Skip to content
ExperienceAlbuquerque
Mountain landscape in Placitas, with junipers, golden grasses, and a rustic wooden fence.

Explore the Area

Placitas

Mountain foothills, wide horizons, and a creative community with room to breathe.

All communities

Placitas invites you to look a little farther, and slow down a little longer.

Set along the northern foothills of the Sandias, Placitas brings together high-desert landscapes, an established village, and homes shaped around views and terrain. Winding roads reveal changing perspectives on the mountains, while local artists and community gathering places give the area a character that reaches beyond its scenery.

Come for a studio tour, an outdoor outing, or a quiet afternoon of discovery. Placitas offers a different rhythm from the city, with opportunities to connect through art, music, local programs, and the landscape itself.

Living Here

Setting
An unincorporated community in Sandoval County, east of Bernalillo, with the Cibola National Forest along its southern edge.
Homes
A traditional village centered on an acequia, and subdivisions where lots are often three-quarters of an acre or larger, as described in Sandoval County’s Placitas Area Plan.
Open space
The 560-acre Placitas Open Space, managed by the City of Albuquerque, includes part of Las Huertas Creek.
Getting around
NM 165 is the main road between Placitas and I-25. The Rail Runner’s Sandoval County/US 550 station is in neighboring Bernalillo.
Living Here
A horse walking along a gravel road beneath a layered rocky hillside in Placitas.Photography by Gene Della Maggiora

Discover Placitas

Landscape & Outdoor Recreation

Open skies, desert vegetation, and mountain backdrops define much of the Placitas experience. Public open spaces offer opportunities to explore the area’s natural setting, with different routes suited to different interests and abilities.

Explore: Placitas Open Space Information & Maps (opens in a new tab)City Open Space Maps (opens in a new tab)

Use designated public access points and check current conditions before you go. Private roads and neighboring lands are not open to visitors.

Artists & Working Studios

Placitas has a creative community worth getting to know. During the Placitas Studio Tour, participating artists welcome visitors into their working spaces, offering an opportunity to discover both the artwork and the people behind it.

Explore: Placitas Studio Tour (opens in a new tab)

Village History & Gathering Places

The historic village provides another perspective on Placitas beyond its expansive views. Las Placitas Presbyterian Church connects local history with an active community setting, while the Placitas Community Library offers programs, exhibitions, and opportunities to get acquainted.

Explore: Las Placitas Presbyterian Church (opens in a new tab)Placitas Community Library (opens in a new tab)

Check published visiting information and event schedules before planning a stop.

Homes & the Landscape

Placitas offers a range of home settings, from established village surroundings to hillside and mesa locations. Architecture, outdoor spaces, and the relationship between a home and its terrain are central to how a property feels here. Exploring different parts of the community is a useful first step in understanding your preferences.

Explore: Living Here

Art, Gardens & Community Gatherings

Art events, garden visits, and local programs provide welcoming reasons to explore Placitas throughout the year.

More ways to connect: Explore the Placitas Community Library (opens in a new tab) for current exhibitions, talks, and community programs.

Visit organizers’ websites for current dates, participating locations, access information, and tickets.

Community Resources

More communities

Could Placitas feel like home?

A beautiful view is only part of finding the right place. I can help you explore Placitas through its different settings, homes, and everyday considerations, with your priorities guiding the conversation.

Explore Placitas with Gene