TAOS

Looking for real estate in a cultural paradise? Taos, NM is the place to be.

Seeking: An eclectic village, set against sunset-tinged mountains and high-desert scrub, surrounded by big skies and romantic light.

Found: Taos County, New Mexico, home to over 20 highly-livable communities, ranging in population from 69 (Taos Ski Valley) to about 6,000 (Taos), and full of art galleries, friendly people, and one-of-a-kind shops and cafes.

Taos County comprises 2,200 square miles that have attracted artists for decades, including huge names such as Georgia O’Keefe, Agnes Martin, and Ansel Adams. Travel and Leisure called Taos one of “the world’s prettiest mountain towns,” and it regularly tops best vacation lists at places such as Trip Adviser and U.S. News and World Report.

The area’s unique, human-scaled architecture represents its history. Descendants of Taos Indians still live in an 1,000-year-old pueblo complex that welcomes visitors and is one of only 21 World Heritage Sites in the US. Two-hundred-year-old colonial structures offer a Spanish take on the Indigenous style, while Pueblo Revival buildings and mid-century “earthships” co-exist with ranch houses, contemporary architecture, charming chalets, and more.

Often people vacation in Taos, fall in love, and become residents. If you’re looking to keep the scenery and skip the natural disasters, it’s an excellent choice. The multitude of museums and galleries offer classes and studio tours. You can count on live music, delicious eats, microbreweries, farmers markets, and festivals year round. If you’re a film buff, music fan, artist, aspiring sommelier, or foodie, there’s a festival for you. Each year, the Taos Pueblo holds a dynamic Pow Wow.

Taos Ski Valley is world-renown for everything from expert to bunny slopes and averages an impressive 300 inches of snow a year. In the summer, there’s hiking, paddling, fly fishing, and mountain biking, so you’ll never run out of outdoor options. If you crave alpine forests and personal space but still want to be near a city, check out Taos Canyon. Arroyo Hondo and the Upper Colonias are minutes away from Ski Valley chairlifts, while Angel Fire has a family-friendly vibe and a small but beautiful resort. Des Montes/Valdez is a popular neighborhood, noted for its proximity to the slopes, as well as compact ranches and lush summer greenery. The historic neighborhood of Rancheros includes the famous San Francisco de Asis Church and Ranchos Plaza, a beloved gathering spot since the 18th century. Today the Plaza is surrounded by cafes and boutiques.

With its notable absence of chain stores and its culture of “buy local,” Taos County is a great place to start a business. Got kids? Enroll them in everything from ski lessons to meditation programs. The extraordinary view offered by the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is perfect for a reflective stroll—or a marriage proposal.

If you thrive on creative energy and bohemian vibes, Taos will meet you where you’re at. It’s a move worth considering, wherever you are in your life journey. We’d love to be your Taos Real Estate Guides.