A rural community set in a slice between mountains
The Village of Tijeras is a rural community with a population of about 500. In contrast, Albuquerque, about 18 miles to the west, is the biggest city in the state, with about 559,000 residents. "We say we live in 'the East Mountains' because not everyone would know Tijeras," says Zelda Mercy, a copywriter who moved back and lives in a tiny house on land her family owns. "I love it, it's so different than being in the city. It's quiet and people are really kind. Neighbors will call to check on each other."
On the east side of Tjieras Canyon are the Manzano Mountains, and the Sandia Mountains are on the west. "Tijeras means 'scissors' in Spanish, and it makes sense as it's a break in the mountains like it was sliced through," says Sharon Stelzer, an associate broker with Red Fox Realty. At 6,382 feet above sea level, Tijeras is typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Albuquerque, which is about 1,000 feet lower in elevation.
The Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site, which has a museum and interpretive trail, preserves some of the area's Native American history.
The Village of Tijeras is a rural community with a population of about 500 in the Manzano Mountains.
Tijeras means 'scissors' in Spanish, as it's a break in between two mountain ranges.
Plenty of signs and info boards can be found along the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site trail.
Tijeras is known for its quiet and friendly community near the Sandia Mountains to the east of ABQ.
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Historic Route 66, the Musical Highway the Turquoise Trail
One route to Tijeras from Albuquerque is along state Route 333, a portion of the historic Route 66, which runs roughly along the same path as Interstate 40. On the way into Tijeras from Albuquerque, there's a chance of hearing "America the Beautiful" on the Musical Highway, a special rumble strip. The song's success depends on speed, tire positioning and other factors, including the condition of the strip. After official signage came down, a handmade sign marking the beginning of the track took its place. Running north out of Tijeras, state Route 14 is part of the Turquoise Trail, a scenic byway that connects the East Mountains to the state capital, Santa Fe, about 58 miles away. Most people get around by car, though cycling is also popular. For major airlines, Albuquerque International Sunport is about a 20-mile drive away.
Albuquerque would be a likely option for those commuting. Significant employers include Sandia National Laboratories, the public school system, the University of New Mexico and Kirtland Airforce Base. Tijeras is the site of a plant for cement manufacturer GCC. "Some of 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' was filmed there," says Stelzer, referring to the 1976 film starring David Bowie.
Tijeras gets snow, so winter weather can be challenging
Winter weather is something to consider when moving to Tijeras. Mercy recommends having a 4-wheel drive vehicle, though not everyone has one, herself included. "Due to snowfall on the roads, there's been times we've had to park at the mailboxes and get a ride to the house."
Snow affects Tijeras more than it does surrounding areas. "When Albuquerque has less than 2 inches of snow, there could be 2 feet in Tijeras," Mercy says. Electrical outages are possible when long powerlines are damaged during inclement weather events. "People tough it out. PNM is the state's largest electricity provider, and they are good about fixing things quickly," says John Haggerty, a paraprofessional who has lived in the area for nearly a decade.
Up in the Tijeras mountains, a local enjoy cross country skiing on a bluebird winter day.
Due to the many dirt roads and snowy winters, most drivers have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
A Tijeras snowboarder enjoys the snow on a sunny day at Sandia Peak Ski Area nearby.
A man walks along the Sandia Crest trail on top of the snowy Sandia mountains.
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Garcia Park and Veteran's Monument, Cibola National Forest
Luis Garcia Park and Veteran's Monument on Tijeras Avenue includes a playground and a commemorative monument with bronze plaques in honor of veterans of the Vietnam War. Southeast of central Tijeras is the 1.6 million-acre Cibola National Forest. There are numerous trails frequented by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Picking piñon nuts, or pine nuts, is a forest activity during late summer to fall. In the winter, there's skiing, snowboarding and tubing at Sandia Peak Ski Area. The ski area is accessible via the Sandia Peak Tramway, the longest aerial tramway in the Americas. For those driving on the Turquoise Trail and the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, it's about a 15-mile trip.
