6.86 Acres, 6 Mins to Belen
Socorro, NM 87801
Valencia County, New Mexico
Land Description
$1 Owner Financing Available
Win 5% Cash Back.
365-Day Land Exchange Guarantee.
Wildland Wednesday coupon available on our website.
Own 6.86 acres of land in the Tierra Grande community of Socorro County, New Mexico. This property features flat terrain at an elevation of about 5,220 feet, with a mix of desert grasses, scattered juniper, and wide-open horizons. Surrounded by natural landscapes and big skies, it's an ideal setting for building, retreating, or simply holding as an investment.
----Hold it now for just $50 on our website----
The lot is zoned Residential, allowing space for a home or weekend getaway. Electricity is available in the subdivision, while a well and septic system would need to be installed. Access is provided by dirt road, and annual HOA dues help support the preservation of the community's natural character. With no time limits to build, you can plan your future here at your own pace.
---Lot Breakdown: What You're Getting:
Assessor's Parcel Number: R039375
Legal Description: Unit 018, Block 11, Lot 023, Tierra Grande, County of Socorro, New Mexico
Elevation: 5220
Gps Center Coordinates (Approx.): 34.47989, -106.60654
Gps Boundary Coordinates (Approx.): 34.480692721,-106.60676036; 34.480652743,-106.60682174; 34.480618089,-106.60688768; 34.48058910,-106.60695749; 34.480566099,-106.60703046; 34.480549292,-106.60710587; 34.480538860,-106.6071829; 34.4783694,-106.60688326; 34.47804811,-106.60617743; 34.479256869,-106.6053754; 34.480692721,-106.60676036;
Annual Taxes: ~$40.72
Zoning: Residential
Time Limit To Build: None as far as we are aware
Access: Dirt Road
Power: Electricity is likely available in the area, but would need to be extended to the property.
Water: A well would need to be installed
Sewer: A septic system would need to be installed
Official Contacts: Please contact Socorro County
RVs Allowed?: We recommend that you contact Socorro 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 Socorro County: Your 6.86-Acre property sits in the Tierra Grande community of central New Mexico, at an elevation of about 5,220 feet. The terrain is mostly flat and usable, covered with desert grasses, blue grama, and scattered juniper and pinyon pine. Wide horizons surround the lot, offering quiet surroundings and open views of New Mexico's rugged desert landscape.
- Community and Conservation Land: As part of Tierra Grande, this parcel connects you to thousands of acres of community-owned open space, reserved for hiking, horseback riding, and outdoor enjoyment. It's a managed subdivision that values both conservation and recreation, while still giving owners the independence to build and use their land.
- Close Enough for Essentials: While peaceful and remote in feel, the land is still close to daily conveniences. Belen, NM, is within easy driving distance for groceries, fuel, and services, while Albuquerque is reachable for work, airports, and major shopping. This balance makes it easy to enjoy quiet living without giving up access to important amenities.
- Classic Southwest Atmosphere: With clear desert air, starlit skies, and quiet days broken only by wind through the grasses, this setting captures the essence of New Mexico living. Sunrises and sunsets stretch across the horizon, and evenings bring a sky full of constellations.
- Utilities and Access: The property has dirt road access and electricity is available in the subdivision. Water would require a well, and a septic system would be needed for residential use. There are no building deadlines, so you can design your home or retreat on your own timeline. Annual property taxes are about $40.72, and HOA dues are $50 per year.
---Recreational Opportunities
- Community Recreation Space: Tierra Grande dedicates thousands of acres to open space, giving landowners a unique opportunity to hike, explore, or ride horses across protected desert land.
- Nearby Natural Attractions: The property sits close to the Rio Grande Valley, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, and the Manzano Mountains. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography are all within easy reach, while Albuquerque and Santa Fe offer cultural day trips.
- Skies and Stargazing: Known for its clear Southwestern skies, this region is excellent for astronomy, astrophotography, or simply enjoying sunsets and sunrises. The absence of city lights makes every night feel expansive and timeless.
