New larger homes in good school districts in ABQ? (Albuquerque: 2010, home builders)

[Huffman7]

I am considering relocating to ABQ from North Carolina. Is there much new home construction in ABQ? I am looking at the NE region (Double Eagle Elem, North Star Elem, S.Y. Jackson Elem, Desert Ridge Middle, Eisenhower Middle school districts) and possibly Rio Rancho (Enchanted Hills Elem/Mountain View Middle). Based on internet research, those areas seem to have the higher rated schools (we have 5 children). My current home in NC is 5-bedroom, 4100 sf and is around the $500k price point. Because of our large family, I was hoping to find a newer (less than 5 years old) home of at least 3500 sf in ABQ in that same price range. Am I going to be able to find that?

Also, can anyone offer their opinions of Rio Rancho (area & schools) versus northeast ABQ?

[trappedinNM]

Yes. I live in the area and watch the prices. There are some good buys right now. Take a look at Vineyard Estates. There is also a five bedroom listed in a small gated area near La Cueva for $379K, but the square footage is only 2500.

[Huffman7]

How are the schools?
Do you know of any new home builders / communities (that build larger homes) in that area? I could visit their websites and see what floor plans they have available? Thanks

[trappedinNM]

Originally Posted by Huffman7

How are the schools?
Do you know of any new home builders / communities (that build larger homes) in that area? I could visit their websites and see what floor plans they have available? Thanks

The schools are excellent - consistently ranked as the best (or at the top) in all of NM. There are few new builders as the area is built out pretty well. You could probably find a 1 acre lot and a custom builder and come in at $500K if you were careful. Take a look at Ocotillo, North Albuquerque Acres, or Abq Acres West on the New Mexico MLS.

[Huffman7]

I appreciate the advice. I'm hoping that the seemingly low inventory right now is due to the winter season. Hopefully, spring will bring more inventory to choose from. It just seems like they don't build really large homes in ABQ (unless you can spend $750k plus). The problem is that we may not have much time to decide whether to relocate to ABQ or not and the housing issue is a MAJOR factor in our decision.

[abqsunport]

Yes, Housing prices are indeed going to be higher in Albuquerque than in the south. That said, you can find a nice house, maybe a little smaller than what you want, in a really desirable area. Look at High Desert, N. ABQ Acres, and most of the Far North East Heights. The West Side has some decent stuff but they won't be in Rio Rancho for your price range (which is higher than the average house in RR). You could find some nice places all around the city, but for schools, I would say stick in the Far NorthEast heights.

[bradly]

Better hurry and buy a home here, Forbes had an article awhile back that said Albuquerque's Homes prices will rise greatly, Forbes ranked Albuquerque 1st on the list it mentioned it would take place once this recession has cooled off which is predicted in late 2009 early 2010.

[chloemom]

Huffman - where in NC - I can give you some type of equivalent -

[ABQConvict]

Even the highest rated schools in New Mexico will not prepare your kids for real life. There are no standardized tests after high-school.

ABQConvict

[Huffman7]

Chloemom - we are in Cary, NC.