Contemporary custom Pueblo style home in Des Montes, built by Edelman Enterprises on 3.85 acre lot in Vista Grande Subdivision. Amazing views and spectacular location, a short five-minute drive to Arroyo Seco and 15 minutes to Taos Plaza. Open floor plan with exposed beams and high ceilings in the great room, making a perfect space to host or sit back and relax in front of the fire. The living room opens up into the expansive east facing portal for great outside living, dining and relaxing. Large windows throughout the house frame Taos Mountain to the east and Truchas to the south. Gourmet kitchen in the living/dining area with wood burning fireplace. Primary suite features attached studio/office with corner kiva fireplace, large walk in closet and spacious bathroom. Wood floors throughout. Spacious two car garage with plenty of room for storage or activities. This new build with a fine appreciation for old fashioned design and modern features is not to be missed. Construction complete.15 Alta Vista. MLS #110846 $1,600,000
HACIENDA DE VALDEZ
Hacienda de Valdez is tucked into the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, with wonderful western views from the newly updated deck on the second story creating a serene and in nature feeling. This condo is conveniently located only a couple minutes from the mouth of the canyon to Taos Ski Valley and five minutes from Arroyo Seco. This condo has two spacious bedrooms upstairs with in suite bathrooms, one bedroom has a nice new deck with plenty of space to relax and watch the sunset. Downstairs you are met with large windows a spacious dining room and living room area, the kitchen and a full bathroom. This condo is part of the original building and is loaded with Southwest charm including three kiva fireplaces, vigas, tile floors and plaster walls. The seller has replaced the upstairs deck with trex, replaced the downstairs carpet with wood vinyl plank, the roof has been refinished and the well has been addressed by the HOA. 15 Canada Del Agua MLS #111999 $439,000
Stacey Blish, Associate Broker • (575) 741-1132
Greg Jaramillo, Associate Broker • (575) 770-1270
Chris Stagg, Associate Broker • (575) 776-7490
Peter Blake, Associate Broker • (575) 779-1869
575.776.8106
Welcome from the Taos County Association of REALTORS® ¡BIENVENIDOS!
Fall is a busy time in Northern New Mexico as the monsoon season draws to a close and cooler weather eases into the region. If outdoor activity is your passion, with side adventures to music festivals and art to evoke any emotion, Taos and the Enchanted Circle is your destination.
Farmers markets offer locally grown fresh food, both familiar and exotic. Oktoberfest celebrations and music venues for everyone's taste welcome you --- choose between classical, country Western, jazz or Native American songscapes that tell a story passed down orally from generation to generation. Mix music with local craft brews as you mingle with locals at the Mothership on Taos Mesa while you listen to the Sam Bush Band on Sept 2; or if your tastes run to funk, the six-piece Motet will be there on September 7.
Consider a daytime visit to the Taos Pueblo, which has a 1,000-plus year history, and is the longest continuously inhabited structure in North America. Listen to a brief history of the Taos Pueblo through turbulent times, as told by Pueblo member, then join in the Pueblo San Geronimo Day Festivities on September 30 with its foot races and feasting.
As the aspens begin to turn, the high country takes on a golden hue adding to the brilliant green of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you fancy a more adventurous day, take a rafting trip through the Rio Grande Gorge, or attend the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally beginning October 25.
For those that enjoy wandering through the local arts scene, there is the Harwood Museum of Art near the plaza, or the Thom "Tex" Wheeler gallery on Kit Carson Road, a magnificent two-story adobe home atop the artist’s workshop and studio, all designed and built by Thom Wheeler. You may catch Thom creating his "wall jewelry," or acrylic paintings of iconic Taos County scenes.
The 227 members of the Taos County Association of REALTORS® serve customers and clients across five counties in Northern New Mexico. We welcome you to the Enchanted Circle communities of Taos, Valle Escondido, Angel Fire, Red River, Questa, and north to the Colorado border, and to the the High Road communities of Vadito, Peñasco, Dixon to our south, and beyond. Come explore the mountain valleys and eastern plains of Mora and San Miguel counties. There is adventure here — come explore it. You could live here, let us help you find your new home in the Land of Enchantment!
2024 TCAR Board of Directors
Officers:
President: John Johnston
Vice President: Catherine Moon
Secretary: Yvonne Trujillo
Treasurer: Kathleen Sullivan
Directors:
Rachel Singer (Past President)
Jade Anaya
Devona Maes
Stacey Blish
Robban Reynolds
Robbie Puskarich (Angel Fire)
Linda Calhoun (Red River)
always than town, snowy in the winter and super secluded.
Magical Taos Oasis
family and friends. The kitchen opens onto the lovely patio where you can enjoy alfresco dining while taking in the panoramic mountain views, stunning gardens, and the crisp clean mountain air. For guests or extended family, the separate guesthouse offers two bedrooms, one bath,
family and friends. The kitchen opens onto the lovely patio where you can enjoy alfresco dining while taking in the panoramic mountain views, stunning gardens, and the crisp clean mountain air. For guests or extended family, the separate guesthouse offers two bedrooms, one bath,
MLS# 111450 $1,150,000
and ample space for comfortable living or working. Established beautiful gardens, mature trees along with acequia water rights add to the property’s appeal for those looking to embrace a sustainable lifestyle while enjoying the outdoors.Bring your horses so they can enjoy this bucolic setting too!
and ample space for comfortable living or working. Established beautiful gardens, mature trees along with acequia water rights add to the property’s appeal for those looking to embrace a sustainable lifestyle while enjoying the outdoors.Bring your horses so they can enjoy this bucolic setting too!
Tucked away in the hills of El Salto, NM is a high mountain parcel with over 144 acres of private solitude. This mature forest is full of large conifers, numerous building sites, improved roads and electric, easy access, and all only minutes to Taos Ski Valley or the village or Arroyo Seco. This parcel has been accumulated by the current owner over the years. A new Owner can acquire as one parcel or as separate parcels, allowing many options. Its beautiful up there, cooler always than town, snowy in the winter and super secluded.
Tucked away in the hills of El Salto, NM is a high mountain parcel with over 144 acres of private solitude. This mature forest is full of large conifers, numerous building sites, improved roads and electric, easy access, and all only minutes to Taos Ski Valley or the village or Arroyo Seco. This parcel has been accumulated by the current owner over the years. A new Owner can acquire as one parcel or as separate parcels, allowing many options. Its beautiful up there, cooler always than town, snowy in the winter and super secluded.
Stunning 5+ acre parcel with a gentle rise to the south, setting up the perfect building site(s) looking north and east toward the Sangre de Cristios. Located north of the 64/150 intersection, off B-007, is an open, serene environment, with room to grow and to create the hacienda of your dreams. Many of the neighbors have horses and use the surrounding riding trails. The proximity to the Rio Grande gorge the Mamby hot springs, Arroyo Seco and the Taos Ski Valley creates many opportunities for recreation. Come see why this parcel offers elevated views of the surrounding valley, and easy access to all of what Taos has to offer a new Owner. .
Stunning 5+ acre parcel with a gentle rise to the south, setting up the perfect building site(s) looking north and east toward the Sangre de Cristios. Located north of the 64/150 intersection, off B-007, is an open, serene environment, with room to grow and to create the hacienda of your dreams. Many of the neighbors have horses and use the surrounding riding trails. The proximity to the Rio Grande gorge the Mamby hot springs, Arroyo Seco and the Taos Ski Valley creates many opportunities for recreation. Come see why this parcel offers elevated views of the surrounding valley, and easy access to all of what Taos has to offer a new Owner. .
