Around 78 miles east of Albuquerque, and right on Route 66, the small town of Grants serves as the seat of Cibola County. Its affordable midcentury homes offer panoramic views of high desert scenery. Mount Taylor’s snowy hills are immediately north of the city, and El Malpais’ lava fields are famous for their unique rock formations. Like other frontier towns in the American West, Grants’ economy has had to reinvent several times over the last century. From being the country’s carrot farming capital in the early 20th century, to becoming its largest uranium mining district in the midcentury, Grants’ economy now centers around Route 66 tourism, the Cibola General Hospital and the prison industry. Five county jails and public prisons call Grants and its neighbor Milan home and have been the area’s top employers since the fall of uranium mining in the 1980s.
El Malpais National Monument is a phenomenal spot for sightseers and adventures alike in Grants.
Grants is a small town in Western New Mexico that has continually thrives through the many eras.
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Low housing prices in Grants
As of early 2025, Grants’ median home price is $190,000, far below the medians for both the nation and Albuquerque. Most properties are either midcentury modern or ranch-style, built on a quarter acre or more during the city’s uranium mining days. Prices generally range between $100,000 and $300,000, largely depending on their state of renovation. In Grants’ remote, northernmost reaches, Spanish Revival homes from the early 2000s are common, typically ranging from $300,000 to $400,000, depending on the number of bedrooms.
Residents of Grants can find beautiful ranch style homes with the white fences.
Many homes in Grants keep a consistent style like style homes in certain neighborhoods.
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Cibola County Schools and New Mexico State University
Grants-Cibola County Schools (GCCS) receives an overall score of C from Niche. The C-rated Grants High School is known for its strong football and baseball teams, with the latter winning the state championship in 2024. The GCCS Early College High Schools enables students to simultaneously pursue high school and college diplomas. New Mexico State University’s Grants Campus offers 12 associates degrees programs.
Grants High School focuses on preparing their students for the future.
Grants is home to a NMSU campus, easily accessible for students.
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Snow mountain hills, lava fields and golf nearby
Located within the 1.9-million-acre Cibola National Forest, Grants is surrounded by desert and mountain spaces. Immediately north of the city, Mount Taylor is the highest point in the entire Cibola National Forest. Every February, its snowy hills, juniper-piñon woodlands and ponderosa pines form the course of the Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon. At El Malpais National Monument 14 miles south, guided tours take visitors through dried lava fields, lush grasslands and lava-formed caves. The Grants Mining District’s abandoned uranium mines can still be found in these public areas; the Environmental Protection Agency advises to remain away from these mines due to their radioactivity.
Within Grants, locals have access to a handful of parks and recreation options, including a recreation center, dog park and trail system along the San Jose River. Coyote del Malpais on the city’s eastern edge is an 18-hole course surrounded by high desert scenery.
El Malpais National Park sits just outside of Grants and provides stunning natural sights.
Coyote Del Malpais is a beautiful golf course in Grants providing 18 holes of natural beauty.
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Route 66 businesses, Interstate 40 travel routes
The famous Route 66 forms Grants’ Main Street and is lined with grocery stores, shopping strips and local businesses. Although many storefronts here have closed and boarded up over time, the neon motel signs, colorful murals and 1912 Market cafe still capture the Americana spirit of a Route 66 pit stop. Additional attractions include the New Mexico Mining Museum and Double Six Gallery, which tell the story of the city’s past with artifacts, mine tours and Southwestern art. For a larger array of shopping and dining options, Interstate 40 leads 78 miles west to Albuquerque.
The Grants Mining Museum provides an in depth look into the mining history of the area.
The 1912 Market is the perfect stop in Grants for coffee and much more.
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Lowering crime rates in Grants
According to the most recent FBI data, Grants’ crime rates decreased significantly between 2014 and 2023: property crime by 98%, and violent crime by 87%.
Written By
Fletcher Varnson
Photography Contributed By
Kody Martin
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Diana Leal,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Grants, NM sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Grants, NM over the last 12 months is $215,000, down 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Attention Serious Buyers!** Don't miss out on this beautifully remodeled, move-in-ready home that combines style and comfort. The modern open kitchen is a chef's dream with modern finishes and ample storage, flowing into spacious living areas. The bright formal dining space is perfect for hosting gatherings, while the adjacent billiards room offers a fun setting for friendly competition. With
Escape to this stunning 80-acre property, a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers! Nestled adjacent to the renowned El Malpais National Monument and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, this exceptional parcel offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the New Mexico wilderness. Use an elk tag from the eplus program (If qualifies in future) for yourself or
Welcome to your dream home! Nestled in the heart of Grants, this captivating 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom gem awaits its new owner. Immerse yourself in the seamless blend of modern updates and timeless charm. Discover the convenience of single-story living, providing comfort and accessibility. The home boasts stylish updates, incorporating contemporary allure while maintaining a touch of classic charm.
**Attention Serious Buyers!** Don't miss out on this beautifully remodeled, move-in-ready home that combines style and comfort. The modern open kitchen is a chef's dream with modern finishes and ample storage, flowing into spacious living areas. The bright formal dining space is perfect for hosting gatherings, while the adjacent billiards room offers a fun setting for friendly competition. With
Escape to this stunning 80-acre property, a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers! Nestled adjacent to the renowned El Malpais National Monument and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, this exceptional parcel offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the New Mexico wilderness. Use an elk tag from the eplus program (If qualifies in future) for yourself or
Welcome to your dream home! Nestled in the heart of Grants, this captivating 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom gem awaits its new owner. Immerse yourself in the seamless blend of modern updates and timeless charm. Discover the convenience of single-story living, providing comfort and accessibility. The home boasts stylish updates, incorporating contemporary allure while maintaining a touch of classic charm.
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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.