- Flexible Ownership: Zoned Residential, this parcel gives you the option to build a home or cabin in the future. According to research, RV use isn't allowed, but with no time limit to build, you can hold the land long-term as an investment or plan for your home at your own pace.
- Affordable and Low Maintenance: With modest taxes and HOA dues, the property is simple and inexpensive to keep, even if you aren't ready to develop right away.
---Wildlife and Nature
- High-Desert Ecosystem: The land features open grasslands and desert vegetation, creating a natural environment for pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and other wildlife. The quiet setting makes it easy to see wildlife moving through the area.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: The Rio Grande Valley and surrounding desert landscapes are home to hawks, eagles, roadrunners, and migrating flocks of sandhill cranes and geese. For birdwatchers, it's a year-round destination.
- Night Sky Beauty: With minimal light pollution, this area is one of the best in New Mexico for stargazing. The Milky Way, planets, and constellations are visible with stunning clarity.
- Nearby Exploration: Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and the Manzano Mountains offer wide stretches of public land, perfect for hiking, photography, or desert exploration.
---Historical and Cultural Significance
- Heart of Central New Mexico: Socorro County lies along historic travel routes that connected the Rio Grande Valley with trading posts, missions, and settlements stretching across New Mexico. For centuries, travelers and settlers moved through this region, shaping a landscape that holds stories of resilience and cultural blending.
- Spanish and Pueblo Heritage: The area reflects a long history of Puebloan communities alongside Spanish colonial influence. Ancient petroglyphs, mission churches, and adobe villages nearby testify to generations who built lives in this desert environment. Owning land here connects you to the same landscapes that have supported people for thousands of years.
- Nearby Cultural Hubs: The town of Socorro offers glimpses into local heritage with museums, historic districts, and cultural events. Within reach, Albuquerque and Santa Fe expand this history with art markets, Native American traditions, and Spanish colonial landmarks that continue to thrive today.
- Timeless Desert Landscape: Archaeological evidence suggests people have lived in central New Mexico for millennia, drawn by the Rio Grande Valley's water and fertile plains. By purchasing land here, you're not only securing property-you're becoming part of an enduring story rooted in one of North America's oldest inhabited regions.
---Building and Development Options
- Residential Zoning: Your 6.86-Acre parcel is zoned Residential, allowing for a home, cabin, or retreat when you're ready. There are no building deadlines, so you can take your time planning and move forward at your own pace.
- Usable Terrain for Easy Planning: The lot's flat terrain makes development straightforward, reducing grading needs and simplifying access. With dirt road entry and stable desert soils, the property is suitable for conventional septic systems and standard building approaches.
- Solar and Alternative Energy Potential: The high-desert climate brings abundant sunshine nearly year-round, making solar power a natural option. With open horizons and few trees, you'll have excellent southern exposure. Electricity runs through the subdivision if you prefer to connect to the grid.
- Space for More Than a Home: At nearly seven acres, the land allows room for garages, workshops, barns, or storage buildings. Whether you're envisioning a simple cabin or a full homestead, the size gives flexibility for multiple uses.
- Water and Waste Systems: Like most rural properties in the area, a private well would need to be drilled, and a septic system installed. Both are common and practical in this setting.
---Climate and Terrain
- High-Desert Seasons: At an elevation of about 5,220 feet, the property enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and sunny, with daytime highs often in the 80s and 90s, while winters bring cooler days and occasional light snowfall. Springs and autumns are mild, making outdoor living comfortable most of the year.
- Native Desert Vegetation: The lot is dotted with desert grasses, blue grama, juniper, and pinyon pine. It's a classic Southwest mix-low-maintenance, open, and natural. Sandy, well-draining soil supports building while avoiding waterlogging.
- Abundant Sunshine: Central New Mexico averages over 280 sunny days each year. Clear skies boost solar energy efficiency and create excellent conditions for off-grid living.