Stunning 5+ acre parcel with a gentle rise to the south, setting up the perfect building site(s) looking north and east toward the Sangre de Cristios. Located north of the 64/150 intersection, off B-007, is an open, serene environment, with room to grow and to create the hacienda of your dreams. Many of the neighbors have horses and use the surrounding riding trails. The proximity to the Rio Grande gorge the Mamby hot springs, Arroyo Seco and the Taos Ski Valley creates many opportunities for recreation. Come see why this parcel offers elevated views of the surrounding valley,
575.758.9500
BUILD YOUR TAOS DREAM
BUILD YOUR
pursuit, and the Taos Farmers market on the weekends. Each lot is priced at $108K and will offer paved access, all utility hook ups and thoughtfully designed protective covenants. Combine the benefits of in-town living with a custom home of your own design and enjoy Taos at its finest. Call for more information.
Two prime building lots are available in the recently created Pond Village community. Located in the center of town, where you can walk to the TCA for movies and art events, the Taos library for literary pursuit, and the Taos Farmers market on the weekends. Each lot is priced at $108K and will offer paved access, all utility hook ups and thoughtfully designed protective covenants. Combine the benefits of in-town living with a custom home of your own design and enjoy Taos at its finest. Call for more information.
Two prime building lots are available in the recently created Pond Village community. Located in the center of town, where you can walk to the TCA for movies and art events, the Taos library for literary pursuit, and the Taos Farmers market on the weekends. Each lot is priced at $108K and will offer paved access, all utility hook ups and thoughtfully designed protective covenants. Combine the benefits of in-town living with a custom home of your own design and enjoy Taos at its
Nestled within the heart of Taos Ski Valley, the Powderhorn condominium complex offers unmatched convenience and access. Enjoy walkability to the Main Lift and Pioneer Lift, The Blake Hotel, Black Diamond Coffee, fabulous stores, and restaurants. The location makes it an ideal choice for both family mountain getaways and year-round rental opportunities. Featuring two lovely one bedroom fully furnished units, these connected units cater perfectly to owners seeking personal use, alongside rental income. With a proven rental history, this property promises additional income potential. Offered fully furnished, this turn-key condo presents a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the World Famous Taos Ski Valley!
Flying W is a true haven for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, privacy, and functionality. Approximately 45 minutes to Town or the Taos Ski Valley you will discover a secluded 640-acre paradise nestled within the Rio Grande National Monument. This stunning ranch boasts breathtaking panoramic views, along with a private airstrip! In addition this property features a charming one room adobe home with a large north-facing portal, a second spacious one-bedroom structure with kitchen, a light-filled writer’s studio, an octagon-shaped sauna house, storage buildings and various barn outbuildings and horse corrals. The Flying W is perfect for anyone seeking ultimate privacy and connection with nature.
Building was designed and built as a working warehouse and distribution center, using sustainable development principles. The natural and harmonious features include; high ceilings and large clerestory windows, insulated walls of R-28, and R38, in the roof, maintains comfort and control inside. Efficient lighting, radiant heated floor zones, low volume plumbing fixtures & energy efficient controls systems, make this property a pleasure to own and operate. Exterior grounds are landscaped and irrigated with drought resistant plants. Inside, the building is designed as open offices and meeting areas, a library or large conference room, several private perimeter offices, a common kitchen area, two large bathrooms, and several clean and well lit storage and delivery areas. There is also a second commercial kitchen, with appliances in place near the loading area.
Southwest Equestrian Sanctuary
Discover tranquility on 14 expansive acres. This contemporary threebedroom, two-bath home offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and natural splendor. The main level includes a spacious bedroom and bath along with an openconcept living area, complete with a gourmet kitchen that’s ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, the primary suite is a serene escape, featuring oak floors, ample natural light and the most amazing outdoor deck. There is a second bedroom that can also be used as a study/
office. Equine enthusiasts will appreciate the private 2-stall barn and arena, perfect for pampering your horses. The property’s sustainable features, including solar power and water catchment, minimize your environmental footprint while maximizing energy efficiency. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Taos landscape, from vibrant sunrises to starlit skies. Located near the Rift Valley Trailhead, outdoor adventures are at your doorstep. Established AIRBB income.
MEET
Yvonne Trujillo
PAGE SULLIVAN GROUP | BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES TAOS
WRITTEN BY VIRGINIA L. CLARK
Yvonne Trujillo has done it yet again! Just voted Best Real Estate Agent in 2024’s Best of Taos, Yvonne was also featured as a top Realtor in the Top Agent Magazine; in 2023 she was recognized in Who’s Who in America; and in 2022 took 2nd Best Realtor in the Best of Taos. She’s been wowing sellers and buyers in and around Taos since 2007. She loves what she does and so does everyone else!
Yvonne, why are you and Taos real estate so popular?
Well, there are several parts to this answer. I believe it’s because I am a Taoseña — born and raised here in Taos. After graduating from NMSU, Taos is where I wanted to be. I returned and was an educator here for 20 years. After I’d taught for about 7 years, my cousin Manuel Trujillo urged me to become a Realtor. He said I was perfect for this career. “You’re a communicator,” he said, “You’re an educator and will know how to educate people about buying and selling real estate. Your roots are embedded here in Taos — you know everyone and everyone knows you!”
time, so they keep coming back. Taos has so much beauty every time of year.
After pondering the idea, I decided it was worth a try, so I took the plunge — and it just gets better and better.
What is there not to love about Taos? Over the years, my husband, David Trujillo, and I have traveled with our children so they experience the world outside of Taos. I appreciate Taos more and more every time we come home. Its majestic mountains and enchanting Rio Grande — I mean, what more do I have to say? It has to be mind-blowing for people experiencing this for the first
Taos is very hospitable and accepting, and I believe wholeheartedly people love this. Over the years I’ve met people visiting here since they were children with their families — how Taos always stood out in their minds. Some people just stumble upon Taos, finding it the most beautiful place they’ve been. Regardless how they discover Taos, this community fosters their motivation for buying real estate here.
What’s the main draw about Taos?
Everything! A vacationing couple from New York a few years ago rented an Airbnb in Arroyo Seco. It seems COVID taught the world you can work from anywhere, so they work their New York jobs remotely and own a home in beautiful Taos.
You’re an associate broker with both Berkshire Hathaway and the Page Sullivan Group — how do home and work fit together?
My life is consumed by real estate 24/7. Since joining Page Sullivan in 2019, and pursuing real estate fulltime, I’ve learned the value of pushing myself daily to be the best I possibly can be. When I joined Page’s team, she told me, “This is it, there is no plan B!”
Scary words, but it helped me to be where I am today. My husband and business partner David became a licensed broker in 2020 after retiring as chief of police for the Town of Taos. Now a team within a team, David is phenomenal. He impresses me every day.
What drives your passion for your work?
I strive to be the person I was raised to be and who I would want to represent me in a real estate transaction –trustworthy, ethical, loyal, committed, and hard working. I love real estate. I love the problems and the challenges it brings. I love the celebrations coming from making someone’s dream come true. I love helping people and getting to know people. I love it all and am so very blessed to be able to do this everyday.
Architectural splendor abounds—a destination rich with history and art, its rugged beauty, the Sangre de Cristos, an enchanted realm, a place of stories. Your home is one thread in the tapestry of Taos. And it has a story to tell. At Natural Retreats, our strong local presence allows us to become deeply familiar with your home to maximize its revenue potential via dynamic marketing plans, proven sales strategies, and exceptional guest service. Because your home’s story is worth telling.
