Four Hills Neighborhood Guide — Albuquerque, New Mexico
Four Hills is a well-established neighborhood in southeast Albuquerque, prized for its proximity to Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories. The neighborhood sits at a slightly higher elevation, offering views of both the Sandia and Manzano mountain ranges. Homes here are primarily mid-century and 1980s-era construction on larger lots, with a growing number of renovated and updated properties. Four Hills is a favorite among military families and Sandia Labs employees due to commute times under 10 minutes. The Four Hills Village shopping area provides convenient local retail, and the Tijeras Arroyo trail system offers hiking and biking directly from the neighborhood.
Four Hills takes its name from the four prominent hills that define its topography in southeast Albuquerque, creating a rolling landscape that gives many homes elevated vantage points with views of the Sandia Mountains to the north and the Manzano Mountains to the south. The neighborhood was developed primarily in the 1970s and 1980s, catering to the professionals and military families working at nearby Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories — a relationship that continues to anchor the local real estate market today. The housing stock is predominantly single-family homes on quarter-acre to half-acre lots, with architectural styles reflecting the era — ranch homes, split-levels, and two-story traditionals with stucco exteriors and tile roofs. Many original homes have been extensively updated, and the neighborhood has seen a wave of kitchen and bathroom remodels as younger families move in. The mature landscaping — large shade trees, established gardens, and xeriscaped yards — gives Four Hills a settled, comfortable character that newer subdivisions lack. The neighborhood's strongest selling point beyond the base proximity is its sense of established community. The Four Hills Village shopping center provides a neighborhood hub with grocery, dining, and services. The Tijeras Arroyo Open Space offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails accessible directly from residential streets. Buyers should know that some homes in Four Hills carry Kirtland AFB noise easements due to flight path proximity, and the neighborhood's HOAs vary by sub-section — some are active and enforce standards, while others are dormant. Properties on the higher hills command premium prices for their panoramic views.
Vibe: Established & Convenient. Military families, Sandia Labs employees, established professionals seeking convenience and views.
Home prices in Four Hills range from $325,000 to $725,000, with a median price of $480,000.
Schools: APS — Eisenhower Middle, La Cueva/Sandia HS feeder
Best for: Military families, Sandia Labs employees, Kirtland AFB personnel, Established professionals, View seekers
Property types: Ranch home, Split-level, Two-story traditional, Updated mid-century, Custom on large lot
Walkability: Somewhat walkable (Walk Score ~35)
Nearby attractions: Four Hills Village Shopping, Tijeras Arroyo trails, Four Hills Country Club, Kirtland AFB, Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, Sandia Peak Tramway (nearby), Coyote Willow Family Golf, Embudo Hills Open Space
Commute times: Kirtland AFB: 8 min; Sandia Labs: 10 min; UNM: 15 min; Downtown: 20 min
