Homes For Sale Price Range:

$350,000 to $1,700,000

The Soledad Canyon area is located just East of Las Cruces, New Mexico between A Mountain and the Organ Mountains. Most of the real estate in this area is low density residential in an suburban/rural setting.

The homes in this area are all site-built, single family residences. As you can see in the above "for sale" price range, the homes in this area are priced well above average. Many of these homes are semi-custom all the way up through fully-custom and are on at least an acre. Many also have spectacular views of the Organ Mountains and Mesilla Valley.

Homes in this area are of average to very good quality construction and, given most are less than 30 years old, are in average to new condition. Average lot size for single family residences in the area are 1 to 5 acres. The predominant designs for these homes are Southwest (the majority) and ranch, with stucco exteriors. Keep in mind, not all builders are of the same skill level, so get a good, experienced agent to help you sort through the amateurs, as, much of the time, these houses can carry the same price tag as the better builders.

If you are looking to buy we recommend keeping your eye out for a few things. More acreage doesn't always translate to a higher priced lot. Since many of the lots are not sub dividable, and have features that would make building more than one dwelling per parcel difficult (arroyos, rocks, etc.) they are treated as "building sites" and thus, location generally has more to do with price than size. Most people buy out here for the quiet, rural like setting and the views. Nearly the entire area has a rolling topography so you can find the occasional property with a nice view of the Mesilla Valley and/or Organ Mountains.

Again, not to beat a dead horse but, you really need to pay close attention to the quality of construction in this area, especially given the price range. Don't be so in awe of a lot view that you are willing to skimp on the home quality because you may find yourself in a constant state of repair. Kari Hitner is an experienced broker here in town and can help you with this. Her contact information is at the bottom of this article.

We recommend you have a home inspection done by a competent professional home inspector no matter what you are buying (yes, even new construction). This is especially true in these older neighborhoods. The age of many of these homes means deferred maintenance can be more predominant. If there are a few problems most can probably be fixed fairly cheap and easily but it is always good to know what you are getting into.

Keep in mind that the lot size, dwelling size, age, quality of construction and condition of homes in this area can vary widely. That coupled with the medium dwelling density in most of this area can make property valuation difficult. Make sure to work with a real estate professional that knows the area well and can advise you on asking price in order to avoid lending problems for your buyer due to property valuation (appraisal). On that same note, if you are working with a buyer's agent, make sure he/she knows the area well enough to help you put together a fair offer.

If you don't find anything you like right off the bat, don't be alarmed as, this area has quite a few nice lots for sale and you can have a home built to suite your personal needs. You just have to wait through the construction.

ROADS & TRAFFIC

Dripping Springs Road is the only paved road leading from Las Cruces to the area. Once you are behind A Mountain, there are several "main roads" that cut through the area. The two most traveled are Dripping Springs Road and Soledad Canyon. Many of the roads in this area are not paved and can be pretty rough on a vehicle, especially after hard rains, so be prepared.

SCHOOLS

No schools are currently located in the Soledad Canyon area of Las Cruces

PUBLIC FACILITIES

There is a community fire station located in this area.

PARKS / RECREATION

No parks are currently located in the Soledad Canyon area of Las Cruces