School districts often lead the conversation when families ask us about Albuquerque neighborhoods. At the Sandi Pressley Team, we’ve helped hundreds of families find their perfect home in the right school district, and we’re excited to share the latest updates for 2025. I’l break these out by neighborhood.
Northeast Heights: Academic Excellence
The transformation in the La Cueva High School district continues to impress us. Property values in this area have risen 16% since implementing their International Baccalaureate program. We recently helped a family find a beautiful home near Double Eagle Elementary just before their STEAM program announcement drove prices even higher.
Westside Story
Desert Ridge Middle School’s boundary expansion has created exciting opportunities in the Paradise Hills area. The new Taylor Ranch STEM Academy has transformed the western market, where homes sell within five days of listing. The connection between school performance and property values remains strong – homes near Desert Ridge sell at a 12% premium compared to similar properties elsewhere.
North Valley Innovation
North Valley Academy’s new dual language program has sparked increased interest in nearby neighborhoods. We’ve watched property values near the academy climb steadily, with the average home price increasing from $425,000 to $482,000 in just eight months. The upcoming boundary adjustment will bring more neighborhoods into this high-performing district.
East Mountains Excellence
The expansion of Manzano High School’s college preparatory program has reinforced the East Mountain area’s appeal. We recently guided several families to homes in this district, where combining academic excellence and mountain views creates unique value. Roosevelt Middle School added the new STEAM wing, which has become a significant draw for tech professional families relocating to Albuquerque.
Looking at the Future
APS’s 2025 initiatives promise more positive changes. The district’s $180 million technology investment will bring advanced learning tools to every classroom. The proposed magnet school expansion could reshape attendance zones by fall, particularly in the growing Westside corridors.
While test results matter, we need to also look beyond the test Scores. While we know that performance metrics matter, we love sharing intangibles you may not know about. Did you know about the intangible benefits of these school communities? Cibola’s renowned music department, Georgia O’Keefe Elementaries award-winning art program and Eldorado High’s championship debate team are examples of how these unique benefits contribute to the neighborhoods’ desirability and real estate values. How does school performance impact Albuquerque home values? Albuquerque continues to show a strong correlation between school performance and property values. Homes near our top-rated schools typically sell within 10 days, compared to the market average of 28. Three-bedroom homes near high-performing elementary schools, particularly in the La Cueva and Eldorado districts, show the most substantial appreciation.
If you Want to explore specific school zones or learn more about upcoming boundary changes? Let’s meet at Flying Star on Juan Tabo. We’ll bring detailed school zone maps and help you find the perfect home for your family’s educational goals.
Sandi Pressley and her team bring over 30 years of expertise in Albuquerque real estate. Their comprehensive understanding of APS districts has helped over 300 families find homes in their target school zones in the past year alone. The Sandi Pressley Team combines market insight with unmatched local knowledge to help clients make informed decisions for their families’ futures.
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