Sunday, 20 March 2011

Unique Housing Keeps the Real Estate Market in Taos, NM on an Even Keel

By Stephen Daniels


The economic downturn that began in 2007 continues to affect the global economy today. One of the biggest industries hurt by the downturn and still struggling to find a bottom is the housing market. There are, however, just a few exceptions and one of the most remarkable of these is the Taos, NM real estate market. Values in this delightfully diverse high desert town have held almost steady the past few years and are, in fact, currently still higher than the national average of comparative residences.

With an average of 280 days of sunny weather annually, together with low humidity and impressive scenery, National Geographic has named Taos as number thirteen of the 133 best places to visit. It's a haven for retirees and travelers alike, as both permanent residences, as attested by the listings of Taos real estate for sale, and as vacation rentals.

Taos condos are especially desirable for ski vacations; Taos Ski Valley was branded the second best ski area in the united states, according to Travel Guidepost. White-water rafting in the Taos Box region is a major draw for summer visitors, while the 15th Century Pueblo, Kit Carson Park, and the many museums and art galleries attract international tourists throughout the year.

By far one of the most intriguing aspects of Taos, NM real estate is the great variety of design styles. Old adobe buildings like the Taos Pueblo have been continuously inhabited for six centuries, in contrast to the forward-looking Earth ships which were conceived locally and are proliferating in the area. Many of these fascinating homes can be rented for short periods or found in the listings of Taos real estate for sale.

The majority of the eco-responsible homes in this area are completely off the grid, producing their own electrical power from solar and wind, their water from rain and snow melt and their heating and cooling from the earth itself. Residents grow their own food both inside the dwellings and on the grounds adjoining them, irrigating crops with recycled water through a series of filtering systems.

The eclectic nature of the town and surrounding area attracts both the gregarious and those who would rather be left alone. The breathtaking vistas and salubrious climatic conditions have been inspiring artists and writers since the original inhabitants embellished their adobe pueblos with artwork depicting the surrounding mountains and native wildlife. Since that time, Taos has developed into a flourishing artists' colony, inspiring such well-known names as D.H. Lawrence and Georgia O'Keeffe to do some of their most outstanding work. The large number of galleries in and around Taos attests to its ongoing allure to those with a creative bent.

Unique in so many ways, it's no wonder that many visitors to Taos opt to remain and purchase permanent or vacation homes. Aside from the distinctive ambiance, prudent buyers know that Taos, NM real estate is a sound investment that will more than likely continue to hold its value well into the foreseeable future.

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