$310,579Average Value$213Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
Off-grid living in the high desert
West Belen is characterized by panoramic views of the New Mexican high desert, and residents who value space and independence. “It’s really open, so if you’re looking for tree-lined streets — not here,” says Susan Blackwell, who’s sold homes in the area for 13 years and is the owner and broker of Welcome Home Realty. “A lot of people like to homestead out here because the price of land is pretty affordable. It’s easier to live off the grid here in the sense that everybody’s doing it. The community sustains that.” While many come here for its isolation, Belen is only 4 miles east, and planned subdivisions can be found near Interstate 25. The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. “Everybody here seems to have a spirit of camaraderie. It’s like they have a pride of being independent,” Blackwell says. “There’s a live and let live, but there’s also a willingness to pitch in and help if you need it.”
New ranch-style homes and undeveloped land
Along the edge of the mesa, Jardin De Belen is a planned subdivision with 2020s adobe-walled ranch-style homes in colors that blend with the surrounding desert. Set close together on sidewalk-lined streets, the homes here have three, four or five bedrooms, and with xeriscaped front yards, paved driveways and attached garages; prices range from about $250,000 to $350,000.
Manufactured homes can be found near I-25 in the gated 55-plus Sunrise Bluffs community, and further west on multiacre lots that are surrounded by dirt roads and undeveloped high desert. Prices typically range between $60,000 for a two-bedroom manufactured home on over an acre to $215,000 for a three-bedroom in Sunrise Bluffs. Buyers can also purchase undeveloped lots; a 5-acre lot in the neighborhood's remote south can start at $4,500, while 50 acres on Camino Del Llano, the main road into Belen, can cost $550,000.
West Belen has plenty of land to raise animals, or build your dream home.
New construction of traditional style homes are being built in West Belen.
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Open space on the west mesa
According to Blackwell, the mesa's open spaces provide plenty of ways to get outside, though she cautions, “You must bring your own beer and shade.” The Rio Puerco, a Rio Grande tributary that’s dry most of the time, is a popular spot for hiking and off-roading. “Because it’s a run-off area, a lot of things come down, so there’s a lot to explore. You might find some pretty cool rocks and sometimes Native American findings.” The Belen Shooting Sports Association has ranges for trap shooting and archery, plus a dedicated pistol range. At Belen Regional Airport, residents can take a recreational flight and get a bird’s eye view of the high desert scenery, and adventure seekers can take a tandem dive with Skydive New Mexico.
Local produce from Bomvida Farms
Within the neighborhood, hungry residents can head to locally owned spots like La Dos Gringas, known for New Mexican dishes like green chile stew and smothered burrito, and the 1950s-style Penny’s Diner, which serves up American comfort food like hamburgers and ice cream sundaes. Across I-25 in Belen, the Farm to You Retail Store by Bomvida Farms sells produce and meat from local farms; the store offers membership options for a flat fee. Other area grocery options include Lowe’s Market and Dollar Tree.
Penny's diner in West Belen has great classic American breakfast and lunch options.
La Dos Gringas restaurant has all you classic New Mexican dishes at affordable prices.
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Join the wrestling team at Belén High
Local kids can start school at Gil Sanchez Elementary, which earns a B-plus from Niche, then attend the C-plus-rated Belén Middle. At the C-minus-rated Belén High, students can join over 10 sports teams, including golf, tennis and wrestling; the boys’ wrestling team won the state championship in 2023. Private options include the B-minus-rated Calvary Chapel Academy for kindergarten through Grade 12 and the unrated St. Mary’s Schools for pre-kindergarten through Grade 8.
West of Interstate 25
Interstate 25 borders the neighborhood to the east, connecting to Albuquerque, 36 miles north. Camino del Llano leads 4 miles east to downtown Belen, where the Rio Metro’s Belen Rail Runner station provides another way for residents to head north to Albuquerque. With no public transportation, bike lanes or sidewalks in West Belen, residents rely on their cars to get around. Presbyterian Urgent Care is 3 miles east, and the nearest hospital is Presbyterian Hospital, 35 miles away in Albuquerque. The Belen Regional Airport, which supports local aviation businesses and has no commercial flights, is in the neighborhood’s center; Albuquerque International Sunport Airport is a 33-mile trip.
West Belen is home to one of the only Skydiving companies in New Mexico.
Open 24/7 Penny's diner in West Belen serves up traditional diner food all night long.
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The World’s Largest Matanza
Every winter, Belen hosts the World’s Largest Matanza in Eagle Park. “Matanza means ‘slaughter,’ and so what they do is they slaughter pigs, and they cook them in every way conceivable,” says Blackwell. “If you’re a vegan, this is not the party for you.” Friends and families team up to cook the best pork dishes, and the ticket proceeds go toward scholarships for local students. “It’s quite a local cultural experience because many people, myself included, we do these in our backyards,” Blackwell says. “It’s taken off in a great way, and it’s a way we locals can share that culture with outsiders and really give you a flavor for what it’s like to be at a backyard party if you were to be born and raised here.”
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Belen
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
West Belen Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Belen, Belen sell after 158 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in West Belen, Belen over the last 12 months is $297,900, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Home in 55+ Gated CommunitySpacious and inviting, this 3-bedroom home--with a possible 4th bedroom or flex space--features a cozy open floorplan and plenty of room to relax or entertain. Enjoy the active yet peaceful lifestyle of this vibrant gated 55+ community, complete with a clubhouse, pool, and gym. The property offers easy-care landscaping and plenty of garage storage, making it
This stunning property is located on the West Mesa in Belen, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley, the majestic Manzano Mountains,and the charming city of Belen. Imagine waking up each day to a vibrant sunrise over the valley and winding down with spectacular sunsets. With the underground electricity and access to a shared well, this lot is ready to accommodate your
This expansive 9.46-acre parcel is an exceptional opportunity to build your dream home. Nestled in a serene setting, the property offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for your future residence. The location combines the tranquility of nature with the convenience of easy access to the freeway, ensuring that you are never far from modern amenities and
NEW BUILD! beautiful LGI Home, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, laminate and tile. Washer, and dryer hook-ups. Large yard with block walls and a wonderful view. South of Belen near the Airport.
NEW BUILD! one year old, beautiful LGI Home, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, carpet, laminate and tile. Washer, and dryer hook-ups. Large yard with block walls and a wonderful view. South of Belen near the Airport.
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