Real Estate Weekly - Home » Moving to Southern New Mexico
Southern New Mexico is a place of variety - sand dunes, forests, mountains, and more. In southern New Mexico, you will find a location that is perfect for you.
Alamogordo ~ Cloudcroft ~ Ruidoso ~ Silver City
Alamogordo
Alamogordo, county seat of Otero County, is the metropolitan center of the Tularosa Basin. Alamogordo is a thriving center of 35,000+ residents. The Tularosa Basin is surrounded by the majestic Organ, San Andres, and Sacramento Mountain ranges.
Holloman Air Force Base, the area's largest employer, is located near Alamogordo and is the home of the F-117 Stealth Fighter Wing, the German Air Force in the United States, and the High Speed Test Track. As the birthplace of the U.S. rocket program in the 1940's, White Sands Missile Range now serves as the testing site for numerous Department of Defense programs.
White Sands National Monument is considered one of Alamogordo's most awe-inspiring attractions. Located 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo, the 275 square miles of white gypsum sand dunes never fail to amaze new and returning visitors. During the day, visitors can be seen with sleds, kites, and picnic baskets. During full moons, White Sands stays open late and features a moon walk, which allows visitors to see the sand from an entirely different perspective.
Alamogordo has approximately 350 days of sunshine each year. Winters are comfortable, with temperatures ranging from the 50's to the 60's. The basin averages 15 inches of precipitation per year while the mountain areas average 32 inches of precipitation and 92 inches of snow. Alamogordo is 67 miles from Las Cruces, 48 miles from Ruidoso, and 90 miles from El Paso.
Cloudcroft
Cloudcroft is a small mountain village located in the heart of the Lincoln National Forest with approximately 750 full-time residents. The idyllic mountain town of Cloudcroft is both a popular summer resort and a perfect winter skiing spot. In the summer, Cloudcroft is a refuge from the Southwest Texas and New Mexico heat. In the winter, Cloudcroft becomes a winter wonderland which can be explored while cross-country skiing, snow mobiling, or ice skating.
Burro Street, the main shopping area, has many quaint shops and small inns. Cloudcroft is home to many artists who work in many different disciplines. Their original artworks are available in many of the village shops. One of the major attractions is The Lodge, a historic, mountain-railroad resort. Its popularity results from the resort's Victorian tradition, majestic scenery, and importance in Cloudcroft's history. The Lodge also features a continental cuisine and the ever-elegant Rebecca's Restaurant. Cloudcroft is 50 miles from Ruidoso Downs Racing Track and Casino; 16 miles from the Space Museum, Alameda Park Zoo, and Toy Train Depot in Alamogordo; 40 miles from White Sands National Monument; 150 miles from Carlsbad Caverns; and 90 miles from El Paso and the Mexican border.
Ruidoso
Ruidoso is nestled beneath the Sierra Blanca mountains that tower above the town at 12,003 feet above sea level. The population of Ruidoso is approximately 7,700. This number fluctuates throughout the year; in the winter, numerous skiers come to the slopes, and, in the summer, people come for the horse racing season.
Ruidoso offers many attractions. One of them is Ski Apache, an easily accessible and well-known ski resort. It is open from Thanksgiving through Easter. Ski Apache offers some of the best snow in New Mexico. Trails are open for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. In the summer months, Ruidoso's climate is mild and other attractions, such as golfing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, hunting and fishing, are offered. The tourism-supported economy provides other entertainment including galleries, fine restaurants, museums, and shops. Another attraction is Inn of the Mountain Gods, a resort owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The resort features an eighteen-hole golf course, fine dining, big game hunting, and Casino Apache. Quarter horse and thoroughbred racing is available at Ruidoso Downs. The track runs The All American Futurity, the first quarter horse race to offer a purse of one million dollars. Racing season is held from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ruidoso is located about 125 miles north of El Paso, 115 miles north of Las Cruces, and about 200 miles south of Albuquerque.
Silver City
Silver City's population is roughly 10,000. It is home to many artists, retirees, and naturalists. The artistic influence is readily apparent; many of the homes, even the Victorian ones, have been adorned with sculptures made of car parts. Silver City is a welcoming community. Everyone says "hi," and everyone seems to know everyone.
Silver City's main drag is Bullard Street. The street is named for John Bullard, who opened the first silver mine in Silver City. The street is lined with boutiques, curio shops, tiny homestyle cafes, and art galleries. In 1895, a flood almost destroyed the Main Street, carving a trench approximately a mile long and as deep as 45 feet in some parts. The residents were not discouraged; they called the trench "The Big Ditch" and made a park out of it.
Silver City is the gateway to the Gila National Forest, the City of Rocks, Pinos Altos (a nearby ghost town), the Silver City Museum, and the copper mine. Silver City also hosts an annual, free blues festival that attracts thousands of listeners. Silver City is 112 miles away from Las Cruces and 156 miles away from El Paso.
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