Vista Hills, a neighborhood just north of Rio Rancho, is often defined in conversation by how it contrasts with the adjacent community. “Vista Hills is a much older community than its neighbor, Loma Colorado,” says Realtor Jim Shive of Keller Williams, who has over 12 years of experience in the area. “It’s probably one of the first communities that was started in Rio Rancho. The homes there are older and smaller, but quarter-acre lots are more common in Vista Hills than in other neighborhoods, and they tend to be less expensive, too.” These larger lot sizes and the neighborhood’s lack of an HOA appeal to more independently minded homebuyers, despite the age of the properties. Residents also enjoy access to a wide range of Rio Rancho’s amenities, and to nearby Albuquerque, from a comfortable suburban perch.
Vista Hills welcomes families to its quiet and friendly neighborhood.
Some Vista Hills homes have artificial turf instead of grass which is easier to maintain in the desert climate.
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Smaller homes and more spacious lots set Vista Hills apart
The appeal of Vista Hills largely rests on lot size. “Many properties in the neighborhood have larger lots than those in surrounding areas, though not all of them,” Shive says. “The homes are a completely different style, too. You won’t see as many of the Spanish tile roofs, and most of them were built between the 1980s and early 1990s. They’re pretty much all single-story.” The residential streets sprawl listlessly through the hills, speckled here and there with drought-resistant trees that offer shade through the spring and summer. Ranch-style homes, cottages and even Cape Cods dominate the landscape, often with yards large enough to accommodate in-ground pools, patios and gardens. Homes can range in price from around $250,000 to $400,000, depending on the build year and the size of the property. One thing Shrive advises prospective buyers to ask about is the piping. “An important thing to know is whether the homes have polypipe,” he says. “It’s not expensive to fix it, but there was an issue when they were built that the joints of the polypipe would burst and flood, so it’s definitely the first thing to ask.”
Rio Rancho High School is a top performer in Sandoval County
Students in Vista Hills are zoned to attend Sandoval County Public Schools like Ernest Stapleton Elementary, which receives an A-minus from Niche. Rio Rancho Middle, which earns an A, is ranked as the county’s No. 2 Best Public Middle School. Rio Rancho High School, also an A-minus, ranks as 3rd best in the county and sits less than a mile from most neighborhood homes. Alternative options include the Rio Rancho Cyber Academy, which focuses on blended learning and serves students from grades 6 through 12.
Rio Rancho Middle School receives an A rating from Niche.
Rio Rancho High School was the first high school in Rio rancho and earns an A- from Niche.
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Disc golf and access to Rio Rancho's amenities
Vista Hills Park, located in the heart of the neighborhood, offers a playground and a 9-hole disc golf course. More extensive amenities are less than a mile away on the other side of Loma Colorado, the adjacent community. “The parking lots for the Aquatic Center and the McDermott Athletic Center are always full, especially on weekends, and the library is right there, too,” Shive says. “And there’s the Rio Rancho Sports Complex, which is one of the only areas where there’s a lot of green grass in the city. It’s a huge park.” In addition to multiple baseball diamonds and athletic fields, the complex features a pair of tennis courts and a small playground.
Shopping centers and Cottonwood Mall along Route 528
The Rio Rancho Marketplace is the closest area shopping center, home to grocery stores like Albertsons Markets and big-box retailers like Target. Further down Route 528, residents will find the Cottonwood Mall and its surrounding retail district, where they can shop for daily household necessities at Costco or Sam’s Club and pick up DIY project materials at The Home Depot or Lowe’s. A combination of chain restaurants like Dion’s Pizza and locally owned eateries like Hot Tamales New Mexican Kitchen also line this road.
Vista Hills locals love the pizza and subs found at Dions.
Locals can shop for the weekly groceries at Alberstons, just a mile away from Vista Hills.
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Concerts, sports and culture in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque
The Rio Rancho Events Center, just north of the neighborhood, serves as the home arena for the New Mexico Roadrunners, the local indoor soccer team. The center also hosts concerts and stand-up comedy throughout the year. Just across the river in Albuquerque, locals can attend Broadway musicals at Popejoy Hall, catch Ice Wolves hockey games at Outpost Ice Arena or enjoy live music and art shows at ABQ Artwalk, which usually takes place on the first Friday of every month.
Commuter avenues to Albuquerque are limited
The closest major highway to Vista Hills is Pat D’Arco Highway, also known as New Mexico Route 528, which provides the community’s only connection to Albuquerque. “There’s only really one spot that crosses the river in Rio Rancho, and that’s where Route 528 meets Route 550, which goes to Interstate 25,” Shive says. “There aren’t a lot of east-west roads here, so God forbid there’s an accident because if the main one is closed, all the others immediately back up.”
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This one absolutely hits the mark on so many levels. Aesthetically pleasing brick veneer, undeniable curb appeal, highly sought after backyard access on a corner lot, with must-see views of the Sandias. Welcome to 180 Sandstone. A well taken care of, structurally sound home in Vista Hills. Interior features include tile throughout the entire home, no carpet, a spacious kitchen with new
Welcome to 495 Rockaway Blvd! A charming and move-in-ready 3 bed, 2 bath home nestled in the heart of Rio Rancho. This beautifully updated property combines modern comfort with everyday convenience. Step inside to discover stylish updates throughout, including updated flooring, and a bright open layout, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Out back, you'll find a generous backyard with
This Updated Beauty sits on an almost 1/4 acre lot offering gorgeous Mountain Views in the lovely Vista Hills! The many updates include a new roof in 2024 (with warranty), beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring 2024, whole kitchen remodel just completed with really nice soft close cabinets, gorgeous granite, pretty tile backsplash, and new SS appliances, Water Heater 2025, and the whole house has
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This home is professionally managed by Tricon Residential, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and approximately 1,484 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a Tricon resident, you'll enjoy access to Tricon Vantage — a program designed to support your
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,593
Median Age
41
Population under 18
23.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$57,456
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$68,312
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.7%
College Graduates
15.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
23/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
26/ 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.
