5 Acres Only 57 Mins to Albuquerque
Belen, NM 87002
Valencia County, New Mexico
Land Description
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Day 1: Claim Your Lot
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Day 5: Celebrate Ownership
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What You'll Love About This Land
Own 5 Acres of New Mexico Desert Land in the Tierra Grande Community. This property sits on level terrain with open space, panoramic mountain views, and dirt road access. You'll find peace, quiet, and enough room to build, camp, or just get away.
-Hold it now for just $50 on our website. Stillness Sunday coupon available on our website.
The land is flat and usable, giving way to wide views of the Manzano Mountains to the east and endless desert skies in every direction. With no neighbors crowding you in, this is the kind of place where you can enjoy true freedom and still be within reach of Belen and Los Lunas for supplies. Step outside and you're in the middle of New Mexico's high desert - private, spacious, and ready for your vision.
PREMIUM High-Desert Location: At roughly 5,050 feet in elevation, this lot combines open horizons with cooler evenings and crisp desert air. The Tierra Grande community is known for its vast open spaces and resident-only access to thousands of acres of wilderness, creating a true sanctuary for those who want room to breathe. With minimal annual dues (~$50), the HOA helps preserve this rare desert setting while still allowing you freedom to design your own retreat.
The surrounding area is made for the outdoors. Hike in the Manzano Mountains, ride horseback across desert trails, or just take in the endless skies from your own land. With minimal restrictions and no time limit to build, it's the perfect base for anyone who wants the real Southwest experience - a quiet desert homestead, a weekend getaway, or a long-term investment in land you can truly call your own.
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----Lot Breakdown: What You're Getting----
Assessor's Parcel Number: 1-000120
Legal Description: All of Lots 12, in Block 35 of Tierra Grande Unit No. 3
Elevation: 5050
Gps Center Coordinates (Approx.): 34.55536, -106.67275
Gps Boundary Coordinates (Approx.): 34.556273368,-106.67235338; 34.555239303,-106.67390548; 34.554462417,-106.67314932; 34.555496473,-106.67159722; 34.556273368,-106.67235338;
Annual Taxes: ~$23.00
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. HOA CCRs
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
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---Location and Setting Overview
Spacious Desert Retreat in Valencia County, New Mexico: Your 5-acre lot sits in the peaceful Tierra Grande community, offering a high-desert sanctuary at approximately 5,050 feet elevation. With ample space to spread out, the property provides flexibility for multiple building sites, RV setups (subject to county approval), or creating a personal off-grid retreat. The natural topography allows for scenic views across distant mesas and desert landscapes, while the surrounding area ensures privacy and a serene, rural atmosphere.
Convenient Yet Private Location: Situated within the Tierra Grande subdivision, your property balances seclusion with accessibility. Dirt road access connects you to main roads, allowing for easy travel to nearby towns for essential services. Valencia County offices provide guidance on zoning, building permits, and development requirements, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Desert Climate and Natural Beauty: Enjoy New Mexico's high-desert climate, featuring sunny days, cool evenings, and low humidity. Native shrubs and grasses, combined with wide-open desert views, create a picturesque, low-maintenance setting. Seasonal wildlife enriches the property with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, or simply relaxing in nature.
Utilities and Development Potential: Electricity is not currently connected, making solar or alternative energy systems an excellent choice. Water will require a well installation, and sewage will need a septic system. There is no time limit to build, giving you full flexibility to develop the property at your own pace. HOA dues are modest (~$50 annually), and Tierra Grande's Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (Ccrs) help maintain the rural character while allowing flexibility for owners.
Lifestyle and Investment Opportunity: This 5-acre lot offers a rare combination of size, privacy, and affordability, ideal for vacation homes, tiny homes, or off-grid living. With low annual taxes (~$23) and ample room for development, the property presents both a personal retreat and a long-term investment in one of Valencia County's most tranquil areas.
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---Recreational Opportunities
Four-Season Outdoor Desert Retreat: Your 5-acre property provides ample space for enjoying the unique high-desert environment of Valencia County. With sunny skies, cool evenings, and wide-open vistas, the land offers opportunities for hiking, off-roading, stargazing, and wildlife observation year-round. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities, while winter months provide crisp air and clear desert skies.
