Ruidoso (Santa Fe: good hotel, home, camping)

[mexiko41]

We are thinking of moving to Ruidoso NM in the Fall. Currently in Norcal for 7 years and CO for 18 prior to that. Love Mts and would like a home overlooking a lake. Housing seems very reasonable and climate same as here.
Any input?

Thanks
LarryC

[Mark S.]

Ruidoso is very much a tourist town --- skiiing in winter, horseracing, camping, and gambling. Many, many local businesses are owned by Texans, and there is a bit of tension over that among locals. Sometimes you'll hear Texans referred to as "Tex-asses" around town.

Warm in the summer. Cold in winter.

They do sometimes suffer from drought conditions. (It is NM after all.) When I was last there three years ago in summer, the mountains were all brown and the air dusty because they'd had no rain in months. Forest fires become a major concern when that happens.

[ontheroad]

Yes, Ruidoso, is a tourist town but it does have a large number of year-long residents, some of whom have lived there 2-3 generations.

I made a visit in June and was unfortunately not able to get good hotel accommodations--which speaks well for their tourist trade, but not for my comfort.

However, one acquaintance lives there year-long, is retired, paints, and loves it. He travels into Santa Fe once or twice a year for some of the pleasures he can't find locally.

I'd say, make a visit and check it out for yourself, we all have such different standards, likes and dislikes, and only you can judge what meets your needs.

Good luck! We're hearing about a storm coming our way and happy holidays.