Taos Real Estate Market Report
Through the first eight months this year, the number of sales of Single-Family Homes and Land are down about 15% compared to last year. Condo sales are up by one. The market remains in a downward trend from the 2020-2022 bull market. Buyers are not as plentiful or as eager to buy as they were during the boom. Higher interest rates combined with a number of worries (the economy, government debt, the fraught geopolitical situation, and the November elections) have made buyers more cautious. Despite the expectation that the Federal Reserve will begin loosening monetary policy in September—which is starting to bring interest rates on home loans down—a lot of buyers seem to be putting real estate investments on hold.
2023 ended the year with sales well below 2022 in all categories of property. Both the number of closed sales and the dollar volume were down. The red-hot market of 2020-2022 was bound to cool off at some time, and 2023 was it. The sharp spike in interest rates, worries about inflation and the economy, and the scary geopolitical situation, combined to dampen buyer enthusiasm for real estate investments. 2024 should see the market regain momentum, as interest rates have begun to decline and the long-anticipated recession seems to be not happening.
Call me for a free market analysis of the value of your property, and a consultation about the market and the selling process.
Call me for a free market analysis of the value of your property, and a consultation about the market and the selling process.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES – Year-to-date unit sales are 27 fewer compared to the same time period a year ago at 153 vs. 180 homes sold (-15%). Dollar sales are down, but only 6%, as prices continue to rise: Median price is up 17%, and average price is up 11%. Even though the number of buyers has diminished over the past year and a half, the supply of homes for sale remains inadequate for the demand, which is keeping prices moving up, albeit not as rapidly as during the 2020-2022 surge.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES – Unit sales were 29% fewer than last year. Dollar sales were down 31%. Median price was about the same (+1%), and average price was down 3%. The rapid price rises of 20%-25% per year during the 2020-2022 market surge were unsustainable. However, there is still more demand than supply, with the inventory of homes listed for sale the lowest it has been in many years; therefore, prices should remain fairly firm.
CONDOS – For the full year, unit sales were down 37% compared to last year. This was mainly due to lack of inventory---there were very few condos available for purchase. Dollar sales were down 25%. Median and average prices were actually up 17% and 19%, respectively, due to the acute shortage of inventory.
CONDOS – Year-to-date unit sales are up by one compared to last year, at 33 vs. 32 (+3%). But dollar sales are down 6%, as median and average price are both down 9%. However, with a data set of just 33 sales, these averages could be skewed by a few individual sales and the sales mix (unit sizes, location, etc.); prices don’t seem to be actually falling, but they don’t seem to be rising either. Condo unit sales have been constrained by very limited inventory. There is not much construction of new product, so 2024’s year-end number of sales will probably be about the same as last year. LAND – Through August, the number of sales is down by 24 tracts vs. last year, at 128 vs. 152 (-16%). Dollar sales are down 10%. Median price is almost the
as last year, at $75,000 vs. $73,500 (+2%); average price is up 7%. In the Land market, there is way more supply than demand, so buyers have more leverage than in the residential market.
LAND – The number of sales was down 20% compared to last year. Dollar sales were down 21%, with median price down 5% and average price down 2%. The high cost to build a home, as well as the long time it would take (due to builders’ backlog of contracts) are affecting buyer interest in land. However, with the inventory of homes and condos
Year-to-Date through August 31, 2024 (eight months) September 2, 2024. Data are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.
HISTORIC FARMHOUSE - Beautifully renovated true Taos adobe, over 100 years old. Full of character, with modern conveniences, gorgeous kitchen, fine craftsmanship. Over 3,100 sq. ft., 2 BR + bonus room/2.5BA on 2 acres with water rights. Fully fenced, 2-car garage + equipment storage. $975,000 MLS 112077
BORDERING TAOS VALLEY RANCH - Large home + attached guest house. Currently set up as 2BR/2BA + 1BR/1BA. Could easily be converted back to 4BR/3BA. The 2,693 sq. ft. main home and the attached 672 sq. ft. casita both have wonderful views overlooking the Ranch and across the valley to the mountains. A peaceful rural/agricultural setting, but only 4 miles from Taos center on a quiet dead-end road. $995,000 MLS 111003
RENOVATED DUPLEX IN TOWN - Completely renovated adobe duplex just a few blocks from Taos Plaza. Each unit is 1BR/1BA. Offered fully-furnished, including dishware, glassware, silverware, cookware, towels, sheets, linen, artwork and decor items. Both units have large fully-fenced back yard. 2-car carport. $649,000 MLS 111031
NEW CONDO CLOSE TO TOWN - Quality construction in this 2BR/2BA condo located a mile south of Taos Plaza. High ceilings, stained concrete floors, granite countertops, in-floor radiant heat, gas fireplace. Open floor plan. Kitchen has nice appliances, island, pantry. Large, fully-fenced private outdoor living space. $459,000 MLS 111863
RIVERBEND SUBDIVISION - 15 awesome lots from 3.0 - 4.8 acres. All lots have access to the Rio Pueblo via a conservation easement. Shared wells, underground utilities, sensible restrictions. A beautiful setting to build a home and enjoy magnificent views, peace and tranquility. About 15 minutes south of Taos center. Prices from $145,000 - $175,000. MLS 107252, etc. Spectacular drone video at https://vimeo.com/703830616
IN-TOWN HOME SITE - Beautiful 0.99-acre lot in quality neighborhood. Fine mountain and sunset views. Town water and sewer, electric power and natural gas close by. Convenient access to shopping, schools, restaurants, hospital, central Taos business and historic districts. $119,000 MLS 111766
WONDERFUL IN-TOWN HOME - This 3BR+extra room/3.5BA home offers creative architecture, unusual design details, many thoughtful features. True adobe, over 3,300 sq. ft, with open floor plan, great room with 18’ ceiling. On one of Taos’s prettiest streets, on a nice lot with privacy wall and trees. A short walk to Taos Plaza, restaurants, shops, galleries. $1,250,000 MLS 112203
COMMERCIAL SPACE IN TOWN - On the main thoroughfare through the heart of downtown Taos in the Central Business District, a few blocks from Taos Paza. This 4,655 sq. ft. space has been a gallery, and an office. Could be retail, restaurant, or other possible uses. Ample off-street parking in the rear. Large open floor plan with separate back room and storage and a sweet 315-s.f. apartment. $1,249,000 MLS 111027
BORDERED BY INDIAN LAND - Fine 1.06-acre lot bordered by large tract of Taos Pueblo land on one side. Magnificent views of mountains, sunsets and the Taos Valley. Utilities at the lot. Dead-end street with nice homes. In the popular Blueberry Hill area, close to Town of Taos, and convenient to Taos Ski Valley. $79,000 MLS 108125
COMMERCIAL SPACE IN TOWN - On the main thoroughfare through the heart of downtown Taos in the Central Business District, a few blocks from Taos Paza. This 4,655 sq. ft. space has been a gallery, and an office. Could be retail, restaurant, or other possible uses. Ample off-street parking in the rear. Large open floor plan with separate back room and storage and a sweet 315-s.f. apartment. $1,249,000 MLS 111027
360-DEGREE VIEWS - Outstanding1.35-acre home site with underground utilities, sensible restrictions. Peaceful setting about 15 minutes south of Town, past golf course and UNM campus, and not far from Overlook area hiking trails. $99,000 MLS 108810
RENOVATED DUPLEX IN TOWN - Completely renovated adobe duplex just a few blocks from Taos Plaza. Each unit is 1BR/1BA. Offered fully-furnished, including dishware, glassware, silverware, cookware, towels, sheets, linen, artwork and decor items. Both units have large fully-fenced back yard. 2-car carport. $649,000 MLS 111031
In Town- Walk to Taos Plaza at 226 Kit Carson Road.