Expansive Space for Off-Grid Adventures: The size of your property allows for flexible development, including multiple building sites, RV setups (subject to county approval), or off-grid living with solar power and a well. The large acreage supports private camping areas, outdoor recreational zones, or hobby farming.
Nearby Parks and Open Spaces: Located within driving distance of the Rio Grande Bosque and local Valencia County recreational areas, your property provides access to walking trails, birdwatching, and scenic photography spots. The surrounding desert landscape, with mesas and distant mountain views, offers a quiet, natural setting for exploring the outdoors.
Hunting and Wildlife Viewing: The high-desert ecosystem supports native wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and a variety of bird species. The large acreage provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and enjoying the tranquility of rural New Mexico.
Cultural and Scenic Excursions: Valencia County and nearby towns provide historical sites, local markets, and cultural attractions within short driving distances. Day trips to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or the Sandia Mountains expand your recreational and adventure options beyond the property itself.
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---Wildlife and Outdoor Opportunities
- High-Desert Wildlife Habitat: Your 5-acre property sits in the heart of Valencia County's high-desert ecosystem, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation. The mix of native shrubs, grasses, and open desert terrain attracts mule deer, rabbits, jackrabbits, quail, and a variety of songbirds, creating natural opportunities for wildlife photography or casual observation right on your property.
- Small Game and Bird Watching: The desert environment supports abundant populations of quail, doves, and other upland birds, offering enjoyable bird-watching or small game hunting experiences (subject to local regulations). Cottontail rabbits and other small mammals are common, making your property a vibrant ecosystem for those who enjoy active outdoor pursuits.
- Scenic Outdoor Recreation: With 5 acres of open space, you have room for hiking, off-road vehicle use, or camping right on the property. The natural terrain provides privacy and multiple vantage points for viewing sunsets over distant mesas and desert mountains, creating a serene backdrop for all your outdoor activities.
- Potential for Outdoor Lifestyle Development: The property's size and location allow for building multiple outdoor features, such as observation decks, small game enclosures, or recreational areas. Its off-grid potential with solar power, well water, and septic system installation enables sustainable, independent living while fully enjoying the desert environment.
- Photography and Nature Retreat Potential: The combination of wide-open skies, native wildlife, and desert flora makes this property ideal for wildlife photography, nature retreats, or guided outdoor experiences. Its natural beauty and accessibility allow for both personal enjoyment and potential recreational leasing opportunities.
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---Historical Significance
- Roots in Spanish Colonial New Mexico: Your property lies within Tierra Grande, part of Valencia County's long-standing Spanish colonial heritage. The area was originally settled under Spanish rule in the 18th century, when land grants were issued to encourage farming and ranching in New Mexico's high desert. These early settlers established enduring agricultural and community practices that continue to influence the region's culture today.
- Historic Land Grant Legacy: Tierra Grande is tied to one of the many historic New Mexico land grants, which allowed settlers to establish homes, cultivate crops, and graze livestock across vast tracts of desert land. These grants shaped land ownership patterns, property rights, and community development that remain visible today in Valencia County, connecting your property to centuries of continuous land use.
- Native American Cultural Heritage: Long before European settlement, this region was inhabited and traversed by Native American tribes, including the Pueblo, Apache, and Navajo peoples. These groups relied on the desert's natural resources for hunting, farming, and ceremonial purposes. Archaeological evidence of habitation-including petroglyphs, arrowheads, and pottery fragments-has been found throughout Valencia County, reflecting thousands of years of human presence.
- Proximity to Historic Towns: Nearby towns, such as Los Lunas (established in 1716) and Belen (established in 1740), illustrate the deep historical roots of the region. These settlements maintain traditional Spanish Colonial layouts with central plazas, mission churches, and streets radiating outward, offering a tangible connection to New Mexico's colonial past.
- Cultural and Architectural Preservation: The area surrounding your property retains a unique blend of adobe architecture, historic haciendas, and traditional farming practices. Many historic buildings and ranches remain in use, preserving the heritage and aesthetic of colonial New Mexico while blending with modern developments.
