5.7 Acres, Only 16 Mins to Belen
Belen, NM 87002
Valencia County, New Mexico
Lot Description
$1 Owner Financing Available
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Own 5.7 acres of New Mexico land in the Tierra Grande community of Valencia County. This property offers flat terrain at an elevation of about 5,040 feet, surrounded by open skies, desert grasses, and mountain views. With dirt road access and community-maintained open space for hiking and horseback riding, it's a peaceful spot with room to grow.
----Hold it now for just $50 -- owner financing available----
This parcel is zoned Residential and provides space for a home, cabin, or long-term investment. Electricity runs through the subdivision, while water and sewer would require a well and septic system. With no deadlines to build, you can move forward at your own pace.
---Lot Breakdown: What You're Getting:
- Assessor's Parcel Number: 1-80
- Legal Description: Please email us for a full metes and bounds description
- Elevation: 5040
- GPS Center Coordinates (Approx.): 34.54857, -106.65557
- GPS Boundary Coordinates (Approx.): 34.54969934,-106.65535132; 34.54786410,-106.6566590; 34.547194722,-106.65597940; 34.54928067,-106.65449306; 34.54969934,-106.65535132;
- Annual Taxes: ~$25.90
- Zoning: Residential
- Time Limit To Build: None as far as we are aware
- Access: Dirt Road
- Power: Electricity would likely have to be solar or another alternative system
- Water: A well would need to be installed
- Sewer: A septic system would need to be installed
- Official Contacts: Please contact Valencia County
- RVs Allowed? We recommend that you contact Valencia County to confirm, but according to our research, RVs are not allowed
- Buildable? Because we do not know the specifics of what you may want to build on the property, we recommend that you contact the building and/or zoning department(s) for more information on the relevant zoning and building regulations and how to obtain a building permit.
- Survey Available?: No, we have not had a survey commissioned, but if you would like to pay for a survey we would be happy to work with your chosen surveyor
- In Hoa? Tierra Grande
- Annual HOA Dues ~$50.00
---Location And Setting Overview
-Peaceful High-Desert Living in Valencia County: Your 5.7-Acre property is located in the Tierra Grande community of central New Mexico, sitting at an elevation of approximately 5,040 feet. The terrain is flat and usable, with open grassland and native vegetation like blue grama, juniper, and pinyon pine. Wide skies stretch overhead, offering quiet surroundings and unobstructed views of the surrounding desert landscape. It's an ideal place to slow down, build a future home, or hold as a long-term investment.
-Community and Open Space Access: As part of Tierra Grande, this property connects you to thousands of acres of community-owned open space reserved for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring. Unlike isolated desert parcels, this land is tied to a managed subdivision that values conservation and outdoor recreation while still giving owners plenty of freedom and space.
-Close Enough for Convenience: While the land feels quiet and remote, you're still close to amenities. Belen, NM, is a short drive away for groceries, fuel, and services, while Albuquerque lies within commuting distance for work, airports, and major shopping. The location offers a balance of privacy with reasonable access to daily essentials.
-Scenic Southwest Setting: The high-desert climate provides clear air, star-filled nights, and wide seasonal skies. Imagine sunrises over distant ridges, quiet afternoons with only the sound of the wind through the grass, and evenings under constellations undimmed by city lights. This is classic New Mexico living-spacious, simple, and timeless.
-Access and Utilities: A dirt road leads to the property, providing straightforward entry. Electricity runs through the subdivision, making it easier to plan for a home or cabin. Water would require installing a well, and a septic system would be needed for residential use. With no deadline to build, you can take your time to create your vision at your own pace. Annual property taxes are about $25.90, and HOA dues are just $50 per year, making ownership affordable and low-maintenance.
---Recreational Opportunities
-Outdoor Space All Around: The Tierra Grande community sets aside thousands of acres exclusively for recreation, giving you room to hike, ride horses, or simply enjoy the desert landscape. The flat terrain of your own lot makes it easy to set up camp, build, or use as a jumping-off point for exploration.
