Western Hills offers homes at a nucleus of commercial activity
Western Hills’ established houses fill a convenient spot within New Mexico's fastest-growing city. The homes in this suburban, primarily residential Rio Rancho neighborhood are right around the corner from the intersection of Southern and Unser boulevards, a hub of restaurants, grocery stores and more. “It’s a great neighborhood for an entry level into Rio Rancho homes,” says Renee Sanchez, an area Realtor with Realty One of New Mexico who has about 10 years of experience. “The average price of a home in the Albuquerque-Rio Rancho area is now $400,000. And when you can get a house somewhere under $300,000 or just slightly above, that is very desirable right now.”
Brand new grocers like Market Street are finding home around the Western Hills neighborhood.
Major chain retail options like Walmart are popping up all around Western Hills.
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Houses have age, but come with modern touches
Most of the residences in Western Hills were built in the 1980s. Ranch is the most common style and attached garages are practically standard, part of floor plans that average 1,500 square feet. A lot of the homes in the neighborhood have been updated over the years. “They’re in good condition,” Sanchez says, who adds that polybutylene piping is something to look out for. Polybutylene pipes were used from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, but have a reputation for failing.
Western Hills houses are organized tightly, but lots still stretch up to about one-fifth of an acre. The neighborhood has townhouses that sell for between $200,000 and $300,000, while traditional single-family homes go for $250,000 to $365,000.
A row of modern designed homes line a street near Rio Rancho's Western Hills neighborhood.
The homes around Rio Ranch are built with modern insulation to combat seasonal temperatures.
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Rio Rancho schools have a strong reputation in the region
Sanchez considers the Rio Rancho Public Schools system one of the biggest draws to the area. The district boasts an A grade on Niche, and the website rates it as the best in the Albuquerque area. The A-rated Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary offers a before- and after-school fine arts program. Lincoln Middle also has an A rating and features extracurricular opportunities like creative writing and drama clubs. The A-minus-rated Rio Rancho High has a Career Technical Education program with instruction in topics including automotive technology, culinary arts and robotics.
Rio Rancho High School has its own performing arts building for an array of uses.
Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School has an A rating from Niche.
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Residents are close to Rio Metro bus stops and State Road 528
Residents can access multiple stops in the Rio Metro bus system along Southern Boulevard. Rio Metro operates six routes around Sandoval County, which encompasses Rio Rancho. Drivers are about 2 miles from New Mexico State Road 528, a connection to State Road 47 for trips to Albuquerque, 15 miles south. The Albuquerque International Sunport offers nonstop flights to more than 30 destinations. Rio Rancho’s Presbyterian Rust Medical Center is 3 miles south of Western Hills. Intel Corporation’s 1.4-million-square-foot manufacturing facility, one of Rio Rancho’s largest employers, is also about 3 miles away.
Highway 528 connects Panorama Heights East to Downtown Albuquerque.
The ART bus provides transportation services throughout the Downtown Area in style.
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Western Winds Park is a neighborhood fixture for outdoor time
Homes in Western Hills are within walking distance of the 3-acre Western Winds Park. Western Winds includes a playground, a full-length basketball court, and tall shade trees. Snead Park is another 3-acre green space with a playground, just outside the neighborhood. Residents are also close to the County Trail, a short, partly paved path. More trails are available in the Corrales Bosque Preserve, 7 miles east by the Rio Grande River.
Western Winds Park is located in the Western Hills neighborhood of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Children love the safe and modern playground at Western Winds Park in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
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Southern Business Park and Plaza puts commercial attractions at close reach
Western Hills neighbors the Southern Business Park and Plaza, an area filled with a Walmart, the Rio Rancho PREMIERE 14 movie theater, several places to eat, dentist offices and more. Most of the restaurants are chains, but options range from Carl’s Jr. to Chili’s. El Paisano Market is another grocery option here, known in part for its El Jerky Loco beef jerky brand.
People can head farther down Southern Boulevard for local restaurants like O'Hare's Grille and Pub. “That’s been there for quite some time, and that’s a great restaurant,” Sanchez says. The fish and chips at O'Hare's is a popular pick.
Rio Rancho is rapidly growing and bringing in a ton of new business into the area.
El Paisano Market has incredible food options near Rio Rancho's Western Hills neighborhood.
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Rio Rancho organizes community events around a variety of holidays
There are multiple ways to get out and about in the city. Rio Rancho has a variety of community events, from a Memorial Day Parade along Southern Boulevard to Winterfest in December. Held at Rio Rancho’s City Center, Winterfest includes a tree-lighting, photo opportunities with Santa, a parade and fireworks. There’s also a Fourth of July Celebration at Campus Park, with food trucks and fireworks, and an annual pumpkin patch at City Center featuring a maze, cornhole, putt-putt and more.
Rio Rancho’s Annual Fall Festival has a fun pumpkin carving station with all the tools.
Locals love to get into the spirit at the Rio Rancho Oktoberfest.
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Welcome home to this charming property with a covered porch, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding after a long day! Freshly painted and boasting tile flooring throughout (no carpet here!), this home features a large kitchen with ample space for culinary adventures. Gather around the fireplace in the cozy living room or appreciate the decorative arches adding character to the
A gated front entry welcomes you home to both functionality and elegance of this standout feature, setting the tone for both privacy and peace of mind. The residence is exceptionally clean and move-in ready, boasting three bedrooms and 1.75 bathrooms, along with a convenient one-car garage. Its location is enhanced by the proximity to a city park, making it an ideal choice for families or
Situated on a desirable corner lot with breathtaking mountain views, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has been thoughtfully updated with fresh interior paint, new flooring, and modern light fixtures throughout. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and opens to a bright, airy dining area filled with natural light. A cozy fireplace adds warmth and charm to the inviting living
Rio Rancho charm, Albuquerque convenience. Complete remodel from top to bottom. Including a brand-new roof, refrigerated air, heater, water heater, windows, new kitchen remodel with appliances, bathroom remodels, as well as interior and exterior paint. Great open floor plan with separated pantry and laundry room. Luxurious master suite, complete with his-and-hers closets, a cozy sitting area,
This home is currently undergoing exciting renovations and will be ready for you soon. This home is professionally managed by Tricon Residential, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.0 bathrooms, and approximately 1,289 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,295
Median Age
40
Population under 18
23.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$83,028
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$91,071
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
31.3%
Advanced Degrees
8.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%
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®
44/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
52/ 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.