- Railroad and Agricultural Development: The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in the late 19th century connected Valencia County to broader markets, transforming it from a rural frontier into a productive agricultural hub. Historic irrigation systems, canals, and old railway corridors are still visible across the county, providing insight into the development of the region's farming and ranching economy.
- Continuing Cultural Influence: Today, Valencia County's rich history is celebrated through local festivals, museums, and cultural events that honor both Native American and Spanish Colonial traditions. Owning property here places you within a landscape deeply intertwined with centuries of human settlement, cultural exchange, and historical continuity.
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---Building and Development Options
- Maximum Flexibility with Minimal Restrictions: Your 5-acre Tierra Grande parcel offers exceptional freedom for building or off-grid living while preserving the natural desert landscape. Valencia County zoning is residential, providing flexibility for a primary residence, tiny homes, or modular structures. There is no known time limit to build, allowing you to develop at your own pace.
Strategic Building Sites and Utilities: The level and gently sloping terrain provides multiple options for construction and outdoor recreational areas. While electricity is not currently connected, off-grid solar systems are ideal for energy independence. Water can be accessed via well installation, and sewage requires a septic system. The parcel's size allows careful planning for multiple structures or outdoor amenities while maintaining privacy and open space.
- Off-Grid and Ancillary Development Potential: The lot's ample size and desert exposure make it well-suited for solar power systems, workshops, storage structures, garages, or other ancillary buildings. The property's flexible residential zoning allows for homestead-style development, recreational use, and other creative projects tailored to your lifestyle.
- Outdoor Recreation and Retreat Potential: The property's large acreage provides space for hiking, gardening, wildlife observation, or simply enjoying the peace and natural beauty of the high-desert environment. Its private and open setting allows you to fully enjoy outdoor activities while maintaining solitude and tranquility.
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---Climate and Terrain
- Ideal High-Desert Climate: At approximately 5,050 feet elevation, your property enjoys a classic high-desert climate, with warm sunny days, cool nights, and low humidity year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from the mid-80s during the day to the 50s at night, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities without oppressive heat. The abundant sunshine and dry air make this location perfect for enjoying the outdoors and for off-grid living.
- Distinct Seasonal Changes: Winters bring cooler temperatures and occasional frost, transforming the property into a crisp, tranquil desert environment. Mild snowfall is rare but possible, highlighting the desert's seasonal contrasts. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking, gardening, and exploring the surrounding desert landscapes, while the winter months offer serene, quiet conditions for solitude and reflection.
- Well-Drained Soil and Building Conditions: The property features predominantly sandy loam and desert soils that provide excellent drainage and stability for construction projects. The gently sloping terrain allows for multiple building sites with minimal grading while ensuring proper runoff and reducing water accumulation near structures. These conditions are ideal for installing homes, workshops, or ancillary buildings.
- Natural Drainage and Water Considerations: The property's topography channels rainwater naturally across the landscape, reducing flood risks and maintaining stable ground for building. Water for domestic or irrigation purposes can be accessed via a well, while a septic system is recommended for wastewater management. The natural drainage patterns help maintain healthy desert vegetation and minimize erosion.
- Exceptional Solar and Renewable Energy Potential: With over 300 days of annual sunshine, your property is perfect for solar energy systems. Open, unobstructed areas provide ideal locations for panels with southern exposure, while prevailing breezes can complement energy production. The property's orientation and high solar intensity create opportunities for complete off-grid energy independence.
- Diverse Microclimates for Landscaping and Gardening: Variations in soil, slope, and exposure create microclimates across the 5-acre parcel, allowing for selective landscaping, gardens, or small-scale farming adapted to desert conditions. Shaded areas and depressions retain slightly more moisture, supporting native shrubs and other plantings, while exposed areas provide ideal conditions for sun-loving species.
- Natural Fire Management Advantages: The desert's sparse vegetation, open space, and natural drainage provide inherent protection against wildfire compared to denser forested areas. Selective clearing around building sites further enhances safety while preserving the natural desert character that makes this property appealing.