Build Your Dream Home with Maya Builders! Custom Floor plans. Choose from a variety of floor plans designed to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Experience the benefits of an energy-efficient home designed to reduce utility costs and minimize environmental impact. Contact me today to start planning your custom home and make your dreams a reality. Act now, and by next summer, you could be living in the home of your dreams. MLS# 111526 - $550,000
Welcome home to The Good Life at La Buena Vida Condominiums! Nestled in a picturesque, park-like setting just a stone’s throw from Taos Plaza, this one-bedroom, onebath condominium offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. Fully furnished and ready to go. Schedule your viewing today and discover why it’s called “The Good Life.”MLS# 112129$235,000
Nick Rd. El Prado. Embrace panoramic 360-degree views and create your perfect home on this desirable 2.47-acre parcel in Stagecoach Hills. Nestled near the Rio Grande National Monument, this land offers a rare opportunity to build amidst stunning natural beauty. Don’t miss out on this “priced to sell” opportunity to own a slice of paradise in El Prado. Call today to schedule your private tour and start envisioning your future here. MLS# 112060 - $49,500
North Side- Minutes from Arroyo Seco at 248 State Hwy 150.
Since 1963, it has served as the artist studio of Taos Six co-founder, Julian Robles, adding to its rich artistic legacy with one of the most spectacular art studios. Historic Significance: Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Jose Gregorio-Valdez house, a cherished piece of Taos history. Grand Art Studio: The expansive north-facing windows illuminate the grand art studio, providing an inspiring space for creativity to flourish. His expansive studio is a testament to Taos’s vibrant artistic community. Old Taos Charm: Step into the past as you explore the sprawling brick floor sala adorned with vigas and latillas, emanating the timeless allure of “Old Taos.” Architectural details throughout. MLS# 111073 - $1,200,000
Lots/Land
Fully Furnished & Charming Townhouse in Prime Location – No HOA Dues! Welcome to your new home—a charming, fully furnished townhouse on the North Side. A quick 20-minute drive to Taos Ski Valley. Just 4 minutes from the quaint shops and restaurants of Arroyo Seco. Contact us today to schedule a viewing! MLS# 112154 - $495,000
Julian Robles Art Studio! 108 Dimas Lane.
Des Montes 272 Valdez Rim Road. Seize the rare chance to own an expansive parcel of irrigated pastureland nestled on the tranquil north side in Des Montes. This property offers an unparalleled setting for those seeking a blend of privacy and natural beauty. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to own a large piece of paradise on the North Side. Contact us today to schedule your private tour and discover the endless possibilities awaiting you on this rare property. MLS# 112048 - $1,200,000
OPENING POSSIBILITIES FOR ART AND JOY
By Cynthia Brown
Taos has always been a place for art. From the Pueblo people who decorated their pottery with designs and sparkling mica, to the Spanish settlers who carved santos for their altars, to the arrival of the members of the Taos Society of Artists, Taos has always inspired creativity.
Perhaps it is the great natural beauty or the light or a certain magic often felt here, but whatever the reason, Taos history is full of artistic expression.
If you live in Taos, you can express yourself in many ways; one of those ways is through your own home. Taos houses often are built from thick adobe bricks with Southwest features like vigas, tongue and groove ceilings, plaster walls, and beehive fireplaces. If you have a house with Southwest features, you have a head start on building on these features to create your own unique space. If your house doesn’t yet have its own personality, you have a blank canvas to begin to express yourself.
Beauty for every budget
There are many low cost ideas to refresh and “artify” your space, like painting your walls with a textured finish that looks like plaster or granite. (See the sidebar for ideas.) If your budget is a little bigger, you can talk to an artist like David Vedoe. He is a fine artist and muralist who trained as an architect. Born in Copenhagen Denmark, Vedoe has lived in Taos for 35 years. His murals can be found all over town in businesses and homes and all over the state, as well. Recent projects include the interior of Legacy Café, which incorporates memorabilia of more than 100 years and the outer walls of Taos Wool in Arroyo Seco.
Of his approach Vedoe says, “It is really a spiritual approach that I take; finding that inspiration that will make people happy. It might be doing a little element like a mural or architectural feature around a door or a window that they first see when they come home – making that feature into something
beautiful.” His clients tell him how much joy they get from even the small projects they do with him, how it changes their day and gives them hope. “It’s really a spiritual revelation when they see what art and color can do. It transforms the way they think of themselves. It brings joy,” he explains.
An artful home
Vedoe’s own home is a showcase of artistic ideas. He shares a simple home on the Taos Pueblo with his wife jeweler Jacqueline Gala, which is decorated with murals of the natural and mystical beauty of Taos. Inside there are textured brightly colored walls and paintings that add an artistic feel to the house. Some of the interior murals turn an awkward space like a utility closet door into a canvas for a painting of an archway surrounded by blooming flowers that is framed with architectural features.
On the outside walls, there are depictions of the Taos Pueblo along with symbols like
Artist David Vedoe paints a mural on the temporary fencing that surrounded the under-condtruction Hotl Willa off Paseo del Pueblo in Taos Nov, 2021.
Photo by Nathan Burton/Taos News
A HIGHER STANDARD OF LENDING
Unique Luxury in Town…
La Isla
Natural, Special, Vintage, Comfortable, Important, Versatile… One of the last great Haciendas on a historically significant property in Taos. This compound speaks for itself with lock-off casita and separate log cabin. Come experience for yourself. $1,540,000 MLS# 111858
Gated Family Compound in the Heart of Taos!
2 Private homes with 8 acres of mature landscaping only .6 mile from Taos Plaza!
Main home is luxurious, solid adobe, built in the 1870’s with over 5200 sq. ft., 6 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen and lots of room for entertaining! Great sunshine in every room! Guest home offers additional 2800 sq. ft. with enclosed back yard. Total 8000 sq. ft. of living space with 8 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms and lots of room everyone! Genuine Taos Artist’s touches in both homes. Additional 1800 sq. ft. heated barn/garage. 3 private wells and water rights. Also available as separate parcels. $100,000 Seller Credit at closing. $2,699,000 MLS# 111399
(c)
Sandia Canyon, Arroyo Hondo Located adjacent to Taos Pueblo Lands just 10 minutes north of Taos, this home is set in the privacy of the big pinons and junipers on 3 acres at the end of a private road. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath primary residence and 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest unit each have full kitchens, separate entrances and patio spaces. The large residence has a craft room or studio space. This two story property maximizes views of sunsets in the surrounding vistas and mountains. Extensive river rock planters, stairs and patios surround the house. The guest unit offers privacy for visitors, a caretaker opportunity for the property or for vacation rental of one or both residences. This is a high quality crafted custom home built in 2001 with many artistic details. The main unit is 2139 sf and the guest unit is 1073 sf. See it on marysellstaos.com.
MLS # 111523, $975,000 $895,000
Foothills Homesite with a Well Share
Foothills lot in the Stakeout area, three acres with a well share. Nice views across the valley, to Taos Mountain, the Gorge Rim and beyond! Easy access. Enormous Cedars and Pinon trees line arroyos on the property. Oak clusters fill in, and the property is very vegetated, great for privacy. An Acequia crosses the property in the lower section. MLS # 110875, $165,500
Ten Acres near the Rio Grande Gorge Rim
This 10 acre parcel has a well share, electricity and internet and private road. Quality improvements include roads to the property with drainage culverts. This is near the Rim of the Rio Grande Gorge, which you can see in the distance. MLS # 110561, $375,000 (Also see MLS #110564 for a 2 acre parcel at $85,000 with the same features)
OPENING POSSIBILITIES FOR ART AND JOY
corn, the eagle, and the bear. Vibrant red roses surround a window frame playing off the real rose bush at the window’s base. Because his home lacks distinctive Southwest touches, Vedoe has created parapets and frames around doors and windows with paint and shadows.
