Section Image

Volcano Cliffs

Volcano Cliffs

$561,852 Average Value
$242 Average Price per Sq Ft
40 Homes For Sale

Volcano Cliffs offers scenic views of Albuquerque’s mountain ranges

Volcano Cliffs is an upscale neighborhood on the West Mesa known for its panoramic views of the New Mexico countryside. Located by a now-inactive volcanic field northwest of Albuquerque, Volcano Cliffs was built on over 3,000 acres of desert terrain and is close to some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including the Petroglyph National Monument and the Rio Grande River. “It’s a desirable neighborhood with breathtaking views of the Sandia-Manzano Mountains,” says Leigh-Jo Anzures, a local broker and owner of Syan Real Estate. “It’s right off of Paseo Del Norte, which can take you across the river in the blink of an eye.” With hiking trails, nearby shopping centers and newer homes with modern amenities, Volcano Cliffs has one of the hottest housing markets in Central New Mexico.

Stucco homes in Montecito Estates feature tiled roofs and pebble lawns, built in the 2010s.
Stucco homes in Montecito Estates feature tiled roofs and pebble lawns, built in the 2010s.
Hannah and Nate’s offers cozy brunch dining close to Volcano Cliffs.
Hannah and Nate’s offers cozy brunch dining close to Volcano Cliffs.
1/2

Hiking trails, horseback riding and historical petroglyphs

Visitors can find thousands of prehistoric Native American drawings in the Petroglyph National Monument, which takes up over 7,000 acres south of Volcano Cliffs. There are also five volcanic cones that erupted thousands of years ago, as well as several miles of hiking trails where visitors can spot wildlife such as birds, lizards and rabbits. Equestrians can practice their horseback riding in De Boca Negra Horseman’s Complex west of the neighborhood, and the George J. Maloof Memorial Air Park has plenty of space for people to fly their remote-controlled airplanes. Montecito Estates has a community center with a pool and playground, and many also enjoy paddleboarding and fishing in the Rio Grande, approximately 6 miles east.

Training grounds for riders at De Boca Negra Horseman’s Complex lies west of Volcano Cliffs.
Training grounds for riders at De Boca Negra Horseman’s Complex lies west of Volcano Cliffs.
Locals trek the rugged trails of Boca Negra Canyon at Petroglyph National Monument.
Locals trek the rugged trails of Boca Negra Canyon at Petroglyph National Monument.
1/2

Custom homes with southwestern-style architecture

Volcano Cliffs is mainly divided into two subdivisions separated by Unser Boulevard. Many stucco homes in Montecito Estates were built in the 2010s and have pebble lawns and tiled roofs. Newer homes in Petroglyph Estates typically have more space and can include additional features such as in-ground pools and solar panels. Lots are available to build on farther north of both residential areas, plus many more custom homes can be found south in cul-de-sacs along 81st Street. “You’ll find Pueblo, southwestern, Mediterranean and contemporary styles,” Anzures says. “There are lots of custom homes right by the edge of the cliff.” The median sale price is about $549,000, which is higher than the state median of around $316,000.

Volcano Cliffs features elegant Spanish-style homes with classic stucco exteriors.
Volcano Cliffs features elegant Spanish-style homes with classic stucco exteriors.
Two-story stucco homes line quiet residential streets in Volcano Cliffs.
Two-story stucco homes line quiet residential streets in Volcano Cliffs.
1/2

Several shopping centers east of the neighborhood

There’s a handful of restaurants and shopping centers east of the neighborhood by Coors Boulevard. Garcia’s Kitchen Express is a local Mexican restaurant that offers tacos, burritos and enchiladas, while Flix Brewhouse offers IPAs and ales alongside the latest movie releases. Petroglyph Plaza is primarily anchored by a Smith’s supermarket and an Ace Hardware, and Marketplace Crossing has a Walmart and a Blake’s Lotaburger across the street. Plaza Paseo Del Norte has several department stores including Target, Big 5 Sporting Goods and Ross Dress For Less, as well as a Jungle Jam indoor playground.

Tacos, burritos and enchiladas are on the menu at Garcia’s Kitchen Express, a local favorite.
Tacos, burritos and enchiladas are on the menu at Garcia’s Kitchen Express, a local favorite.
Best Buy anchors the Cottonwood Commons shopping center just outside the neighborhood.
Best Buy anchors the Cottonwood Commons shopping center just outside the neighborhood.
1/2

STEAM learning through Albuquerque Public Schools

The Albuquerque Public Schools system manages over 140 campuses in the metro area and earns a B on Niche. Students who live in Volcano Cliffs begin their education at Tierra Antigua Elementary School, which earns a B-plus and offers advanced programs for science, math and reading. Tony Hillerman Middle School earns an A-minus and provides extracurricular activities for archery and drone piloting. Volcano Vista High School offers advanced placement courses and earns a B-plus.

Students living in Volcano Cliffs start their academic career at Tierra Antigua Elementary, rated B-plus for academics.
Students living in Volcano Cliffs start their academic career at Tierra Antigua Elementary, rated B-plus for academics.
Tony Hillerman Middle School, rated A-minus, provides unique extracurricular activities for teens.
Tony Hillerman Middle School, rated A-minus, provides unique extracurricular activities for teens.
The Sandia Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for Volcano Vista High School.
The Sandia Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for Volcano Vista High School.
1/3

ABQ Ride buses to Paradise Heights and Siesta Hills

New Mexico State Road 45 is roughly 4 miles east of Volcano Cliffs and leads about 3 miles south to Interstate 40. While there are no bus routes to the neighborhood itself, ABQ Ride buses do stop at The Shoppes at Taylor Ranch about 4 miles southeast and travel around 5 miles north to Paradise Heights and less than 15 miles southeast to Siesta Hills. PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care is less than 5 miles from the community, and the Albuquerque International Sunport is about 15 miles away. The CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.

PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care is located less than 5 miles from Volcano Cliffs.
PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care is located less than 5 miles from Volcano Cliffs.
The Albuquerque International Sunport sits about 15 miles from the Volcano Cliffs community.
The Albuquerque International Sunport sits about 15 miles from the Volcano Cliffs community.
1/2
David Dunn
Written By
David Dunn
Ellie Brown
Photography Contributed By
Ellie Brown
Jaried Frogosa
Video By
Jaried Frogosa

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Albuquerque International Sunport

37 min drive

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Volcano Cliffs neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Volcano Cliffs US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Volcano Cliffs Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$596,475
Median Sale Price
$540,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$580,876
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
103
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$242

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
897
Number of Homes for Sale
40
Median Year Built
2015
Months of Supply
4.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,501
Above the national average
1,927
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,981
Median Age
40
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$181,928
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$203,882

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.5%
College Graduates
57.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
32%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
8''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

57 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

2 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Volcano Cliffs