- Seasonal Weather Patterns: Summer monsoon storms bring occasional brief rainfall and dramatic lightning displays, providing natural irrigation to desert flora. Spring and fall offer mild, dry conditions perfect for recreation and construction planning. Winter frost and cold nights ensure proper seasonal cycling, supporting native desert plants and maintaining ecological balance on the property.
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---Off-Grid Living Potential
- Complete Energy Independence Through Solar Power: Your property's open desert exposure and abundant sunshine create ideal conditions for solar energy systems capable of providing 100% energy independence. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and minimal shading, solar panels can operate at peak efficiency year-round. Modern battery storage systems store excess power for nighttime use or cloudy periods, while backup generators provide additional reliability when needed. Multiple building sites allow optimal panel placement for maximum solar exposure.
- Reliable Water Development Opportunities: While there is no municipal water service, the property is suitable for domestic wells, providing high-quality water when drilled to typical depths in the area. Alternative water solutions include rainwater harvesting systems and large-capacity cisterns, enabling sustainable water management for domestic, gardening, and livestock needs.
- Advanced Waste Management Solutions: The property's well-drained soils and gentle slopes are ideal for conventional septic systems. Alternative systems, such as composting toilets, greywater recycling for irrigation, or advanced treatment systems, provide sustainable, environmentally friendly options. The acreage allows flexibility for system placement with proper setbacks to ensure long-term safety and efficiency.
- Self-Sufficient Food Production: The desert climate and soil conditions support a variety of gardening strategies, including raised beds, greenhouse cultivation, and container gardening for vegetables and herbs. The property also provides space for small livestock operations such as chickens for eggs or goats for milk, while nearby wildlife adds additional opportunities for supplemental protein sources.
- Communications and Internet Independence: High-speed satellite internet services such as Starlink ensure reliable broadband connectivity in this remote location, while cellular coverage and satellite phone systems provide backup communication options. Amateur radio and mesh networking systems enhance connectivity and emergency communication capabilities.
- Natural Heating and Cooling Solutions: Solar orientation, passive cooling techniques, and open desert breezes reduce summer cooling needs, while wood-burning stoves or propane heaters provide reliable, cost-effective warmth during cooler months. Off-grid systems allow comfortable year-round living without dependency on traditional utilities.
- Emergency Preparedness and Self-Reliance: Living off-grid fosters independence and resilience. Property owners can maintain emergency food and water supplies, backup power, medical resources, and alternative heating and water systems, providing peace of mind in case of natural disasters, supply disruptions, or emergencies.
- Modern Convenience in a Remote Setting: Despite its remote location, the property can support modern amenities including refrigeration, hot water, indoor plumbing, lighting, and entertainment systems. Efficient off-grid design and sustainable energy systems enable a lifestyle that combines comfort with true independence from municipal utilities.
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---Investment and Market Analysis
- High-Desert Land Value Potential: Rural New Mexico land values have steadily increased as buyers seek affordable properties with privacy, scenic desert views, and off-grid potential. Your 5-acre Tierra Grande lot represents an accessible entry into land ownership, with long-term appreciation potential due to growing demand for desert retreats, small-scale homesteads, and investment properties in Valencia County.
- Remote Work and Lifestyle Trends: The shift toward remote work continues to drive interest in rural properties that combine natural beauty with the ability to work from home. Professionals, creatives, and retirees are increasingly seeking high-desert locations like Tierra Grande, where they can enjoy solitude, wide-open spaces, and outdoor recreation while maintaining connectivity through satellite internet and cellular networks.
- Demographic Trends Favoring Rural Living: Retirees and younger families alike are choosing properties in scenic desert regions for a combination of affordability, safety, clean air, and lifestyle benefits. The property's size, privacy, and development potential make it appealing to a wide demographic seeking second homes, vacation retreats, or primary residences away from urban congestion.
- Scarcity Value in Desirable Locations: While public land is abundant, privately owned parcels suitable for building and off-grid development remain limited. This lot combines privacy, accessibility, and open desert views, creating irreplaceable value as land in the area becomes increasingly sought-after by buyers looking for secluded, manageable parcels.
