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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rio Rancho Estates is near the Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
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This is the home of your dreams coming to life on this spacious 1.0-acre lot in a dynamic, up-and-coming neighborhood. This is your chance to design a modern masterpiece with exquisite attention to detail. Envision a luxury residence featuring a 3-car garage, 5 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms, all tailored to your lifestyle with a flexible floor plan and a personalized color palette. Don't miss this
Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the heart of Rio Rancho, built by premier luxury builder Connected Construction. Situated on a spacious half-acre lot, this home offers both refined interior living and endless outdoor potential. Inside, you'll find thoughtfully designed spaces with high-end finishes, an open-concept layout, and abundant natural light. The expansive backyard
Conveniently located in an area with houses nearby, offering the perfect opportunity to build your dream home! Surrounded by houses. Adjacent half-acre Lot 24 is also for sale '' combine them for a full one-acre homesite.
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.
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.