Creative problem solving
Drawing on his experience and past projects, Vedoe is able to offer people many approaches. “When people come to me, it’s about problem solving; about coming up with a creative idea,” he says “They may already have an idea or not. Either way, I can help them. I can show them certain options or help refine one. Using illustrations, we can explore an option to see if it is the right solution.” Before Vedoe takes on a specific project he looks around the home with the client to identify positive aspects of the space. He also asks about the clients dreams and preferences.
Due to his design training, Vedoe can look at different options to help people beautify their space, which often involves using what they already have, for example moving art around, reframing a painting, repairing a piece of furniture or a precious family heirloom. “Certain items that are religious or spiritual in nature must be handled with care,” Vedoe explains. “Native American art restoration must be done with cultural sensitivity. I often consult with my wife, a Taos Pueblo-Hopi silversmith or we check in with other tribes to make sure it is alright to
work with these objects.”
For one residential project, he worked with a homeowner on her historic house to create an exterior mural. The piece makes use of a kitchen hood vent that would otherwise be unsightly to create a feature in the mural. A stream in the painting runs into a three tier waterfall so that the art and the landscape create one seamless feeling of tranquility. “Many projects like this bring a space into action. Perhaps it was an area that was not being used before but now becomes attractive. In this project, the water comes out of the mural and flows into a real pond. It fits into the setting and give the sound effect and the cooling quality of water,” Vedoe says.
With every project he takes on, Vedoe is aware of creating an emotional response through art and color. He works with each client to explore the deeper levels of their desires for their homes and open up possibilities to express themselves through art and to experience joy.
Although there are common themes in Taos, the most important thing for Vedoe is that his work create a workable and unique environment for the people who live there. He helps people move beyond any hesitation they might have working with art by bringing creative solutions to the table.
With a burst of inspiration and some help from your artist friends or a professional like Vedoe, you can be part of the tradition of self-expression that finds a home in Taos.
DIY ARTIFY YOUR HOME CHECKLIST
Ideas under $100
Add a special object to display, plant flowers, add houseplants or an artful fountain inside or out. - David Vedoe
Other ideas:
- Rearrange your furniture and your art.
- Give a wall a special texture like a faux finish with a sponge or rag. (A gallon of eggshell finish paint can cost between $30 and $85, with higher gloss paints for kitchens and bathrooms costing more. Consult the painting experts at local hardware stores about your project.)
Under $500
- Paint a whole room or more than one.
- Use special textures on the wall to add interest and depth.
- Enlist an artist friend to add a mural or design to the inside or outside of the house.
Over $500
- Consider hiring an artist to help you add color and beauty to your house or solve a design problem with a creative approach.
For more information Contact David Vedoe at (575) 779-3789 or dvedoe@gmail.com.
See YouTube for how-to videos on creating faux finishes, stenciling and other approaches to beautifying your walls.
Courtesy photos
Left to right: Austin Efurd, Sally Torres, Paula Madappa Qualifying Broker, Ellen Lerner, Faith Saunders
10-20 acre Parcels
Left to right: Austin Efurd, Sally Torres, Paula Madappa Qualifying Broker, Ellen Lerner, Faith Saunders
Global Reach. Local Expertise.
BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN HOME
230 Hinz Drive $1,200,000 MLS # 104781
Beautiful Mountain Home with spectacular views located on 28 acres in Hidden Lake just South of Angel Fire. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage. Primary bedroom suite includes a large office, four fireplaces, greenhouse, passive solar orientation, in-floor heat, fully furnished with designer finishes throughout. This home combines luxury with excellent privacy and VIEWS. This is a real steal!
Stan Harrell
3375 Mountain View Blvd. Suite E
Angel Fire, NM 87710
Office: 505-603-3772
Email: bacalarstan@hotmail.com
angelfire.realestate
Office: 575.377.1192
Email: Lisa.sutton@cbmp.com angelfire.realestate
when Location mEets Light& Love
By Haven Lindsey
Photos: Daniel Nadelbach
Location, location, location. It’s the unofficial mantra of real estate agents. Every Realtor worth their credentials understands that everything else being (relatively) equal, a property’s value will increase considerably if it has a desired location. What happens when a property’s location is already a home run? More emphasis can be placed on the amenities. What happens when the amenities have no competition? That’s when the pure love of life comes out to play.
Every property has a story. The one located at 939 Kit Carson Road is an extension of its owner’s joie de vivre. The prominent ‘Happy Trails’ sign is just one indication this property, built, created, owned, and now for sale by accomplished artist and sculptor Thom “Tex” Wheeler is founded in good vibes.
TAOS ARTIST Thom WHEELER ENJOYS ThE VIEW
Photo: Daniel Pearson
Photo: Daniel Pearson
Wheeler moved to Taos in 1985 and shortly after began building his home and studio which sit on two spacious acres. Part of the two-plus level home’s story is its vigas. Wheeler worked with the local Forest Service and a team of mules that pulled the logs from Wheeler Peak. “The logs were covered in mud so I drove each one of them through a car wash before we could use them,” he explained. Construction used 38,000 adobe bricks were used in the home and studio which are well over 5,000 square feet. As he lit a fire in the massive stone fireplace that can accommodate a convenient gas fire and aromatic real wood, Wheeler eflected, “It’s all been a labor of love.”
The love, however, doesn’t seem labored – the property is rich with a positive energy and a Taos-like ease. Wheeler’s wife, Lavinia, radiates the same flavor of love as Wheeler.
“I see Thom’s hand in everything in the house,” explained Lavinia as she talked about the memories and friendships as being the hardest thing about selling the property. “We’re still in a position where we can make choices,” explained Wheeler, “and it’s time for us to sell and simplify. I want to slow down the work and speed up the play.”
Wheeler deserves some playtime. He didn’t stop with building a home and studio: The property has a warm, p40
“I see Thom’s hand in everyThing in The house,”
estate feel with a separate and additional gallery, a carpenter shop, and two additional living quarters housed in a Victorian-styled building replete with rooftop turrets and birdhouses – all built by the artist.
Originally from Houston, Wheeler conjured some Texas-style skills in effectively lassoing the light. “I love stained glass and the radiance of the light,” he explained as he stood in one of many rooms filled with the lightcapturing windowpanes. “It makes everything come alive.”
“It’s like a little jewel box,” agreed Lavinia of the stained glass that came from Falls Church, Virginia, and Mexia, Texas. Ever the artist, Wheeler also designed some of his own stained glass.
The property’s story continues of what could arguably be a 100-year-
Photo: Daniel Pearson
“It’s like a little jewel box”
house-sale event. There is a massive waterfall and pond and an outdoor area where the gregarious couple have hosted concerts, events, and gatherings by a fireplace, a large smoker, and an even larger grill. “I’ve had 400 pieces of chicken on that grill,” said Wheeler as he stood on the expansive patio that had an intimate feel thanks to the 16 apple trees that dot the property. An open field used to be home to horses (and could be again).
Whether you are walking through the house, the gallery, the studio, the apartments or the grounds, there is creative beauty and deliberate nuances everywhere, including closet doors that came from a former brothel in New Orleans. In addition to an acequia running through the property, Mother Nature plays
a significant role by providing stunning views of Taos Mountain and 360-degree views from one of the roof decks. “On a clear day you can see Abiquiu from here and it is a great place to watch the fireworks,” said Wheeler whose eyes smiled with memories. The property’s personality is rounded out with a historic building circa the mid-1800s.
