$696,268Average Value$284Average Price per Sq Ft45Homes For Sale
Community right on the edge of the Sandia Mountains
The community of Placitas sits right along the northern tip of the Sandia Mountains, a location that gives residents an up-close view of one of the region’s most prominent natural landmarks. The mountains have made way for a network of dirt and rocky trails that can lead to overlooking views of the greater Albuquerque area’s landscape. The more rugged topography here has been credited with playing some role behind why many have chosen to come to this once small rural village over the years. “In Placitas, you can have multiple acres, but because of the hills, part of that acreage is unusable,” says Lynn Martinez, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Legacy and who specializes in outlying communities like Placitas and Corrales. “But on the other hand, that unusable acreage might be affording you privacy and views you might not otherwise get.” The scenery here, which includes sightings of wild horses, has helped shape the community’s culture. “It’s a great arts community. They have a lot of community events that involves their arts and crafts, probably because of the undulating hills,” Martinez says. An example of this culture can be found at the Placitas Community Library, where outside the facility is a circular labyrinth made out of rocks laid on red earth. An, also circular, bench made up of separate blocks of stone sits at the center of this community monument, which the library’s website says intends to share a meditative theme.
Homes in Placitas sit on large lots and are well spread out.
Find upscale adobe homes in the hills
Like elsewhere in the region, homes made with Spanish and Pueblo influences – styles that stand out with their adobe sidings and flat roofs – are common here. Many homes can be found in the hills located along narrow roads and on lots naturally adorned with small trees, shrubs and other plants like cacti. With an average of $696,423, Placitas homes have higher price points when compared with at least a few other communities in the greater Albuquerque area. A modern two-story adobe with features like a three-car garage and an enclosed courtyard in the front can go for $947,000.
Mountain views and rolling hills are some of the beautiful views found in Placitas.
Journey into the Sandia Mountains
Among the several trailheads located around Placitas is the Tunnel Spring Trailhead located right on the northern tip of the mountains. Hikers there can get on natural trails and venture up the rugged lands to get panoramic views of the surrounding region. They might even spot some petroglyphs carved out by ancestral Puebloans. Slightly to the east is the Las Huertas area where pathways and foot bridges can lead them to tucked away picnic tables and grills. Those on the eastern side of Placitas can gaze at another major mass of land, the Crest of Montezuma.
Placitas Cafe has been a local staple for years and a great stop after a long hike.
Get breakfast at the Placitas Café
Residents here can pick from a variety of breakfasts at the Placitas Café, which serves options like the huevos rancheros. The dish involves two eggs of any style put on top of a corn tortilla and covered with a variety of toppings like red or green chili. For lunch, they can simply go a few doors down in this adobe style strip mall and find the Placitas Pizza Co.
The Placitas Community Library is a great stop for locals to sit back and relax with a book.
Admire artwork at the Placitas Community Library
Residents can find artwork at the Placitas Community Library, which puts on a variety of exhibits throughout the year. Neighboring the library on state road 165 is the La Hacienda de Placitas, an adobe style villa that is perhaps better known in pop culture as Don Eladio’s Estate in the Breaking Bad universe.
Connecting to important Albuquerque facilities
Although the two places are about 25 miles apart, state road 165 connects to Interstate 25 to provide an almost direct connection between Placitas and downtown Albuquerque. Both The University of New Mexico Hospital and the Albuquerque International Sunport – the airport – are located right off I-25 in the city.
Entrance to Bernalillo High School.
Strongly rated schools
Schools serving the area include the community-based Placitas Elementary School and the nearby Mountain View Middle School and Bernalillo High School, all of which received grades of C-plus or higher from ratings site Niche. Mountain View Middle, which received an A grade, ranks as the seventh public middle school in New Mexico. The clubs at Bernalillo High include the New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement, a pre-college program that aims to prepare students for careers in those fields.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
Kody Martin
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maggie Ebbens,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Placitas, NM sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Placitas, NM over the last 12 months is $754,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to a breathtaking 4-bedroom, 5-bath, 3,500 sqft Southwest-style residence designed by Thomas Ashe, nestled on 3.37 hilltop acres in Placitas. Bathed in natural light through well placed skylights (including automated Velux units), the home features classic viga beams, corbels, decorative adobe walls, Saltillo tile floors and a cozy gas Kiva fireplace. The chef's kitchen shines with
Experience breathtaking Sandia Mountain views from this stunning Southwestern-style home in Placitas! Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a versatile office/flex space, this 2,600 sq ft residence is filled with natural light from abundant windows. Enjoy an open floor plan perfect for entertaining, a spacious three-car garage, and serene desert surroundings. The inviting living spaces blend comfort
$10,000 BUYER CREDIT! Welcome to a stunning Southwest-style home offering the perfect blend of elegance and warmth. This home is perfectly placed on 1.47 acre lot in Sundance Mesa Subdivision in Placitas! Warm earth tones complement vigas, beams, and beautiful travertine flooring. The kitchen is truly the heart of this home, placed in the center of the floor plan. Complete with custom alder
Discover southwestern charm in this delightful Placitas townhome, one of very few and rarely available. This home welcomes you with adobe accent walls and exposed vigas that tell stories of timeless craftsmanship. Traditional New Mexican character featuring hand painted tiles used in the kitchen and baths, viga and wood ceilings, brick floors and a cozy kiva fireplace. Huge primary bedroom with
Welcome home to a breathtaking 4-bedroom, 5-bath, 3,500 sqft Southwest-style residence designed by Thomas Ashe, nestled on 3.37 hilltop acres in Placitas. Bathed in natural light through well placed skylights (including automated Velux units), the home features classic viga beams, corbels, decorative adobe walls, Saltillo tile floors and a cozy gas Kiva fireplace. The chef's kitchen shines with
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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.
