The Luxury Appeal of Albuquerque and Taos

New Mexico has several towns and cities offering residents luxurious lifestyles, whether due to amenities such as top-notch golf courses and country clubs, high-end neighborhoods with stunning homes, or upscale shops and restaurants. Ultimately, high-budget residents in New Mexico can find communities that cater to an upscale way of living with every need considered. Let’s look at Albuquerque and Taos: two New Mexico cities with luxurious features.

Albuquerque is New Mexico’s biggest city and economic center. While it is an affordable place to live, Albuquerque is also known for its lavish lifestyle attractions. The city has busy commercial centers with boutiques, luxury shops, and swanky restaurants. Old Town is one such area, with a historic center that has architecture dating back to the beginning of the 18th century and various local shops. 

Albuquerque’s luxury real estate market is one of the best in the state, with sprawling homes in exclusive communities. Neighborhoods such as Sandia Heights and High Desert showcase the beautiful real estate options the city provides. Sandia Heights is based in the foothills of the Sandia mountains and has gorgeous homes surrounded by natural beauty, and High Desert is a master-planned neighborhood in the city’s Northeast Heights.

Albuquerque also has plenty of upscale country clubs and golf courses that cater to its wealthy residents, including The Canyon Club and Tanoan Country Club. The city has many quality spas and wellness centers for residents looking to pamper themselves as well.

Taos is a small community in New Mexico’s desert, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. While Taos is not a large city, it is a tourist attraction thanks to its historical sites, including Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most well-known examples of adobe architecture in the state. Also, Taos houses many art galleries and museums, giving it a cosmopolitan feel.

Real estate prices in Taos are high, with the median listing price at $549,000 in March 2023, according to Realtor.com. It attracts wealthy buyers due to its picturesque town area, high safety ratings, and stunning homes. Taos has many high-end properties with desert and Pueblo-inspired designs unique to New Mexico. Though the town is small, Taos has appealed to celebrities and business magnates, and many big names having purchased homes in the city.

Taos is a year-round center for outdoor recreation, which is another aspect that makes the city appealing to luxury buyers. Taos hosts one of New Mexico’s most famous ski valleys, comprising several ski resorts, including Taos Ski Valley Resort, Red River Ski Area, and Angel Fire Resort. Additionally, in the summer, hikes through the gorgeous desert trails of Taos are an ideal way to stay active.