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Rio Rancho Estates

Rio Rancho Estates

$475,339 Average Value

A late-blooming New Mexican suburb

The wide-open plains west of Unger Boulevard in Rio Rancho have been lined with the framework of suburban streets for decades, but until recently, homes were a rarity among the desert brush. The area is known as Rio Rancho Estates, and it was conceived in the 1970s as a vast development on the city's outskirts. “Rio Rancho Estates was subdivided back then, but construction never got off the ground. It’s been sold off in units by the developer since then,” says Realtor Gabriel Vargas of Double Eagle Real Estate, who has over 15 years of experience in the area. “Currently, it’s the fastest growing area in the Southwest. There’s a brand-new elementary school, a brand-new hospital across the street and some of the highest prices for land in the city of Rio Rancho.”

The neighborhood’s proximity to modern amenities and shopping destinations in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque make it appealing for commuters who wish to be comfortably removed from the bustle of the city. While it may not have proceeded according to plan, suburban homes have finally sprung up amongst the cacti and the sagebrush in Rio Rancho Estates.
Rio Rancho is a fast growing suburb of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Rio Rancho is a fast growing suburb of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Modern homes are being built all over the Rio Rancho Estates neighborhood in Rio Rancho.
Modern homes are being built all over the Rio Rancho Estates neighborhood in Rio Rancho.
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Ranch-style and Pueblo homes amidst the desert flora

Residential lots in Rio Rancho Estates are sparse. Patches of ranch-style houses with spacious fenced-in yards are speckled between parcels of available land, which range in price from $30,000 to $850,000, varying based on acreage and proximity to Rio Rancho. “Most of it is pretty recent development,” Vargas says. “I’d say the oldest places there were built about 10 or 15 years ago, but most of it was done within the past two. The typical lot size is about half an acre, and they’re still a mix of septic and city sewer.” Depending on the square footage and the number of bedrooms, homes built between 2007 and 2015 cost between $315,000 and $665,000. Newer constructions, mostly large Modern Traditional homes with Pueblo-inspired features, demand higher prices, ranging from around $600,000 to almost $1 million.
You can build a custom home on one of the lots available for sale in Rio Rancho Estates.
You can build a custom home on one of the lots available for sale in Rio Rancho Estates.
Many homes in Rio Rancho Estates are proud of their drought tolerant landscaping.
Many homes in Rio Rancho Estates are proud of their drought tolerant landscaping.
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Puesta Del Sol Elementary School sits within the neighborhood

Children on the neighborhood's north end are zoned to attend Puesta Del Sol Elementary, which receives a B from Niche. Maggie Cordova Elementary earns an A and serves students on the southernmost side of the community. Students may then proceed to either Eagle Ridge Middle, rated A-minus, or to Lincoln Middle, which earns an A. The entire area is zoned for Rio Rancho High, which is also rated A-minus.
Students and teachers love Puesta Del Sol Elementary School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Students and teachers love Puesta Del Sol Elementary School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Puesta del Sol Elementary School is a great school to attend in RIo Rancho, New Mexico.
Puesta del Sol Elementary School is a great school to attend in RIo Rancho, New Mexico.
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Chain eateries and retail options on Unser Boulevard

Residents do not have to travel far from home for daily necessities. “There are a lot of shopping options, grocery stores and restaurants on the very eastern border of the neighborhood,” Vargas says. “That would be Unser Boulevard, the main commercial corridor of that part of Rio Rancho.” The shopping centers at Southern Business Park and Plaza are home to the local Walmart Supercenter, El Paisano Market and the Rio Rancho Meats butcher shop. A variety of chain eateries also line this crossroads, with more extensive options available a few miles away at Cottonwood Mall.
Rio Rancho Estate locals enjoy the familiarity of chain retailers like Walgreens Pharmacy.
Rio Rancho Estate locals enjoy the familiarity of chain retailers like Walgreens Pharmacy.
Walmart is a popular shopping option near Rio Rancho Estates in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Walmart is a popular shopping option near Rio Rancho Estates in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
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Access to Albuquerque via Route 528

Residents of Rio Rancho Estates enjoy a convenient commute to both the city of Rio Rancho and to nearby Albuquerque. “Unser Boulevard is the main thoroughfare, and the nearest highway is Route 528, although I’m not sure I’d call that a proper highway,” Vargas laughs. “It’s called that, and it is the most direct way to get to Albuquerque, but it’s just a regular road.” Route 528 is also the quickest way to get to Interstate 25 when making trips to Santa Fe.
Rio Rancho Estates is a quiet community that is a suburb of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Rio Rancho Estates is a quiet community that is a suburb of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Albuquerque's downtown plaza is a great place to connect to public transportation.
Albuquerque's downtown plaza is a great place to connect to public transportation.
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Rainbow Dog Park has playgrounds and a swimming pool

The closest green spaces to the neighborhood are pocket parks across Southern Boulevard, including the Rainbow Dog Park, which features a public swimming pool and several small playgrounds in addition to space for furry friends to stretch their legs. The open desert to the west of Rio Rancho Estates is a popular place for dirt biking or four-wheeling, and residents can also explore the trails and see the ancient petroglyphs at Boca Negra Canyon.
There is a modest skate park at Rainbow Park in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
There is a modest skate park at Rainbow Park in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Locals can enjoy a swim at the community pool at Rainbow Park in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Locals can enjoy a swim at the community pool at Rainbow Park in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
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Comedy, concerts and indoor soccer at Rio Rancho Events Center

The Rio Rancho Premiere 14 movie theater sits in the northeastern corner of the neighborhood, and the Rio Rancho Events Center hosts concerts, stand-up comedy and indoor soccer games throughout the year. Residents can also head to nearby Albuquerque to catch touring Broadway shows at Popejoy Hall or explore the museums and galleries in Old Town.
Locals enjoy the State Volleyball Championship at Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho.
Locals enjoy the State Volleyball Championship at Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho.
Rio Rancho Estates is near the Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Rio Rancho Estates is near the Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
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Michael Stagno
Written By
Michael Stagno
Photography Contributed By
Justin Bradley
TJ Wengert
Video By
TJ Wengert

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Iralien Sainvilmar, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Albuquerque International Sunport

49 min drive

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
274
Median Year Built
2003
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,282
Above the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
21,780

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Iralien Sainvilmar, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,235
Median Age
41
Population under 18
24.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$117,150
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$148,806

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.7%
College Graduates
27.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.8%
% Population in Labor Force
60.7%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

14 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

2 / 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.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Rio Rancho Estates
Iralien Sainvilmar
Kokoye Realty, LLC
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