-Nearby Adventures: The property's central New Mexico location puts you within reach of the Rio Grande Valley, Manzano Mountains, and Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography are all within a short drive, while day trips to Albuquerque or Santa Fe connect you with culture, dining, and historic sites.
-Wide-Open Skies: This region is known for some of the clearest skies in the Southwest, perfect for stargazing, astronomy, or simply enjoying sunsets and sunrises without obstruction. The calm, open environment makes it an excellent retreat from the fast pace of city life.
-Flexible Use and Long-Term Potential: Zoned Residential, the lot allows for a home or cabin when you're ready. RV use is not permitted according to county guidelines, but with no building deadlines, you're free to plan long-term. Whether you want a retreat, a homestead, or just a secure piece of land, this parcel gives you options.
-Affordable and Manageable: With low annual taxes and modest HOA dues, the property is simple to hold onto, even if you're not ready to build right away. That makes it not only a practical choice for recreation but also an appealing long-term land investment in a growing region of New Mexico.
---Wildlife and Nature
-High-Desert Habitat: Your property lies in the heart of central New Mexico's high desert, where native grasses like blue grama and wild shrubs mix with juniper and pinyon pine. This creates a natural habitat for pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and smaller mammals that roam across the open grasslands. The calm, undeveloped setting makes wildlife sightings part of everyday living.
-Birdwatcher's Retreat: The region is known for diverse birdlife, from hawks and eagles soaring overhead to quail and roadrunners darting through the brush. Seasonal migrations bring sandhill cranes, geese, and other waterfowl through the Rio Grande Valley nearby, offering world-class opportunities for bird enthusiasts and photographers alike.
-Starry Nights and Open Horizons: While the wildlife is impressive, the skies themselves are often the star attraction. With virtually no light pollution, the Milky Way and countless constellations can be seen in sharp detail. This makes the property a natural fit for stargazing, astronomy setups, or simply enjoying quiet evenings outdoors.
-Natural Exploration: Beyond your lot, the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and Manzano Mountains provide wide stretches of public land for hiking, wildlife photography, and desert exploration. Whether you're interested in spotting game, photographing landscapes, or simply soaking in the stillness, this area blends desert beauty with easy access to wilderness.
---Historical and Cultural Significance
-Heart of New Mexico Heritage: Valencia County sits along the historic Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the “Royal Road” that connected Mexico City to Santa Fe for over 300 years. Traders, settlers, and travelers once passed through this very corridor, leaving a cultural imprint that continues in local traditions and historic sites.
-Spanish and Pueblo Influence: The region reflects centuries of Spanish colonial settlement alongside deep Puebloan roots. Ancient petroglyphs, mission churches, and adobe villages nearby tell the story of generations who made their lives in this same desert landscape. The area is part of New Mexico's unique blend of cultures, where Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo histories intersect.
-Modern Connection with Old Traditions: Just a short drive away, the town of Belen highlights this heritage with historic railways, local museums, and cultural events. Albuquerque and Santa Fe extend the story further, offering art markets, ancient ruins, and seasonal festivals that celebrate New Mexico's enduring history.
-Timeless Landscape: Long before recorded history, nomadic peoples roamed these desert plains. Archaeological evidence across central New Mexico suggests continuous human presence for thousands of years, drawn by the fertile Rio Grande Valley and surrounding mountains. By owning land here, you become part of that ongoing story, rooted in one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions of North America.
---Building and Development Options
- Residential Zoning with Flexibility: Your 5.7-Acre property is zoned Residential, giving you the option to build a primary residence such as a home or cabin when you're ready. There are no deadlines to start construction, allowing you to move forward at your own pace. Manufactured housing is often allowed in the county, though we recommend confirming specifics with Valencia County for your intended use.