- Expansive Views: With flat terrain and wide-open horizons, the property offers sweeping views of the surrounding desert and distant ridges. Sunrises, sunsets, and nighttime skies are free from city obstructions, making stargazing a daily highlight.
- Stable Terrain for Development: The land has no steep slopes or drainage challenges, meaning fewer obstacles for building. Its gentle, even layout ensures easy year-round access and minimal maintenance.
---Off-Grid Living Potential
- Solar Energy Potential: Socorro County averages over 280 days of sunshine annually, making it one of the most dependable regions in the Southwest for solar power. The wide, open landscape minimizes shading and gives you full exposure for panels. With modern solar arrays and battery storage, the property can operate fully off-grid, with generators available as backup during cloudy spells.
- Water Development Options: In this area, wells are commonly drilled between 200 and 400 feet. Alternatives include water delivery with large storage tanks or rainwater harvesting systems, especially useful during monsoon season. These flexible options allow you to set up a dependable water supply tailored to your needs.
- Waste and Sanitation Systems: The sandy soils here make conventional septic system installation straightforward, providing a reliable long-term solution. For a more sustainable setup, composting toilets or greywater recycling systems can also be implemented.
- Food Production Capability: Desert gardening is possible with raised beds, soil improvement, and drip irrigation. Cool-season crops thrive in spring and fall, while greenhouses extend production to warm-season vegetables. Small livestock such as poultry or goats are manageable on acreage of this size, offering self-reliant food options.
- Connectivity and Communication: Satellite internet providers such as Starlink cover the Socorro region, making remote work and streaming realistic even in rural areas. Cell service is available across much of the county, with satellite phones and radios as optional backups.
- Heating and Cooling: Warm days and cool nights are typical. Passive solar building design, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient materials help minimize the need for heavy cooling systems. Propane, wood stoves, or pellet systems can provide heat during cooler winter nights.
- Preparedness and Security: Off-grid living in Socorro County encourages independence. Many property owners store water, food, and backup power, creating peace of mind during emergencies while enjoying the calm of wide-open desert surroundings.
- Modern Comfort in Remote Settings: With solar, water systems, and internet service in place, daily comforts like hot showers, refrigeration, and online connectivity are achievable without reliance on city utilities. This allows you to embrace rural independence without giving up modern convenience.
---Investment and Market Analysis
- Land Value Trends: Rural land in Socorro County has remained attractive for buyers seeking affordable acreage in central New Mexico. Proximity to Belen, Albuquerque, and the Rio Grande corridor adds long-term potential as demand for open space increases.
- Remote Work Impact: With more people working from home, parcels like this-offering space, privacy, and internet options-have gained attention from buyers seeking alternatives to crowded city living.
- Lifestyle Appeal: Retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and families are drawn to New Mexico for its affordability, mild climate, and access to recreation. Compared with other western states, Socorro County offers larger parcels at accessible prices.
- Scarcity and Value Preservation: Tierra Grande was designed to balance residential acreage with conservation land, limiting overdevelopment and helping preserve values. Large parcels close to Albuquerque remain relatively rare, creating long-term stability for owners.
- Infrastructure Growth: Nearby towns such as Belen and Los Lunas continue to expand with better roads, retail options, and services. Internet providers like Starlink enhance rural connectivity, making acreage more practical for year-round living.
- Tourism and Recreation Influence: Attractions such as the Manzano Mountains, Rio Grande, and Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge bring visitors into the region. Many fall in love with the landscape and eventually invest in land ownership.
- Agricultural and Resource Options: Larger parcels in Socorro County can support small-scale agriculture, hobby farming, or conservation uses. These add lifestyle value and may create opportunities for supplemental income or tax benefits.
- Generational Legacy: Beyond financial appreciation, land ownership here provides a lasting asset that can be passed down. Families gain a secure retreat and a piece of New Mexico heritage that endures.
---Community and Services
- Community Character: Tierra Grande in Socorro County was developed to preserve open space, provide large lots, and encourage rural independence. The Tierra Grande Improvement Association oversees roads, covenants, and conservation areas, helping protect the subdivision's value and natural beauty.
