Taos' reputation is far larger than the town itself. Located where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains meet the Taos Plateau, the community of 6,000 year-round residents has achieved lasting fame as an artists retreat and a ski resort. Though the town was founded in 1615 as a Spanish colonial outpost and trading hub, its history stretches back much further: The adobe dwellings of Taos Pueblo, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years. Modern Taos started to take shape around 1900, when the Taos Society of Artists was founded and the Taos art colony came into being. More than a century later, the local art scene is still a core part of life in Taos. In the 1950s, ski resorts began to open in the area, drawing thousands of tourists from Texas and Oklahoma. More recently, Taos reinvented itself yet again, this time as an adventure destination offering rock climbing, river rafting, fly fishing, and countless trails for hiking and horseback riding. "You get a real mix of people around here," says broker John Johnston of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Taos. "A lot of retirees come from Oklahoma and Texas to enjoy the scenery and the slower pace of life. A lot of people are here for the art. And then there are younger people who come because they can ski all winter and hike all summer. But it's a pretty small community, and everyone is kind of tied together by how much they love the place."
Taos
Located in Taos County
Homes
Taos architecture is defined by adobe, a distinct aesthetic found across many homes and structures in the Southwest. Housing options range from historic, thick-walled adobes — some dating back hundreds of years — to more contemporary construction that opts for frame and stucco. Ranches and larger, more secluded properties can be found in the outlying areas. A number of properties in the area are used as second homes or seasonal rentals, which has helped drive up housing prices in recent years. Condos and older homes in Taos generally sell for $350,000 to $600,000, while larger modern homes, ranches and luxury properties can go for anywhere from $600,000 to $3 million, and occasionally more. Fire risk is a concern in many parts of town, particularly closer to the mountains, which can affect insurance premiums.
Parks
City parks around town offer walking paths, athletic fields and playgrounds. The most notable is Kit Carson Park, home to the gravesite and memorial for the legendary frontiersman. The park also hosts community events and live music during the summer months. However, most Taos residents venture farther afield for adventure. "There's just so much to do, it's actually hard to list," Johnston says. "You've got hiking, rock climbing, rafting, historic pueblos, art galleries, multiple ski resorts. I'm not sure if there's another town this size with as much to do, especially if you like the outdoors." Carson National Forest covers the mountains east of town and offers numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding as well as areas for fishing and camping. Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet, is just northeast of Taos and home to Taos Ski Valley, one of four ski resorts within 20 minutes of town. Just west of town, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument features hot springs and scenic cliffside hikes along the Rio Grande Gorge. Those looking for a more manicured outdoor experience can visit the Taos Country Club, which includes an 18-hole golf course just south of town.
Shopping and Dining
Taos Plaza has been the center of town for centuries, and it is still the heart of the local retail scene. The Plaza is home to an assortment of boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Supermarkets and Walmart can be found along Paseo de Pueblo, the town's major commercial corridor, which runs north-south through the center of town. A variety of dining options can be found around town, including some highly rated Native American restaurants, but Mexican and Southwestern cuisine dominate. Nightlife centers on the Plaza and the surrounding downtown area, which is home to nearly a dozen bars, breweries and wine bars, many featuring live music, especially during tourist season.
Schools
Public schools in town are overseen by the Taos Municipal School District, which receives an overal B-minus grade on Niche and operates three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Taos High School recently celebrated its 100th birthday and offers dual-enrollment courses for college credit at the University of New Mexico's Taos campus on the south side of town. There are also a few charter and private schools around town.
Events
The Fiestas de Taos, held every July at the Taos Plaza, is a longstanding community celebration featuring religious processions, food vendors, and traditional music and dance. Taos Pueblo also observes numerous traditional celebrations throughout the year, such as the San Geronimo Day festivities in late September, offering a glimpse into the Pueblo's rich ceremonial life. Other local events inclue the Fall Arts Festival and the Taos Winter Wine Festival.
Transportation
State Route 68 connects Taos to Española, Los Alamos and the nearest major city, Santa Fe, about 70 miles away. Limited public transportation is provided by the North Central Regional Transit District's "Blue Bus," which offers a few routes within Taos and connections to surrounding communities, including Santa Fe and Española. Taos and Santa Fe have regional airports with limited commercial flights. It's just over 130 miles to Albuquerque's larger international airport.
Agents Specializing in this Area
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Cyndi Gonzalez
Cyndi Gonzalez
Responds QuicklyBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Taos Real Estate 2
(575) 741-2526
99 Total Sales
46 in Taos
$22K - $2.2M Price Range
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The Weeks Group
The Weeks Group
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
(505) 557-1734
98 Total Sales
3 in Taos
$58K - $770K Price Range
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Catherine Moon
Catherine Moon
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
(505) 557-3852
98 Total Sales
8 in Taos
$120K - $2.3M Price Range
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Maria Figliolia
Maria Figliolia
The Lora Company Real Estate
(575) 741-2829
45 Total Sales
21 in Taos
$167K - $1.6M Price Range
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Pennie Herrera Wardlow
Pennie Herrera Wardlow
Taos Real Estate Group, LLC
(575) 741-2835
57 Total Sales
21 in Taos
$50K - $1.7M Price Range
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John Johnston
John Johnston
Responds QuicklyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate
(575) 425-4194
125 Total Sales
31 in Taos
$55K - $920K Price Range
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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