The Netherwood Park Neighborhood
Netherwood Park’s origins date back to 1896, when three pioneering schoolteachers—Ada Cutler, Martha Taylor, and Alcinda Morrow—purchased several hundred acres on the outskirts of Albuquerque, hoping land investment would protect them from financial hardship following the country’s worst depression, the Panic of 1893. Land was then just $1.25 per acre. Over time, Ada Cutler became the sole owner, and after marrying Edwin Netherwood, a Civil War veteran and carpenter, the area acquired its lasting name.
Development was sporadic, hindered by water disputes and infrastructure challenges. The property passed to Ada’s nephew, Edward Schell, after her death in 1937. Schell arrived in Albuquerque in 1950 and actively shaped the neighborhood’s future: he set out strict residential covenants banning liquor sales, nightclubs, junkyards, and other commercial activities, helping define Netherwood Park as a peaceful residential area.
During Albuquerque’s explosive postwar growth in the 1950s, the city annexed the mostly undeveloped area, and Schell personally loaned funds to pave Princeton Avenue. He also donated land for a public park in 1951. Initial city resources were limited, so neighbors themselves raised funds and organized efforts to develop the park. Their campaign led to landscaping and creation of Netherwood Park by 1963, making it a defining community centerpiece for over 60 years.
Street names in the neighborhood shifted in 1940 to reflect a “university theme” such as Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford, underlining its identity near the University of New Mexico. Netherwood Park’s evolution—from speculative investment and teacher ambition to a well-established residential community—reflects Albuquerque’s broader growth and character throughout the 20th century.
The Neighborhood Today
Unlike a century ago, when the beginnings of Netherwood Park were considered in the far reaches of the city, today it lies in the geographic center of the Albuquerque metro area. In fact, it's close to the 'Big-I', which is where Interstates 40 and 25 intersect in the heart of the city.
Netherwood Park is now an interesting mix of custom homes, most dating back to the mid-century era and includes its fair share of midcentury modern homes. It's a quiet and safe neighborhood, and conveniently located to many amenities, including green spaces such as the park itself, biking/recreation trails, and the nearby golf course.