Living in Taos: Facts & Resources
Northern New Mexico is a special place, but what’s it really like being here? If you’ve ever considered visiting or living here, we can help you find answers to your questions.
FACTS:
| Distance to Albuquerque | 130 miles, 2hrs 15 mins |
| To Santa Fe | 70 miles, 1hr 15 mins |
| To Denver | 280 miles, 4hrs 30mins |
| Population of Taos | 5,763 (2016) |
| Population of Taos County | 32,907 (2015) |
| Density | 9.8 persons per square mile (compared to 64 /sq mile avg in U.S.) |
| Size | 1,444,480 acres in Taos County |
| Ownership | 50% Federal, 38.2% Private, 6.7% State, 4.3% Native American |
| Ethnic Composition | 65% Hispanic, 27% Anglo, 7% Native American, 1% Other |
Employment and Wages
Employment opportunities in Taos are primarily in the service industry and wholesale retail. In 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $26,762, and the median income for a family was $33,995. Males had a median income of $27,310 versus $21,121 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,103. About 16.10% of families and 20.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.60% of those under age 18 and 20.80% of those age 65 or over.
Climate
Semi-arid high desert with an average annual rainfall of 12” and average annual snowfall of 35” in the Town of Taos.
Average annual snowfall in Taos Ski Valley of 321”.
70% of possible hours of sunlight.
Government
Town of Taos
The Town of Taos web site is comprehensive, including phone numbers for different departments, town agendas and plans, and location of town services.
400 Camino de la Placita
Taos, N.M. 87571
Phone: (575) 751-2000
Fax: (575) 751-2026
www.taosgov.com
Taos County
The web site is helpful. Go to “Contacts” to find phone numbers for various departments.
105 Albright Street, Suite A,
Taos, New Mexico 87571
Ph: (575) 737-6300
Fax: (575) 737-6314
www.taoscounty.org
Taos County Chamber of Commerce
The Taos Chamber of Commerce is a friendly and most helpful place, located now quite close to the plaza for easy access to information.
108 F Kit Carson Road (Cabot Plaza)
Taos, New Mexico 87571
575-751-8800 (main)
575-751-8801 (fax)
e-mail: info@taoschamber.com
www.taoschamber.com
State of New Mexico
The State of New Mexico main governmental offices are located in Santa Fe on Don Gaspar Avenue. The large web site is user friendly. Just follow the questions and Online Services prompts. For local State departments and services, go to the blue pages in Names and Numbers. 1-800-825-6639 for State Agencies and Departments
Where do I send my kids to school?
Public Schools
Taos Municipal Schools Administration
213 Paseo del Canon
Taos, NM 87571
(575) 758-5200
www.taosschools.org
Arroyos del Norte Elementary
(575) 737-6175
www.taosschools.org
Enos Garcia Elementary
305 Don Fernando
Taos, NM 87571
(575) 737-6070
www.taosschools.org
Ranchos Elementary School
200 Sanders Lane
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557
(575) 737-6150
www.taosschools.org
Taos Middle School
235 Paseo del Cañon
Taos, NM 87571
(575) 737-6000
www.taosschools.org
Taos High School
134 Cervantes Street
Taos, NM 87571
(575) 751-8000
www.taosschools.org
Private Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary
Anansi Day School Pre-School (575) 776-5711
Country Day School Age 4-6 (575) 751-7750
Leaping Lizards Preschool Age 2-Kindergarten (575) 758-1311
Headstart in the Taos area, Llano Quemado, San Cristobal and Taos Pueblo
San Francisco de Asis Catholic School (575) 758-1236
Noah’s Ark Christian Preschool (575) 758-7444
Taos Christian Academy K-8 (575) 758-4155
Taos Valley Baptist School K-4, K-5, grades 1-8 (575) 758-1886
Los Angelitos Early Childhood Services (for handicapped children from 0-3 years)
Private Middle and High School
Chamisa Mesa High School (575) 751-0943
New Visions School (575) 751-3922
San Francisco de Asis Catholic School
Taos Baptist Christian School
Taos Christian Academy through 12th grade
THE MOTHER DITCH
The Acequia Madre del Rio Pueblo encircles the heart of Taos, winding it’s way for more than five miles from Taos Pueblo, skirting the downtown and swooping through the Canon on it’s way to Fred Back Park. It’s a Critical Artery that spreads water across the valley floor making the Taos Valley the high-desert oasis we all love.
Learn more about the history of this vital life source in Taos and how to protect it.
CLICK HERE
Higher Education Options
Northern New Mexico Community College
Taos campus (575) 758-9369
Espanola (575) 747-2100 [45 minute commute]
El Rito (575) 587-4100 [45 minute commute]
University of New Mexico
Taos campus (575) 758-7667
www.unm.edu
El Valle Technologies
Offers computer training for adults (575) 758-8228
Southern Methodist University (575) 758-8322
Check the “Tempo” for weekly listings of classes in Aikido, Belly-Dancing, Gardening, Dreams, Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement, Jazzercise, Yoga, Taiji and Qigong, Taekwondo (Adults and Children), Meditation, Wilderness and other areas of interest.
My name is Pavel Lukes and I am Broker/Owner of Dreamcatcher Real Estate Co. Inc. You can reach me at 575-770-1116 or pavel@taosnewmexico.com.
