New Mexico / Sandoval County

Moving to Placitas, NM

Thinking of making a move to Placitas, NM? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Placitas, NM

Considering a move to Placitas, NM? This welcoming community of 5,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $625,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (78% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Placitas's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Placitas, NM

Placitas has a population of 5,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 59 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 78% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
5,500
Density
200 per sq mi
Median Age
58.7
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
78.0%
Black
0.8%
Asian
1.2%
Others
20.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Placitas, NM?

The cost of living in Placitas is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116.5. Median home values are around $625,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$625,000
Gross Rent
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$900
State Taxes
Low: 1.7%| High: 5.9%
Cost Of Living Index
116.5
Grocery
108.5
Housing
141.0
Utilities
104.8
Transportation
106.9
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
103.2

Crime

Is Placitas, NM a safe place to live?

Placitas is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 125 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 102. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New Mexico.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
125
Property Crimes Per 100k
980
Crime Index
1,105
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 102

Weather

What is the weather like in Placitas, NM year-round?

Placitas experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 14 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 78% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
49°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
78%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $112,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 45% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$63,000
Household Income
$112,000
Family Income
$125,000
Per Capita Income
$49,500
Income Male
$61,000
Income Female
$48,500
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Non English Speakers
15.0%
Rent
$1,850
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.5%
Commute Time
27.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.0%
Bachelors or More
44.5%

Education

How are the schools in Placitas, NM?

Placitas offers quality education options, with public schools like Placitas Elementary School and Bernalillo Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Central New Mexico Community College and University of New Mexico. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Placitas Elementary School
Street
5 Camino de las Huertas
Phone
505-867-2331
Students
220
Student Teacher Ratio
12.4
Name
Bernalillo Middle School
Street
200 Old Hwy 44
Phone
505-867-2317
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1

Private Schools

Name
Bosque School
Street
4000 Stagecoach Rd SE
Phone
505-898-6388
Students
360

Colleges

Name
Central New Mexico Community College
City
Albuquerque
State
NM
Distance
28 miles
Students
18,000
Name
University of New Mexico
City
Albuquerque
State
NM
Distance
30 miles
Students
23,000

Healthcare

Placitas residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Presbyterian Rust Medical Center
Address
2400 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Phone
(505) 727-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center
Address
3001 Broadmoor Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144
Phone
(505) 994-7400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Placitas, NM?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $625,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 89%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Placitas offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$625,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
89.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Placitas handle vehicle services through the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Santa Fe. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New Mexico
Department
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address
1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone
1-888-683-4636

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Placitas, NM

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Placitas, review the core fields on this page: population 5,500, median home value $625,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 27.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 78%.

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