The Wheeler property is nothing short of spectacular and its future owners will likely have a similar joie de vivre that the artist and his wife exude. When asked who he envisioned buying the place he’s called home for the past 40 years, Wheeler’s response was one Realtors and their clients may want to remember. “Someone with a vision and a love of history but mostly a love of life. That’s who will appreciate this property.”
Photo: Daniel Pearson
“Someone with a vision and a love of history but mostly a love of life. that’s who will appreciate this property.”
– thom Wheeler
GET TO KNOW THE ENCHANTED CIRCLE
The Enchanted Circle is an 83-mile circular highway of stunning scenery that links the Taos Pueblo, considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the nation, with towns and areas known for their history, culture and abundance of outdoor activities. The drive takes approximately 2 ½ hours, but be sure to add time for plenty of stops along the way.
TOWN OF TAOS
Taos Plaza resides at the heart of the historic district, surrounded by shops, galleries and restaurants within easy walking distance of neighboring homes. At nearly 7,000 feet, the town is relatively flat with a variety of native plants and trees.
Home sale price range: Low $166,000 - High $1,500,000
BLUEBERRY HILL
An increasingly popular area for homes surrounded by sagebrush mesas and a short drive into the town of Taos. Home sale price range: Low $300,000 - High $1,051,550
RANCHOS DE TAOS, TALPA, LLANO QUEMADO
UPPER LAS COLONIAS
This popular area is conveniently located and tucked in and around sagebrush and juniper trees.
Home sale price range: Low $175,000 - High $851,000
ARROYO HONDO, HONDO MESA
Where rolling high desert mesa meets the historic Río Grande Gorge, this village of adobes, ranches and a community store and restaurant is popular with fishing enthusiasts and summer picnics near the base of the historic John Dunn Bridge.
Home sale price range: Low $55,000 - High $1,460,000
ARROYO SECO, EL SALTO, DES MONTES
The picturesque village of Arroyo Seco invites visitors to stroll throughout the shops, galleries, and cafés. Arroyo Seco and Des Montes have rolling terrain with orchards and ranches. The areas offer expansive mountain views..
Arroyo Seco home sale price range: Low $300,000 - High $1,500,000
El Salto home sale price range: Low $950,000 - High $2,500,000 Des Montes home sale price range: Low $360,000 - High $1,600,000
TAOS SKI VALLEY, VALDEZ
Home to San Francisco de Asís, the most photographed church in the nation, Ranchos de Taos is accented with quaint adobe structures, galleries and shops. High terrain and ridges open to views of the Río Grande Gorge and surrounding mountains.
Home sale price range: Low $90,000 - High $1,600,000
WEIMER FOOTHILLS
Located in close proximity to area schools, Holy Cross Medical Center and the Taos Youth and Family Center, local building restrictions protect the natural landscape and views of the mountains and foothills.
The village of Valdez sits at the base of the world-renowned Taos Ski Valley. Both areas offer opportunities to live at high altitude and amongst the woodlands and valleys along the Río Hondo. Taos Ski Valley has become a year-round destination attracting visitors in all four seasons.
TSV home sale price range: Low/High- $1,250,000 (one sale)
TSV condo sale price range: Low $190,000 - High $1,937,000
Valdez home sale price range: Low $50,000 - High $2,625,000
TAOS CANYON, CAÑÓN
Hiking trails, campgrounds and extensive mountain views abound in this pristine setting positioned along the Río Fernando.
Taos Canyon Home sale price: Low $270,000 - High $785,000
TAOS COUNTRY CLUB, STAKEOUT AREA
Home to ‘Outlaw Hill’ where Old West outlaws hid from authorities within the thickness of the piñon and juniper trees, this area affords expansive mountain views. Home sale price range: Low $470,000 - High $2,800,000
Home sale price range: Low $175,000 - High $1,235,000
EL PRADO, RANCHITOS, CÓRDOVAS
The rich meadowlands of El Prado abuts the town of Taos and is replete with shops, a gallery, cafés and restaurants. The neighboring residential areas of Ranchitos and Los Córdovas are similar in style and landscape and all have awe-inspiring views of Taos Mountain
El Prado home sale price range: Low $231,000 - High $1,339,000 Ranchitos home sale price range: Low $240,000 - High $840,000 Córdovas home sale price range: Low $470,000 - High $490,000
VALLE ESCONDIDO
20 minutes east of Taos, this community surrounded by the Carson National Forest offers year-round recreation including hiking, hunting, camping, mountain biking and ATV trails. The area appeals to full- and part-time residents who enjoy an active community lifestyle with a swimming pool, golf course and playground.
Home sale price range: Low $269,500 - High $475,000
ANGEL FIRE
Cradled in the majestic Moreno Valley, this town is home to a nationally recognized charter school and is a popular year-round destination for skiers, golfers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
Home sale price range: $160,000 - High $1,029,900
RED RIVER
The river of the same name runs through this picturesque town surrounded by the Carson National Forest. This traditional ski town invites travelers and tourists to stay, ski and enjoy the variety of shops and restaurants.
Home sale price range: Low $59,000 - High $1,850,000
QUESTA
Located at the ingress/egress point of the neighboring town of Red River, this agricultural town at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains hosts a popular seasonal farmer’s market and has shops and restaurants.
Home sale price range: Low $55,000 - High $750,000
TOWN OF TAOS
COMMUNITY PROFILE
The 5.4 square miles of incorporated town of Taos spreads out beneath the shadow of Pueblo Peak (12,305) and is bounded roughly by the Río Lucero on the north and Río Grande de Ranchos on the south. At 7,000 feet in elevation, Taos experiences winter lows in the single digits and summer highs in the low 90s.
Taos Puebloans inhabited the sage-piñón-juniper mountain front for several centuries before Spanish explorers arrived around 1600. Soon, Spanish settlers returned, armed with land grant decrees from the king. The central Plaza became the hub of activity and the site of conflicts – often bloody –between the Spanish, natives, and late-arriving Americans. Long isolated from the outside world, Taos began to grow in the 1960s with an influx of hippies to nearby communities. Taos continues to grow to this day with young ski bums and rafters and older retirees.
Commercial activity centers on the Plaza area and along north and south ends of Paseo del Pueblo, the main thoroughfare. A popular home for Southwest artists, Taos boasts dozens of galleries, boutiques, and craft shops – plus renowned studio tours and arts and crafts festivals. Dozens of restaurants serve up wide varieties of cuisine; the Northern New Mexico red-sauce dishes are celebrated. Just south of town in Ranchos de Taos sits St. Francis de Asís Catholic Church, reputed to be the most photographed church in America. The Catholic influence can be seen in the cemeteries, roadside descansos, and neighborhood churches called capillas and moradas. The locals speak a patois of English and Castilian Spanish.
As the county seat, Taos is home to the county government and district courts. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have a strong presence in town. On the outskirts of town, pastures, fields, and gardens irrigated by ancestral acequias extend out from the rivers and streams.
