| Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? |
| Weather in Taos is widely varied, with hot dry summers and very cold winters. Summer temperatures average in the mid to upper 80's, with an occasional day in the 90's. The dry desert air makes the temperatures much more comfortable than areas with more humid climates. There is some earthquake danger in the area though it is infrequent. Winters in Taos feel bitterly cold, with temperatures in the single and sometimes negative digits. The city can receive anywhere from 4 to 8 inches of the white stuff during winter months. | | Taos definitely has no reputation as a safe city, with crime rates higher than the US average. Thefts by far make up the majority of crime in the city, from personal property and home theft to robberies of retail businesses. A small number of thefts are auto and motorcycle thefts. A contributing factor in these crime numbers is the stark contrast between the city's very wealthy and very poor. Violent crime is also high in Taos: assaults are most common, followed by smaller but very concerning numbers of rape and murder. | | The most desirable areas in Taos are located in the southern part of the city, in the neighborhoods of Ranchos de Taos, Talpa, Canon, and Los Cordovas. The expansive and beautiful homes in these areas are located near the town center with adjacent shopping and restaurants. They also have convenient access to several popular ski resorts.
Less desirable areas are in the northwestern region, near Siler and Dolan streets. The homes in this area are much smaller and lower in value, and there are a good number of manufactured homes and trailers. The nearby Interstate 15 is a deterrent to many buyers. | | The people of Taos are a diverse population. There are nearly as many Native Americans as whites, as well as a sizable Hispanic background. The town is a small community of mainly white-collar folks: artists, young professionals, and a good number of well-known celebrities. While Taos' home and vacation property values are among the highest in the state of New Mexico, these resorts sit in close proximity to the more humble and trashy dwellings. Similarly, Taos' residents are a blend of the well-educated and wealthy with the uneducated and low-income. |
| Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life |
| The downtown plaza and shopping in Taos are one of a kind. You'll find unique artifacts and handmade wares here that you won't find anywhere else in the world. | | Guadalajara Grill offers great authentic Mexican cuisine. The Love Apple is a trendy spot offering made to order burgers and sandwiches. | | Taos has several public schools, in addition to charter and private schools, which are at or above US average. | | There are opportunities for singles in Taos, with its abundance of galleries, theaters, and restaurants. Singles may find more opportunities by traveling to Santa Fe or Albuquerque. |
| Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions |
| Noise in Taos comes from Interstate 15 and tourist traffic, as well as nearby ski resorts. | | Any comparison of towns is always purely subjective. However one might argue that Taos is a better place to live than Albuquerque. Albuquerque is a much larger, noisier city with much more pollution than found in Taos. Albuquerque also has much more traffic than Taos, where many artists work from home or telecommute.
The capital city of Santa Fe could be considered a superior location to Taos. Santa Fe's crime rate, while not low, is still lower than Taos'. Santa Fe also has a greater supply of real estate with more affordable property values.
| | Holy Cross Hospital provides excellent inpatient and emergency care services, though more critical patients are usually transported to Albuquerque. | | The Taos Pueblo, Art Colony, and Taos Plaza are all interesting districts to visit. There are over 80 art galleries in town, and several performing arts buildings. There are also endless outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, golfing, horseback riding, and skiing. |
| General comments | | | | | | |
| Despite the contradiction between rich and poor here, the feeling one gets in Taos is one of fascination and awe. The rich culture and heritage of this southwestern town draws many to its borders and inspires unique artistry. It feels like the kind of place you just want to explore, from the walls of the ancient Taos Pueblo to the banks of the mighty Rio Grande River. The performing arts, outdoor recreation and distinct southwestern flavor of Taos make it one of the most popular New Mexican destinations. | | | | | | |
