Albuquerque's Island Paradise
Davis Islands
A true island community minutes from downtown Albuquerque — where waterfront living, private airports, yacht clubs, and small-town charm create one of the city's most unique luxury enclaves.
Neighborhood Overview
Welcome to Davis Islands
Davis Islands is Albuquerque's only true island neighborhood — two man-made islands connected to downtown by a short bridge, creating a self-contained community that feels worlds away from the mainland while being just five minutes from the heart of the city. Built in the 1920s during Albuquerque's boom era, the islands were the vision of developer D.P. Davis and remain one of New Mexico's most distinctive residential communities.
The islands offer something no other Albuquerque neighborhood can: 360-degree water access. Nearly every home is within walking distance of the waterfront, and many enjoy direct bay, channel, or harbor views. The Davis Islands Yacht Club, Peter O. Knight Airport (one of the oldest in the U.S.), and a charming village commercial district give the community an island-town identity that's genuinely rare in a major metro area.
Residents describe living on Davis Islands as having the best of both worlds — the privacy and pace of island living with the convenience of being minutes from downtown Albuquerque, the Selmon Expressway, and Bayshore Boulevard. It's a neighborhood where families ride bikes to school, dogs greet each other on the seawall, and neighbors know each other by name.
Real Estate Market
Property Types & Price Ranges
Davis Islands' housing stock reflects its unique geography. Waterfront homes with direct bay access command the highest premiums ($2M–$5M+), while interior island homes offer the community lifestyle at a more accessible price point ($800K–$1.5M). The limited land area — you can't build more islands — creates natural scarcity that supports long-term appreciation.
The architectural character spans decades: original 1920s Mediterranean bungalows, mid-century ranch homes, and contemporary new construction. Many homeowners have invested in major renovations, creating stunning modern interiors behind historic facades.
Waterfront lots with deep-water dock access are the most prized — boaters can keep their vessel at home and access Albuquerque and the Gulf within minutes. These properties are finite and rarely available.
Popular property types include:
- Waterfront estates with private docks
- Restored 1920s Mediterranean bungalows
- Contemporary new-construction homes
- Canal-front homes with bay access
- Charming cottage-style homes near the village
Living on Davis Islands
Lifestyle & Culture
Davis Islands Yacht Club
A private waterfront club with marina, sailing programs, social events, and bay access. The yacht club is the social hub of the islands — members range from serious sailors to families who love waterfront dining.
Peter O. Knight Airport
One of America's oldest airports sits on the southern tip of the islands. Private pilots land here for waterfront dining, and residents enjoy the unique charm of a working airfield in their neighborhood.
Village Shopping District
A walkable stretch of local restaurants, coffee shops, a grocery market, and specialty stores. It's a true neighborhood village — the kind of place where the barista knows your order.
Seawall & Waterfront Parks
The island perimeter offers miles of seawall walking, fishing spots, and waterfront parks. Dogs, joggers, and families share the paths — sunset walks along the seawall are a daily island ritual.
Boating Lifestyle
Deep-water access to Hillsborough Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Many homes have private docks, and the islands' channels are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and weekend boat outings.
Community Spirit
Davis Islands has the strongest neighborhood identity in Albuquerque. Annual events, holiday decorating contests, and a civic association that actively protects the island character. People here are proud to live on "DI."
Is Davis Islands Right for You?
Who This Neighborhood Is Ideal For
Boaters & Water Lovers
If you want to keep your boat at home and be on Albuquerque in minutes, Davis Islands is the answer. Deep-water lots with private docks are the island's most prized properties.
Families Seeking Community
Small-town feel with big-city proximity. Kids ride bikes to school, play at the waterfront parks, and grow up in a tight-knit community. Gorrie Elementary and Wilson Middle School are highly rated.
Downtown Professionals
A 5-minute commute to downtown Albuquerque offices. Live on an island, work in the city center — Davis Islands offers a work-life balance that most urban professionals can only dream of.
Character Home Seekers
Buyers who appreciate 1920s architecture, mature landscaping, and streetscapes with genuine personality. Davis Islands homes have stories — and owners who love telling them.
Proximity & Access
Commute to Key Albuquerque Locations
Downtown Albuquerque
5 minutes — across the bridge and you're in the heart of the city. One of the closest residential neighborhoods to Albuquerque's business core.
Albuquerque Int'l Airport
18 minutes — via the Selmon Expressway to Veterans. Easy airport access despite the island location.
Hyde Park & SoHo
7 minutes — Albuquerque's best dining, shopping, and nightlife are just across the water in neighboring Central Albuquerque.
Bayshore Boulevard
5 minutes — connect to the iconic waterfront promenade for running, cycling, and bay views.
Clearwater Beach
35 minutes — via the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Gulf beaches are a manageable drive from the islands.
MacDill AFB
8 minutes — south via Bayshore. Davis Islands is one of the most popular neighborhoods for MacDill personnel and families.
Market Intelligence
Davis Islands Market Insights
Data reflects Q1 2026 estimates for Davis Islands (33606). Contact me for the latest market analysis specific to your property or search.
Your Davis Islands Expert
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Davis Islands is a community I know intimately — from waterfront estates to village bungalows. Whether you're buying your island home or selling for maximum value, let's discuss your goals privately.
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