S. Valley subdivision a hidden infill jewel

Joya Escondida, a 60-home gated community, furnishes affordability

A gated 60-home community is taking shape in the South Valley.

Construction is under way on Twilight Homes’ new infill subdivision tucked off Sunset Gardens SW near Atrisco. Sitting on 14.5 acres, Joya Escondida will consist of two-, -three-, four- and five-bedroom homes ranging from 1,600 to 2,600 square feet.

Priced between $175,000 and $275,000, the homes are slated to hit the market over the course of two years, said Tim McNaney, a partner in Twilight Homes.

He said the subdivision, whose name translates to hidden jewel, is part of Twilight’s EOS series of new homes, which the company says are affordable residences for people looking to downsize or break the renting cycle and get on the first rung of homeownership.

“Our West Bosque community is geared to a couple of different buying segments: large families, singles and empty-nesters,” said McNaney. Part of the impetus for the project was to be sited near the soon-to-be completed Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART project) on nearby Central Avenue for those buyers wanting to hop a bus to work.

The subdivision will be completely enclosed and highly secure, McNaney said. Valle Vista Elementary School, which is across the street, will also serve as a strong attractor to future buyers for the homes, which sit on lots ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 square feet.

The large cottonwoods on the property will remain.

McNaney said low fixed-interest rates and tight inventory may prompt strong interest in the new-home community.

“Three to four years out, the same homes (could) be selling for $20,000 to $30,0000 more,” McNaney said, referring to rising building costs, especially lumber, increases in city fees as well as potential market appreciation.

Information related to the project cost and how many people will be employed at the site during construction was not immediately available.

The community’s model home, which will also function as a sales center, will open July 16 at 500 Twilight Vista SW.

COURTESY OF TWILIGHT HOMES This Joya Escondida model home will be the sales center for the infill community, which is within walking distance of the Rio Grande Bosque open space.