- Essential Services Nearby: The city of Belen provides groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and medical clinics within a short drive. Los Lunas adds larger shopping and commercial centers, while Albuquerque-less than an hour away-offers airports, hospitals, universities, and cultural events.
- Healthcare Access: Everyday medical needs are met in Belen and Los Lunas, with advanced care available in Albuquerque's full-service hospitals. This makes it easy to balance rural living with access to professional healthcare.
- Educational Options: Families in the region are served by Belen Consolidated Schools and nearby Los Lunas schools. For higher education, the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, along with regional colleges, provide accessible options.
- Emergency and Safety Services: Socorro County provides fire protection, law enforcement, and emergency response across Tierra Grande. Local volunteer fire departments play a role, with Albuquerque resources available for larger needs.
- Cultural and Religious Life: Local festivals, churches, and community gatherings reflect the area's Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo traditions. Albuquerque and Santa Fe expand this with museums, theaters, and historic sites.
- Shopping and Commerce: Basic services are close by in Belen, while larger stores are available in Los Lunas. Albuquerque offers full metropolitan services, restaurants, and shopping malls. Delivery networks and online services further extend convenience to rural residents.
- Professional Support: Builders, contractors, and tradespeople familiar with rural development are available in Valencia and Socorro counties. From well drilling to solar installations, professionals in the region support both off-grid and grid-tied setups.
- Spring Desert Renewal: Spring in central New Mexico brings colorful wildflowers across the desert and comfortable temperatures for gardening, outdoor projects, and exploration. Seasonal rains help refresh the land, while the Rio Grande Valley nearby shows its agricultural energy in full bloom.
- Summer Outdoor Living: Long sunny days and cool evenings make summer ideal for stargazing, camping, and outdoor recreation. The Manzano Mountains to the east provide forested trails, cooler air, and shaded retreats, while the Rio Grande offers birdwatching, kayaking, and peaceful photography opportunities.
- Autumn Tranquility: Crisp fall weather highlights golden cottonwoods along the Rio Grande and some of the area's most breathtaking sunsets. It's also a productive time for property improvements, garden preparation, and gathering resources for winter. Hunting seasons open on nearby public lands, offering traditional outdoor activities.
- Mild Winters: Winters in this part of Socorro County are generally moderate, with cold nights and bright sunny days. Light snow is possible but rarely lingers, keeping access open year-round. Clear desert skies during winter nights reveal constellations and planets with exceptional clarity.
- Year-Round Natural Beauty: Each season in Socorro County brings new experiences-from spring blossoms and summer nights under the stars to fall bird migrations along the Rio Grande and quiet winter horizons. Wildlife, open skies, and desert stillness make the property a retreat that changes with the seasons.
- A Secure Land Investment: Land ownership here offers more than lifestyle-it represents a lasting and stable investment. As surrounding communities grow and open space becomes harder to find, acreage in Socorro County maintains its appeal for both immediate enjoyment and long-term value.
- Legacy for Future Generations: This property provides the chance to establish a homestead, a seasonal retreat, or a secure land investment that can be passed on for generations. Its combination of independence, natural surroundings, and accessibility makes it a rare opportunity in New Mexico.
- Your New Mexico Desert Retreat Awaits: With open desert, nearby mountains, and easy access to both small towns and larger city services, this Socorro County property balances rural freedom with practical convenience. Whether you plan to build, live off-grid, or hold for the future, it offers a foundation for enduring 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.
Land Maps & Attachments
Directions to Land
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
More Land Details
More Land from Erika Benson
5 AC : $10K- 5 AC : $5.5K
- New5.7 AC : $6K
- 0.5 AC : $1.8K
- 2.6 AC : $25K
- 0.8 AC : $19K
- 1.4 AC : $18K
- 0.6 AC : $26.3K
- 0.5 AC : $27K
- 0.9 AC : $29K
- 0.5 AC : $14K
- 0.3 AC : $2.5K