- Infrastructure Improvements Supporting Value: Advances in satellite internet, cellular coverage, and off-grid energy solutions have removed traditional barriers to remote living. These developments increase the property's appeal to tech-savvy buyers, off-grid enthusiasts, and families seeking independent and connected rural lifestyles.
- Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Economy: Valencia County's proximity to natural attractions, including national forests, hiking areas, and cultural sites, brings a steady flow of visitors who often become prospective buyers. Properties offering scenic views, privacy, and recreational access, like your Tierra Grande lot, benefit from exposure to these lifestyle-driven buyers.
- Agricultural and Sustainable Living Opportunities: The parcel's size and desert conditions support small-scale gardening, livestock, or water-efficient food production systems. These opportunities provide practical utility and income potential while preserving the land's natural character, adding another dimension to its investment value.
- Generational Wealth and Long-Term Security: Land ownership in desirable rural locations provides tangible wealth that appreciates over time while offering immediate lifestyle benefits. Your 5-acre property can serve as a secure long-term investment, family retreat, or foundation for building generational wealth through improvements, sustainable use, and continued appreciation in value.
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---Community And Services
- Established Community with Shared Values: Tierra Grande is a master-planned community in Valencia County that draws residents who appreciate wide-open spaces, self-reliance, and the quiet beauty of the New Mexico desert. The community fosters privacy and independence while maintaining a neighborly spirit where property owners respect each other's land and lifestyle choices. The Tierra Grande Property Owners Association ensures the preservation of community values with minimal dues and reasonable covenants that protect property values without heavy restrictions.
- Essential Services Close By: The town of Belen (about 20 minutes away) provides groceries, fuel, schools, restaurants, and retail shopping, while Los Lunas (roughly 30 minutes) offers expanded services including major stores, healthcare providers, and business resources. Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, is within an hour's drive, giving residents access to full urban conveniences such as an international airport, major hospitals, universities, and cultural amenities.
- Healthcare Access: Local clinics and urgent care centers in Belen and Los Lunas handle everyday needs, while Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque provides advanced care including surgery, specialists, and emergency services. This balance of rural living with city access means residents enjoy peace and quiet at home without sacrificing quality medical care.
- Educational Opportunities: Local schools in Belen and Los Lunas serve families with K-12 education, and homeschooling is also well-supported in the area. For higher education, the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and Central New Mexico Community College offer degree programs, technical training, and continuing education. The community's location provides both traditional schooling and hands-on learning experiences tied to New Mexico's rich cultural and natural heritage.
- Public Safety and Emergency Services: Valencia County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement and community safety, while local fire and emergency services respond to rural properties across the Tierra Grande subdivision. The community benefits from reliable communication networks and responsive emergency coordination through county services.
- Cultural and Recreational Activities: Residents enjoy a mix of New Mexico's cultural richness and outdoor recreation. Albuquerque hosts annual events like the International Balloon Fiesta, while nearby historic towns preserve Hispanic and Native traditions. Outdoor enthusiasts have easy access to hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing in the vast desert skies. The Manzano Mountains, located just east of Tierra Grande, provide trails, camping, and abundant wildlife for year-round adventure.
- Shopping and Commercial Services: While most daily needs are met in Belen and Los Lunas, Albuquerque provides regional shopping malls, dining, and entertainment. Online delivery services also make it easy to bring modern conveniences right to rural properties, giving residents the best of both worlds-seclusion with connectivity.
- Professional and Local Services: The growing population around Los Lunas and Belen supports contractors, electricians, plumbers, and builders familiar with rural property development and off-grid systems. Tierra Grande's established HOA maintains community roads and open space while connecting residents with resources to manage property development and land improvement.
Land Maps & Attachments
Directions to Land
From Belen, New Mexico, USA
-Head east on NM-309 E/W Reinken Ave toward N 7th St (2.4 mi)
-Slight right toward NM-47 S/Rio Communities Blvd (312 ft)
-Merge onto NM-47 S/Rio Communities Blvd (7.4 mi)
-Turn right onto Las Borregas Rd (1.2 mi)
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