- Flat, Usable Terrain for Easy Construction: The land's level ground makes it straightforward to plan a homesite, set up access drives, and prepare for building without costly grading. With direct dirt road access, getting materials and equipment on-site is uncomplicated. The lot's elevation of about 5,040 feet provides stable soils typical of desert grasslands, suitable for conventional septic systems.
- Alternative Energy Potential: With abundant year-round sunshine, solar power is a natural choice for this property. The open skies and minimal tree cover provide full southern exposure, ideal for solar arrays. Wind energy can also serve as a supplemental source. Electricity runs through the subdivision, giving you another option if you prefer to connect to the grid.
- Outbuildings and Homestead Setup: The size of the lot allows for more than just a single residence. Garages, workshops, barns, or storage sheds can be added as part of a complete homestead setup. This flexibility means you can design the property to fit both residential and recreational uses.
- Water and Waste Systems: A private well would need to be drilled for water, and a septic system installed for waste management. Both are standard for rural properties in this region, and the flat topography supports straightforward installation.
---Climate and Terrain
- High-Desert Climate with Four Distinct Seasons: At just over 5,000 feet in elevation, the property experiences warm summers, mild springs and falls, and cooler winter nights. Daytime highs in summer are often in the 80s and 90s, while winters bring cooler days with occasional snowfall that typically melts quickly. This balanced climate allows for year-round outdoor living and recreation.
- Open Grassland with Native Vegetation: The land features blue grama grass, desert shrubs, and scattered juniper and pinyon pine. This creates a classic Southwest landscape-open, natural, and low-maintenance. The soil is sandy and well-draining, making it stable for building while preventing standing water.
- Exceptional Sunshine for Energy and Comfort: Central New Mexico averages over 280 days of sunshine annually, giving you consistent light and warmth. The clear desert air amplifies solar efficiency, and the open setting avoids shading, making this property an excellent candidate for full off-grid living.
- Wide Horizons and Natural Views: The flat terrain opens to sweeping horizons, with distant mountain views to the east and west. The uncluttered landscape creates a sense of space and freedom, and the lack of city lights makes for some of the best stargazing in the region.
- Stable, Low-Maintenance Terrain: With no steep slopes or drainage gullies, the land is practical for building and low-risk for erosion or flooding. The gradual, even layout ensures easy access year-round and reduces development challenges.
---Off-Grid Living Potential
- Solar Energy Potential: Tierra Grande averages over 280 days of sunshine annually, making it one of the most reliable regions in the U.S. for solar power. The open desert landscape means minimal shading from trees, so panels can be positioned at optimal angles to capture maximum sunlight. With modern solar arrays and lithium battery storage, the property can operate fully independent of the grid, with backup generators as optional support during rare cloudy stretches.
- Water Development Options: Many Tierra Grande property owners rely on wells, typically drilled to depths of 200-400 feet in this part of Valencia County. Water delivery services and large-capacity cisterns are also common alternatives, while rainwater harvesting systems offer supplemental sources, especially during monsoon season. This flexibility gives owners multiple routes to establishing reliable water access.
- Waste and Sanitation Systems: The property's sandy loam soils make it suitable for conventional septic system installation, providing long-term and low-maintenance wastewater solutions. Alternative systems-like composting toilets or greywater recycling-can also be implemented for those seeking maximum sustainability and reduced water use.
- Food Production Capability: Though desert gardening requires adaptation, raised beds, soil amendments, and drip irrigation make it possible to grow a wide range of crops. Cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, kale, and carrots thrive in spring and fall, while greenhouses extend production to warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers. Small-scale livestock such as chickens or goats can also be supported on the property.
- Connectivity and Communication: High-speed internet is accessible through satellite providers like Starlink, which covers Tierra Grande with reliable speeds for remote work, streaming, and online communication. Cellular service is available across much of Valencia County, and backup options like satellite phones or amateur radios can provide additional peace of mind in emergencies.