POPULATION
Estimated 2020: 6,474
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
TAXES
Gross Receipts Tax 8.6875 percent
Lodgers Tax 5.00 percent
Residential Tax Rate 19.182 mills
Source: New Mexico Tax & Revenue Dept.; Taos County Assessor’s Office
SCHOOLS/HIGHER ED
Taos Municipal School District
Ranchos Elementary, Enos García Elementary, Arroyos del Norte Elementary, Taos Middle School, Taos High School, Taos Cyber Magnet
Charter schools: Taos Charter School, Anansi Charter School, Vista Grande High School, Taos Integrated School for the Arts, Taos Academy Charter School, Taos International School
Higher education: University of New Mexico-Taos
PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES
Taos Youth and Family Center, taosyouth.com, (575)758-4160, with game roiom, video games, swimming pool, ice rink; Fred Baca Park, Kit Carson Park Athletics, Taos Eco-Park (soccer, lacrosse); Hiking/Biking Carson National Forest, fs.usda.gov/carson, (575) 758-6200; Bureau of Land Management, Taos Field Office, (575) 758-8851; Ute Mountain
and Río Grande del Norte National Monument; popular trails include Devisadero Loop, South Boundary Trail, Rim Trail
Taos Ski Valley sits at the head of the Rio Hondo Canyon, surrounded by Carson National Forest in what is known as the La Cal Basin. New Mexico’s highest point, Wheeler Peak (13,167), rises to the east, and the ridge off Kachina Peak (12,481) sets the western boundary. The climate is montane and alpine, with winter lows below zero and summer highs in the 70s.
The economy of the area is dominated by Taos Ski Valley, a world-class winter sports mountain that is known for its steep trails and an average of 300 inches of snowfall. The basin first attracted settlement when gold and copper were discovered in the early 1900s.
Founders Ernie and Rhoda Blake put up the first ski lift in 1956 and, until 2013, the family owned the resort. In 2013, the family sold the mountain and facilities to former hedge fund manager Louis Bacon, who began upgrades and renovations starting with the 2014 construction of the Kachina Peak chairlift.
The base area, at 9,200 feet elevation, includes day and overnight facilities. The mountain has 15 lifts and 110 trails, with a total vertical drop of more than 3,000 feet. Typically, about 250,000 skiers
and snowboarders hit the slopes every year. Other winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country and back-country skiing, and tubing. In the summer, the main chairlift takes hikers, mountain bikers and sightseers to mid-mountain.
The Village of Taos Ski Valley, incorporated in 1996, encompasses 2.3 square miles in the valley and administers municipal services, such as water, sewer, and police.
POPULATION
Estimated 2019
56 year-round; up to 4,000 seasonal (winter)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Village of Taos Ski Valley Master Plan
TAXES
Gross Receipts Tax Rate 9.4375 percent
Lodgers Tax Rate 5.0 percent
Residential Property Tax 25.728 mills
Sources: New Mexico Tax & Revenue Dept.; Taos County Assessor’s Office
SCHOOLS/HIGHER ED
None; area within Taos Municipal School District
PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES
Hiking/Mountain Biking/X-C Carson National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/ carson, (575) 758-6200; popular trails include Williams Lake Trail, Bull ‘O The Woods Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Yerba Canyon Trail, Gavilan Canyon Trail.
Fishing: Rio Hondo, Lake Fork
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Mayor and four-member village council, staggered four-year terms; village administrator
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
TSV daily shuttle to Santa Fe and Albuquerque airports (800) 776-1111 (Winter Only)
North Central Regional Transit District regional service, (505) 629-4725 or (866) 206-0754, ncrtd.org
HEALTH SERVICES
Mogul Medical Urgent Care open during ski season only; mogulmedical.com, (505) 776-8421
DRIVING DISTANCES
Taos 19 miles
Santa Fe 87 miles
Albuquerque 149 miles
Denver 297 miles
Oklahoma City 543 miles
Dallas 693 miles
RED RIVER
COMMUNITY PROFILE
The town of Red River bustles along the Red River, a mountain tributary to the Rio Grande. The settlement’s elevation is 8,750 feet, and it’s surrounded by Carson National Forest and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The climate ranges from winter lows below 0 to summer highs in the 70s. Thunderstorms often roll through on summer afternoons.
Gold miners first settled the area in the mid-1800s. These days, the local economy relies upon winter tourists who ski and snowboard, plus summer tourists who come to hike, mountain bike, drive ATVs and relax in the cool temperatures. Some 1,200 seasonal homes house many of these visitors.
Red River Ski Area rises to the south of town with a vertical drop of 1,600 feet. The mountain includes 58 trails and six lifts on 290 acres and typically attracts more than 120,000 ticket buyers in a winter season. The ski area offers a popular Aerial Ropes Course and the Pioneer Flyer, a small seated-type zip line. In the summer, lifts run for mountain bikers, hikers, and sightseers.
For a fee, wintertime enthusiasts can explore the 21 miles of groomed skiing and snowshoeing trails at Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Area, located 3 miles east of town. In town, private rental services lease out snowmobiles and ATVs, and horse trail-riding is a popular summer activity.
The town of Red River administers municipal services for residents, visitors and nearly 200 businesses in the community. The town hosts a number of popular summertime events, beginning with the three-day Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally that typically attracts more than 20,000 motorcyclists for the long weekend.
POPULATION
Estimated Red River 2020
465 year-round; approx. 4,000 seasonal
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Red River Comprehensive Plan
TAXES
Gross Receipts Tax 8.8125 percent
Lodgers Tax 5 percent
Residential Tax Rate 18.191 mills
Source: New Mexico Tax & Revenue Dept.; Taos County
Assessor’s Office
SCHOOLS/HIGHER ED
Questa Independent School District
Red River Valley Charter School, Alta Vista Elementary & Intermediate, Questa Junior/Senior High School, Roots and Wings Community Charter School Cimarrón Municipal Schools Eagle Nest Elementary/Middle School, Cimarrón High School, Moreno Valley High School (Angel Fire charter)
PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES
General Brandenburg Park, Toni Woerndle Park, Mallette Park, Red River Softball Field/Park
Hiking/Biking/ATV-Snowmobiling Carson National Forest, fs.usda.gov/carson, (575) 758-6200; popular trails including Red River Nature Trail, Columbine Trail, Sawmill Park Trail, Middlefork Trail, Goose Creek Trail
Fishing Red River; Cimarron River, Town Ponds
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Mayor/Town Council and Town Administrator, with mayor and four councilors serving four-year, staggered terms; redriver.org, (575) 754-2277
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Red River Miner’s Transit Free year-round, door-to-door service, redriver.org/public-transit, (575) 770-5959
Red River Heliport, (575) 754-2277
North Central Regional Transportation District (NCRTD) Free, year-round Blue Bus service, twice daily connection with Questa-Taos route, (505) 629-4725 or (866) 206-0754, ncrtd.org
HEALTH SERVICES
Main Street Medical Center, 305 Pioneer Road, (575) 754-6330: Family health.
UltiMed Clinic (winter only), ski mountain urgent care, located in Lift House building of the Red River Ski Area, 200-A Pioneer Road; ultimed.com/ pages/red.html, (575) 754-1773
DISTANCES
Taos 36 miles
Santa Fe 106 miles
Albuquerque 165 miles
Denver 275 miles
Dallas 648 miles
Oklahoma City 511 miles
ANGEL FIRE
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Angel Fire is located at an elevation of 8,382 feet above sea level in the high Moreno Valley of Colfax County. The climate mirrors the Rocky Mountain setting that includes some of the highest peaks in New Mexico. In winter, about 210 inches of snow typically fall on Angel Fire, and average temperatures range between 0 and 30 degrees. Summertime highs rarely exceed 80 degrees, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cool off midday temperatures.
Originally a favored hunting ground for the Utes, the Moreno Valley grew in the 1860s with the discovery of gold. Ranching dominated the local scene until the 1960s when the first ski runs of Angel Fire Resort were cut on Agua Fria Peak. Tourism fuels the local economy although several large, working ranches still operate in the area.
