Sandia Heights and Foothills Homes for Sale

Sandia Heights and Foothills homes for sale sit at the base of the Sandia Mountains on Albuquerque's eastern edge, where the city meets the granite slopes and the national forest. Homes here are mostly custom builds on larger, boulder-and-juniper lots, many with long views west across the city to Mount Taylor. Current listings from the Southwest MLS appear below.

Where It Is

Sandia Heights is an unincorporated community of Bernalillo County north of Albuquerque's city limits, along Tramway Boulevard near the Sandia Peak Tramway. South of it, the Foothills neighborhoods run along Tramway inside the city, from about Academy Road down toward I-40. The Southwest MLS lists these as Sandia Heights (area 10), Foothills North (area 31) and Foothills South (area 51).

The Tram, Open Space and Trails

The Sandia Peak Tramway opened in 1966 and climbs 2.7 miles from its base at 6,559 feet to 10,378 feet on the crest. Below it, the city's 640-acre Elena Gallegos Open Space at 7100 Tramway Blvd NE has picnic areas and multi-use trails into the Sandia Mountain Wilderness. The Sandia Foothills Open Space protects about 2,650 acres along the mountain front, between about 5,720 and 6,800 feet, with trailheads off Montgomery, Candelaria, Menaul, Indian School and Copper.

Homes

• Custom homes: Pueblo-style, Territorial and contemporary homes, often single-story, set into the natural landscape.
• View lots: higher lots look over the city lights; lower lots in the Foothills are often closer to shopping and schools.
• Homesites: a few lots come up, usually with slope and drainage to plan around.

What Buyers Should Check

• Covenants and design review: many foothill subdivisions have recorded covenants and an architectural review process. Read them before you plan changes.
• Water and sewer: confirm who provides water and sewer service to the address, especially outside city limits.
• Wildfire and wildlife: ask about defensible space around the house, and expect bears, deer and coyotes.
• Drainage: foothill lots can carry fast runoff in summer storms. Look at the grading and any arroyo crossings.

Market Snapshot

In the second quarter of 2026, detached homes in Sandia Heights (area 10) had a median sale price of $863,500 on 28 sales, Foothills North (area 31) $735,000 on 32 sales and Foothills South (area 51) $430,000 on 48 sales, according to the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® 2nd Quarter 2026 report (Southwest MLS data, April 1 to June 30, 2026). With this few sales, medians can swing from quarter to quarter.

Schools

The area is served by Albuquerque Public Schools. Confirm the schools for each address with the APS "Find My School" map.

Compare Nearby Areas

Foothill buyers also look at the Northeast Heights, Four Hills and, over the mountain, the East Mountains and Placitas.

Thinking about buying or selling in Sandia Heights & Foothills? Call Albuquerque Realty at (505) 226-2083. Our office at 500 Marquette Ave NW, Suite 1200, in downtown Albuquerque is open 9 to 6. Broker Leland Titus has worked in New Mexico real estate since 2006, in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. For a quick number on your current home, start with a free home valuation, or create a custom market report to follow new listings and sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sandia Heights inside Albuquerque city limits?

No. Sandia Heights is an unincorporated community in Bernalillo County, just north of Albuquerque's city limits along Tramway Boulevard, though homes use Albuquerque addresses. The Foothills neighborhoods to the south along Tramway are inside the city. Confirm the jurisdiction for any address, since it affects services and rules.

What do homes in Sandia Heights and the Foothills cost?

In the second quarter of 2026 the median detached sale price was $863,500 in Sandia Heights, $735,000 in Foothills North and $430,000 in Foothills South, according to the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS®. These areas have few sales, so medians can move a lot from quarter to quarter.

How close is the Sandia Peak Tramway?

The tramway's base terminal is in the Sandia Heights area off Tramway Boulevard. The tram opened in 1966 and rises 2.7 miles from 6,559 feet to 10,378 feet at the top of the Sandias.

What should I check before buying a foothills home?

Read the subdivision covenants and any architectural review rules, confirm the water and sewer provider, and ask about wildfire defensible space. Also look at lot drainage, since foothill arroyos can run hard during summer storms.

How do I find out what my Sandia Heights or Foothills home is worth?

Start with a free home valuation for a quick estimate, then call Albuquerque Realty at (505) 226-2083 for a comparative market analysis. We look at recent Sandia Heights or Foothills sales, the home's size, condition, lot and updates, and the listings it would compete with before suggesting a list price.

Last updated October 2026 by Albuquerque Realty, 500 Marquette Ave NW, Suite 1200, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Call (505) 226-2083.