- Heating and Cooling: The region's desert climate features warm days and cool nights. Passive solar home design, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient construction reduce the need for costly cooling systems. In cooler months, propane heaters, wood-burning stoves, or pellet systems can provide comfortable, affordable heating.
- Preparedness and Security: Off-grid living in Tierra Grande allows for self-reliant practices that enhance security and comfort during emergencies. Property owners commonly store food, water, and power backups, ensuring independence during supply interruptions while enjoying the quiet, spacious setting of the desert.
- Modern Comfort in Remote Surroundings: With solar, water systems, and internet service, modern conveniences-hot showers, refrigeration, streaming entertainment-are all possible without relying on city utilities. This makes it easy to enjoy the independence of desert living without sacrificing comfort or connectivity.
---Investment and Market Analysis
- New Mexico Land Value Trends: Rural land in Valencia County has seen consistent appreciation as more buyers seek affordable acreage near Albuquerque and Belen. Tierra Grande remains one of the most accessible ways to own multi-acre parcels with mountain views while still staying within commuting distance of city centers.
- Impact of Remote Work: The nationwide shift toward remote and hybrid work has boosted demand for properties like this one. Buyers who value open space, privacy, and affordability are increasingly choosing Tierra Grande, especially since internet connectivity options now make rural living more practical than ever.
- Demographic and Lifestyle Appeal: Retirees and younger families alike are drawn to New Mexico for its lower cost of living, mild climate, and natural beauty. Unlike crowded urban areas, Tierra Grande offers open landscapes and recreational access without the premium prices seen in many western states.
- Scarcity and Long-Term Value: Tierra Grande was carefully planned with designated residential acreage and conservation areas, which limits overdevelopment and helps preserve property values. Large parcels remain relatively rare this close to Albuquerque, creating long-term scarcity value.
- Supporting Infrastructure: The area benefits from improving infrastructure-better roads, internet solutions like Starlink, and nearby amenities in Belen and Los Lunas. As Valencia County continues to grow, demand for rural housing options with convenient access to city services is expected to increase.
- Tourism and Recreation Influence: Central New Mexico's attractions-including the Rio Grande, Manzano Mountains, and cultural destinations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe-draw visitors year-round. Many tourists eventually purchase property after experiencing the desert's beauty and affordability.
- Agricultural and Resource Opportunities: Larger parcels in Tierra Grande can support small-scale agriculture, hobby farms, or conservation projects. These uses not only add lifestyle value but can also provide tax advantages and help the property generate supplemental income.
- Generational Wealth and Legacy: Owning land in Tierra Grande creates a tangible asset that can be passed down to future generations. Beyond financial appreciation, it provides a family base for recreation, homesteading, or investment, with enduring value rooted in land ownership.
---Community And Services
- Strong Community Values: Tierra Grande is a private subdivision where property owners value independence, privacy, and self-reliance, balanced with a spirit of neighborly cooperation. The community was designed to preserve open space, scenic beauty, and large lot sizes, allowing residents to enjoy rural living without the congestion of city life. The Tierra Grande Improvement Association (Tgia) manages roads, enforces protective covenants, and oversees conservation areas, ensuring the land retains both its natural character and long-term value.
- Essential Services Within Reach: The nearby town of Belen (about 20 miles away) provides essential amenities including grocery stores, restaurants, fuel stations, schools, and medical clinics. Los Lunas, a growing hub about 30 miles away, adds major retailers, hardware stores, and additional services. Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, is less than an hour away and offers international airports, full-service hospitals, cultural attractions, and employment opportunities while still allowing you to return to the quiet of your land at day's end.
- Healthcare Access: Basic medical services are available in Belen and Los Lunas, while larger hospitals and specialty care centers are located in Albuquerque. The short commute to metropolitan facilities ensures access to advanced healthcare without compromising the peace of rural living.
- Educational Opportunities: Belen Consolidated Schools serve the local area, offering public education with manageable class sizes. Los Lunas schools provide additional K-12 options. Higher education is accessible at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, as well as technical colleges and community colleges across Valencia County. The area's history, culture, and desert environment also provide unique hands-on learning experiences for families interested in outdoor education and exploration.
