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High Desert

Albuquerque, NM

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$675,000 (early 2025)
Median Home Price
38 (car-dependent, but excellent for walking/hiking within the community)
Walkability Score
Consistently rated 8–10/10 on GreatSchools; highly sought after for families.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Located in the far northeast heights of Albuquerque, bordered by Tramway Blvd to the west, the Sandia Mountains to the east, and generally between Academy Rd and Simms Park Rd.

Zip Codes

87111

Market Data Summary

Price Range$550,000 to well over $1 million
Price per Sq Ft$216 (city avg; High Desert is typically higher, often $230–$270/sqft)
Inventory LevelsLow; typically 1–2 months of supply, fewer than 20 active listings at any time.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family detachedLuxury custom homesPatio homesTownhomes (limited)

Architectural Styles

Southwest contemporaryPueblo RevivalModern MediterraneanSanta Fe style

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15 to 0.5 acres; some estates up to 1 acre
Home Age RangeBuilt 1995–2015, with some newer infill
Construction QualityHigh; strict HOA and architectural controls ensure premium materials and finishes.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Predominantly professionals, executives, and retirees; highly educated, higher-income households.

Community Vibe

Serene, scenic, and secure; pride of ownership is evident. Quiet, with a strong sense of community and active HOA.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Retirees
  • Professionals
  • Relocators

Family Friendly

Very; safe streets, parks, and top schools attract families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • • Miles of private and public hiking/biking trails
  • • High Desert Park
  • • Proximity to Elena Gallegos Open Space and Sandia foothills

Dining Options

  • • Local favorites: Savoy Bar & Grill, O’Hare’s Grille & Pub, Sandiago’s Grill at the Tram

Shopping Centers

  • • High Desert Center
  • • Nearby: Promenade Shopping Center, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods

Local Businesses

  • • High Desert Center (medical, dental, wellness)
  • • Nearby shopping at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and local cafes

Education & Schools

Consistently rated 8–10/10 on GreatSchools; highly sought after for families.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • • Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary

Middle Schools

  • • Eisenhower Middle School

High Schools

  • • Eldorado High School

Private Schools

  • • Albuquerque Academy (nearby)
  • • Sandia Preparatory School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • • ABQ Ride bus routes along Tramway Blvd (limited service)

Major Roads

  • • Tramway Blvd NE
  • • Academy Rd NE
  • • Simms Park Rd

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times20–30 minutes to downtown Albuquerque; 25 minutes to Sunport (airport)
WalkabilityLow for errands, high for recreation
ParkingAmple private garages and driveways; street parking is easy.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Affluent families
  • Executives
  • Retirees
  • Relocators from out of state

Key Selling Points

  • Sandia Mountain views
  • Private trails and open space
  • Top-rated schools
  • Prestige and security

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively within the $550k–$1M range; homes above $1M require unique features or views to justify premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High price compared to other Albuquerque neighborhoods

Response Strategy:

Highlight appreciation, security, and unique amenities not found elsewhere.

Objection: Limited walkability to shops/restaurants

Response Strategy:

Emphasize recreational walkability, trails, and short drive to amenities.

Objection: Strict HOA rules

Response Strategy:

Explain how these maintain property values and community aesthetics.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong; 8% YoY growth in 2024–2025, historically outperforms city average.

Rental Demand

Moderate; most homes are owner-occupied, but luxury rentals are in demand for executives and relocators.

Buyer Competition

High for well-priced homes; multiple offers common for homes under $800k.

Best For

  • Upscale families
  • Executives
  • Retirees seeking luxury and security

Potential Concerns

  • High price point limits buyer pool
  • HOA restrictions may deter some
  • Limited walkability for daily errands

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage professional media to showcase views and finishes.

2

Network with relocation specialists and corporate HR departments.

3

Educate buyers on HOA benefits and community lifestyle.

4

Price accurately—overpricing leads to extended DOM even in a strong market.

5

Highlight school ratings and proximity to outdoor recreation.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Northeast Heights
  • Sandia Heights
  • Tanoan

Market Positioning

High-end, secure, outdoor-oriented community for discerning buyers.

Competitive Advantages

  • Best mountain access and views
  • Newest luxury homes in NE Albuquerque
  • Superior security and HOA management

Price Comparison

High Desert’s median price ($675k) is significantly above city median ($349k), but justified by amenities and exclusivity.

Investment Metrics

2.5%–3.5% (luxury homes, owner-occupied focus)
Cap Rates
3%–4% (executive rentals)
Rental Yields
High (25–30), reflecting owner-occupancy and luxury focus
Price-to-Rent
Low for traditional rentals; best for furnished executive or short-term rentals
Cash Flow
5%–7% annual appreciation expected through 2026 barring macroeconomic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Rare due to high price point; those who buy are typically dual-income professionals or have significant equity.

Move-Up Buyers

Common; attracted by schools, security, and lifestyle.

Downsizers

Active; retirees seeking low-maintenance luxury homes with views and security.

Investors

Niche; focus on executive rentals or long-term appreciation.

Relocators

Strong segment; especially from California, Texas, and Colorado.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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