ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The residence widely recognized for its appearances in the “Breaking Bad” television series has officially hit the market, and the owners are optimistic that its connection to the iconic show will significantly enhance its value. Located in an older Albuquerque neighborhood, this otherwise ordinary home has become a landmark due to its association with fictional characters Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Although the series concluded over ten years ago, its enduring popularity continues to attract fans who visit not just this home but other filming locations throughout the city.
Recently, New Mexico’s governor leveraged the show’s legacy by involving the Bryan Cranston character, Walter White, in a campaign aimed at reducing littering across the state. The influence of “Breaking Bad” is evident in the local culture, and the sale of this residence is likely to rekindle interest among fans and collectors alike.
Joanne Quintana, a member of the family that has owned the home since the 1970s, shared that the property has often been inundated with fans. She mentioned that it is not uncommon for countless vehicles to pass by daily. As the show’s acclaim grew, the family found it increasingly challenging to guard their home and privacy, prompting them to erect a metal fence and install security cameras to deter visitors. With both of her parents now deceased, Quintana feels it’s necessary to part with the property. “This was our family home from 1973, almost 52 years,” she explained. “So we’re going to walk away with just our memories. It’s time to move on. We’re done. There’s no reason to fight anymore.”
The journey toward the home’s fame began in 2006 when a film scout approached Quintana’s mother about using the house as a filming location for the show’s pilot episode. Soon after, production commenced, allowing the family to meet the cast, including Cranston. They enjoyed an insider’s view of the filming process, with Quintana’s mother always making cookies for the cast and crew. While the home’s interior was utilized for preparation, actual scenes were filmed in a studio.
A memorable moment was the pizza scene, which Quintana recalls with fondness. Numerous pizza boxes were arranged outside, alongside plenty of cheese and pepperoni props, just in case the take didn’t go as planned. Fortunately, Cranston succeeded, flinging the pizza onto the roof after being rejected by his on-screen spouse. Unfortunately, the family had difficulty keeping fans from trying to replicate the pizza throw or accessing the beloved backyard pool.
The current real estate landscape in Albuquerque presents a challenge for potential buyers, as the market value has shifted dramatically since the days when Walter White was applying for a mortgage. Today, the median home price in the city approaches $400,000, and interest rates are projected to stay around 6% throughout the year. Some online real estate assessments estimate the ranch-style house’s market value at slightly over $340,000. However, thanks to its “Breaking Bad” connection, luxury real estate firm eXp Luxury, which is listing the property, has strategically priced it at just under $4 million.
David Christensen from eXp Luxury noted that interest has been high since the listing went live, with numerous investors exploring possibilities for the property, which include converting it into either a vacation rental or a museum. The real estate firm has even launched a dedicated website to promote this unique opportunity, presenting it as a chance to acquire a piece of pop culture history.