Surrounded by U.S. National Forest and private ranches, the incorporated village of Angel Fire covers 18,450 acres. The village includes the general aviation Colfax County Airport and the Angel Fire Ski & Golf Resort, a private membership community overseen by the Association of Angel Fire Property Owners. The resort has more than 2,000 private homes, a 500-acre ski and snowboard mountain, a destination zip line, a championship golf course, country club, fishing lake and other amenities for member-landowners. Nonmembers can pay to use most resort facilities.
POPULATION
Estimated Angel Fire
1,192 year-round; seasonal approx. 10,000 wintertime and 3,000 summertime
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Village Clerk
TAXES
Gross Receipts Tax 7.7708 percent
Lodger’s Tax 5.00 percent
Sports & Recreation Fee 2.4 percent
Residential Tax Rate 27.375 mills
Sources: N.M. Dept. of Revenue; New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration; Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce
SCHOOLS
Cimarrón Municipal School District
Cimarrón Elementary/Middle School; Eagle Nest Elementary/Middle School; Cimarrón High School; Moreno Valley High School
PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES
Hiking/Biking/Snowmobiling
Carson National Forest, fs.usda.gov/ carson, (575) 758-6200; Cimarrón Canyon State Park, (575) 3776271; Valle Vidal; popular trails including Sendoro and Bobcat Trails; Elliott Barker Trail Complex; Greenbelt Trails; Oeste Vista; Lake and Lady Slipper trails
Fishing Eagle Nest Lake State Park, (575) 377-1594; Cimarrón State Park, (575) 377-6271; Valle Vidal
Athletics “The Allen Fields,” Angel Fire’s sports complex, hosts soccer, softball, running loop and rugby
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Village Council with four members and mayor, Four-year, staggered terms; angelfirenm.gov
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
None
HEALTH SERVICES
Moreno Valley Health Care Clinic 11 Elliott Barker Road No. A, (575) 377-3301
UltiMed Clinic (winter only)
Ski Patrol Building, Angel Fire Ski Resort (575) 377-1805
DRIVING DISTANCES
Santa Fe 92 miles
Albuquerque 154 miles
Denver 295 miles
Dallas 659 miles
TAOS COUNTY
COMMUNITY PROFILE
The boundaries of Taos County stretch from the Colorado border on the north to the Cañón del Río Grande on the south. Containing 2,203 square miles, the 7,000-foot-high Taos Valley is bounded in the east by the soaring Sangre de Cristos of the southern Rockies and in the west by the lower Tusas Range. The terrain crosses a half-dozen ecological zones, from high-alpine tundra to sage grasslands; thus, weather is often localized. The Río Grande carves a deep gorge down the center of the valley, which is dotted with old volcanic cones and necks.
Tribal members of Picuris Pueblo have lived above the Río Pueblo near Peñasco for centuries. Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States and the northernmost of the 19 Río Grande pueblos. Pueblo history traces back some 1,000 years - centuries before the first Europeans arrived in the late 1500s. These conquistadors claimed the land for Spain, and soon Spanish and Mexican land grantees settled in the Taos area. Ancestral acequias still divert water from seven watersheds along the Sangre de Cristo front into pastures, fields, and orchards.
Roughly 50 percent of Taos County’s 1,444,480 acres is federal land, primarily U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. About 38 percent of the county is private. Native Americans own 4.3 percent, and state lands make up 6.7 percent. Federal lands accommodate hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, ATV and snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. Golfers tee off at Taos Country Club and Valle Escondido; skiers and snowboarders carve up Taos Ski Valley and Sipapu Ski Area.
Government jobs predominate in the local economy and, in the last several decades, tourism has replaced agriculture as a primary economic driver. Real estate and home construction provide revenues and jobs. Visitors come to experience the triculture atmosphere, the hundred-mile views, and adobe stylings - and many return for good. The county is home to a significant number of retirees, many of whom have already purchased second homes. It is also home to several off-thegrid communities west of the Río Grande, including the Earthships of the Greater World Community.
TOWNS, VILLAGES, SETTLEMENTS
Incorporated (population)
Taos (5,967), Questa (1,997), Red River (465), Taos Ski Valley (56)
Census Designated Places: Arroyo Hondo, Arroyo Seco, Costilla, Peñasco, Ranchos de Taos, San Cristobal, Talpa, Vadito
Unincorporated: Amalia, El Prado, Llano Quemado, Ojo Caliente, Pilar, Tres Piedras, Valdez
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, TaosCounty.org
POPULATION
Estimated 2020 population 34,489
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
PUEBLOS
Taos Pueblo Sovereign government, tribal governor with staff of nine, war chief with staff of 12, all serving one-year terms. taospueblo.com
Picuris Pueblo Sovereign government, tribal governor serves two-year term. picurispueblo.org
TAXES
Gross Receipts Tax Rate 7.50 – 9.4375 percent
Residential Tax Rate 11.128 – 28.651
mills (depending upon location)
Source: New Mexico Tax & Revenue Department; Taos County Assessor’s Office
WORKFORCE
Workforce statistics
Civilian labor force 15,006
Employed 13,868
Unemployed 1,442
Unemployment Rate 10.4 percent
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service (2017)
CLIMATE
Month High/Low/Rain (in.)/Snow (in.)
January 40 / 9 / 0.6 / 7.60
February 45 / 15 / .5 / 5.6
March 53 / 23 / 0.8 / 5.3
April 61 / 29 / 0.8 / 2.4
May 71 / 37 / 1.0 / .4
June 81 / 45 / 1.0 / 0
July 85 / 51 / 1.5 / 0
August 82 / 49 / 1.9 / 0
September 76 / 42 / 1.4 / 0
October 65 / 31 / 1.2 / 0.7
November 51 / 20 / 0.8 / 3.9
December 41 / 11 / 0.7 / 8
Annual Average 62 / 32 / 12.33
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Spectacular Views
Beautiful 6 acre lot with spectacular views of the Taos mountains, walking access to the Rio Pueblo, and multiple possibilities for building. Build your dream Taos home with plenty of space to enjoy and watch the incredible sunrises and sunsets throughout the year. There are condo declarant rights which allow the declarant to add any portion of the land to the Rio Pueblo condo development (adjacent to the property), or the new owner can divide the land as designated by county rules and build several homes as allowed by county zoning. There is a walking easement leading to access a Ramada and one can enjoy a quiet relaxing meditation experience and maybe bring a favorite book or fish. Come see the many possibilities for this spacious property yourself! Call Pennie Herrera Wardlow to see this or any other property 575-741-1444 $239,000 MLS 112073
Condo Declarant rights to build. Can connect to nearby shared well. Electricity very close by. HOA is $100 a month, covers road maintenance, trash, snow removal septic including pumping, and well maintenance. A 5 foot easement that goes to the year round Rio Pueblo River. Call Pennie Herrera Wardlow to see this or any other property 575-7411444 $39,000 MLS 112072
Build Your Dream House!
Left to Right: Bobbie Streebe, Linda Knief, Mary Emery, Margaret Romero, Pennie Wardlow, Mary Gugino, Lorraine Oest
Majestic Taos Mountain views
1.13 acre homesite with great views and electricity nearby. Sensible restrictions. Horses allowed. Property has some horse fencing . Develop as rental property or build to suit. Gate at entrance .Call if you would like to walk the lot as owner will put horses up and unlock the gate. Easy access and only 10 minutes to town. Seller is selling adjoining lot for $62,000. Call Pennie Herrera Wardlow to see this or any other property 575-741-1444. $60,000 MLS 111272
On the 8 th Fairway...
Golf Course 3 Acre Building site on the 8th Fairway. Fiber Optic, Electric Transformer, Underground Utilities and a Well Share are all already in place. Just minutes to Historic Downtown. Listed by Mary Gugino 575-770-1850. MLS 111609 priced at $115,000
