albuquerque! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 915 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space, blending classic character with modern comfort. Outside you'll find a spacious, fully fenced backyard - perfect for entertaining, pets, gardening, or simply enjoying New Mexico's beautiful weather. Ideally located near downtown and Old Town, with easy
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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