- Emergency Services and Safety: Valencia County provides law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical response across the Tierra Grande subdivision. Local volunteer fire departments are well-integrated into the county's system, while Albuquerque's resources are available for major emergencies. The combination of rural watchfulness and county support gives property owners both independence and security.
- Cultural and Religious Activities: The region's rich cultural blend of Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo traditions creates a variety of local events, festivals, and community gatherings. Churches of multiple denominations serve the area, and Albuquerque's diverse cultural institutions-including museums, theaters, and historic sites-are close enough for regular visits.
- Shopping and Commercial Services: Day-to-day essentials can be found in Belen, while Los Lunas offers larger stores and regional shopping. Albuquerque provides full metropolitan access to restaurants, entertainment, and major commercial centers. Delivery services and online retailers extend urban conveniences directly to rural properties.
- Professional Services Network: Contractors, builders, electricians, and other tradespeople are available throughout Valencia County, many experienced with rural land development and off-grid systems. Real estate professionals, attorneys, and financial services are based in Belen, Los Lunas, and Albuquerque, ensuring property owners have access to experienced professionals who understand both urban and rural needs.
Seasonal Activities And Conclusion
Spring Desert Renewal: Spring in central New Mexico brings wildflowers across the desert floor and mild temperatures ideal for outdoor projects, gardening, and exploration. Seasonal rains refresh the land, and the nearby Rio Grande Valley blossoms with agricultural activity.
Summer Outdoor Living: Warm summer days and cool evenings make this the best season for hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing. The Manzano Mountains to the east offer shaded forests, trails, and cooler retreats just a short drive away, while the Rio Grande provides opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, and photography.
Autumn Tranquility: Fall brings crisp air, golden cottonwoods along the Rio Grande, and some of the region's most spectacular sunsets. It is also a productive season for property improvements, firewood gathering, and preparing gardens for winter. Hunting seasons open in surrounding public lands, offering opportunities for those interested in outdoor traditions.
Mild Winters: Winters in Tierra Grande are generally moderate, with cold nights and sunny days. Light snow is possible but usually short-lived, keeping the property accessible year-round. Clear winter skies make for some of the best stargazing, with constellations and planets shining brightly in the desert air.
Year-Round Natural Beauty: Every season in Tierra Grande brings different outdoor experiences, from spring blooms to fall migrations of sandhill cranes along the Rio Grande. Wildlife sightings, quiet desert nights, and open horizons make the property an ever-changing natural retreat.
A Secure Land Investment: Owning acreage in Tierra Grande is more than just a lifestyle choice-it's a stable investment in land with lasting value. While cities expand and land becomes increasingly scarce, rural acreage near Albuquerque remains both affordable and desirable, offering growth potential and immediate use.
Legacy for Future Generations: This property offers the opportunity to create a homestead, weekend retreat, or long-term investment that can be passed down for generations. It combines independence, natural beauty, and convenience in a way that few locations in New Mexico can match.
Your New Mexico Desert Retreat Awaits: With its open space, community framework, recreational access, and proximity to both small towns and major cities, this Tierra Grande property offers a rare balance of freedom and convenience. Whether your goal is off-grid living, building a family retreat, or simply holding land for the future, it provides a foundation for long-term value and personal fulfillment.
-----The details provided in this property listing are believed to be reliable but are not warranted. Prospective buyers should conduct their own due diligence to verify information before purchase.
Lot Maps & Attachments
Directions to Lot
From Belen, New Mexico
- Head east on NM-309 E/W Reinken Ave toward N 7th St
- Continue to follow NM-309 E (2.4 mi)
- Slight right toward NM-47 S/Rio Communities Blvd (312 ft)
- Merge onto NM-47 S/Rio Communities Blvd (8.6 mi)
- Turn right onto W Manzanita Dr
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