Tijeras residents enjoy the countless trails and outdoor activities located nearby.
Luis Garcia Park and Veteran's Monument on Tijeras Avenue includes a playground and a commemorative monument with bronze plaques in honor of veterans of the Vietnam War.
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Multiacre lots, secluded living and pockets of communities
The median home price in Tijeras as of late 2024 is $474,000, compared to the national median of $407,000. Over 12 months, the average price was $506,000. Home types include rustic cabins or cottages, ranch-style homes and spacious custom homes. Large lots are common, and many are multiacre, allowing for features like horse stables, workshops and other outbuildings. Pockets of homes branch off main roads like state Route 14. Locals are likely to refer to "North 14" and "South 14," although the southern portion was renumbered and is now state Route 337.
This Ranch style home with stunning mountain views is located on several acres in Tijeras.
You can find spacious, newly constructed contemporary homes throughout Tijeras.
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Tijeras businesses like Rock Canyon Cider and Roots Farm Café
Though there are few businesses in Tijeras, Rock Canyon Cider is one of the first on the way from Albuquerque. There's a salon, an animal feed store and Roots Farm Café, which has outdoor patio and porch seating. The café sells handmade goods by area artisans, and if the sign is up by the cash register, free roosters may also be available. "We love Roots Farm; it's like a community. Another place we go is Cabra Coffee in Cedar Crest," Mercy says. Cedar Crest, a small town north of Tijeras via SR-14, has Triangle Grocery, Rumor Brewing Company and a farmers market on Wednesdays, seasonally. Popular dining picks include Ribs BBQ and Burger Boy. "They have old-style flat-grilled burgers. It's been here a long, long time," Haggerty says. For more shopping, people might head to Albuquerque or drive the 14 miles east to Edgewood, where there's a Smith's grocery store and some eateries.
Tijeras residents can conveniently shop for all their grocery needs at Triangle Grocery.
Rumor Brewing Company serves local beers and ciders in the East Mountains.
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Albuquerque Public Schools, East Mountain Public Library and more
Students in Tijeras may attend public schools in the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) system, such as A. Montoya Elementary School, which earns a B-plus grade from Niche. Roosevelt Middle School receives an A-minus, and Manzano High School has a B.
East Mountain Public Library, part of the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County system, has events such as a weekly story time, LEGO club, a teen role-playing group and the Read to the Dogs program with trained therapy dogs. There's also a book club for adults and regular technology help sessions. Close to the library, there's the Tijeras Senior Center, which offers assorted classes, programs and special events. The center offers hot lunches Monday through Friday by reservation and provides meal delivery and pet food for those eligible.
With activities for all ages, the Los Vecinos Community Center has before- and after-school programs, weekend field trips, open gym, homeschooling arts and crafts, and recreation. Events that have been held at the community center include The East Mountain Celebration, with live music, dancing and vendors, and the Halloween season's Nightmare on Old Hwy 66 event, which includes food, games and a costume contest. The village's Park & View series in the spring and summer shows a variety of films.
Many athletic programs are offered for gifted Tijeras students at Manzano High School.
The East Mountain Public Library has events such as a weekly story time and a LEGO club.
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Watching for wild animals, crime data from Bernalillo Co. Sheriff’s Office
The scenery, seclusion and small-town vibes add to the setting's appeal, but residents should be aware that the environment has some wild elements. Mercy says they see bears, coyotes and coywolves, which are hybrid canines. Signs with an image of a bear, a trash receptacle and the message "Lock it away until trash day" remind residents to follow safe practices to avoid interactions with wild animals.
The East Area Command Center on Public School Road in Tijeras is a field service office for the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. FBI data from the sheriff's office shows violent crime rates higher than statewide but lower than the national average. In terms of property crimes, the county rate is about half that of the state and close to matching national numbers. Though data for Tijeras isn't broken out, there would be fewer incidents to report based on population factors alone.
Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
Nate Myers
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Leo Munoz,
an experienced agent in this area.
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