The house that became an iconic symbol in the world of television is now up for sale, drawing attention not just from potential homeowners but from “Breaking Bad” fans worldwide. Situated in a quiet Albuquerque neighborhood, this unassuming home is the backdrop to some of the most memorable scenes from the series, and now, its owners are hoping to cash in on the property’s Hollywood fame.
While the average price for a home in the area hovers around $400,000, this property’s connection to “Breaking Bad” has elevated its value to much higher heights.
According to an Associated Press report, the home is currently listed for just under $4 million for a four-bedroom ranch-style house. David Christensen of eXp Luxury, who is handling the listing, said that the response has been overwhelming since the property went live on the market. Investors are already eyeing the potential to turn the house into a vacation rental or even a museum dedicated to the series.
“Breaking Bad,” which followed the transformation of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman from ordinary men to notorious drug dealers, wrapped up over a decade ago. Yet, the legacy of the show continues to live on, not only through reruns and fanfare but also through the show’s filming locations around New Mexico, particularly the house that stood in as Walter White’s home.
Recently, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham tapped Bryan Cranston, who portrayed Walter White, to help launch a state campaign against littering.
For Joanne Quintana, the decision to sell is bittersweet. Her parents purchased the home in 1973, and she grew up there with her siblings. But as the fame of “Breaking Bad” surged, so did the crowds. Fans of the show began flocking to the house in droves, some days seeing hundreds of cars driving past. It became impossible for the family to protect the property and their privacy, leading to the installation of a metal fence and security cameras to keep the enthusiasts at bay.
“Now that my parents are gone, it’s time to sell. This was our family home for almost 52 years,” Quintana shared in an interview with TV station KOB-TV. “We’re walking away with just our memories. It’s time to move on.”
A Brush with Hollywood
It was in 2006 when a film scout first knocked on the door, asking if the house could be used for the pilot episode of “Breaking Bad.” The family, welcoming as ever, agreed, never imagining the magnitude the show would eventually reach. They had the chance to meet the stars, including Bryan Cranston, and even watched behind the scenes. Quintana’s mother often kept the cast and crew well-fed with homemade cookies.
While the interior of the home was used for preparatory shots, all actual interior scenes were filmed in a studio. However, the backyard became the stage for one of the most infamous moments in the show: the pizza toss. Quintana recalls the crew’s meticulous setup for the scene, with dozens of unsliced pizzas ready in case Cranston didn’t land the pie on the roof on his first attempt. But as fans know, he did. The iconic pizza throw was just one of many unforgettable moments at this house.
Though the show’s impact has been massive, the homeowners have faced difficulties keeping fans from trying to replicate the pizza toss or sneak into the backyard pool to relive the show’s most memorable moments.