Let the numbers do the talking.
Los Lunas, NM vs Taos, NM
Los Lunas, NM vs Taos, NM: What the data shows
Los Lunas, NM is in Los Lunas, NM while Taos, NM is in Taos, NM — both in the same state. On home prices, Los Lunas, NM is the more affordable option at $189,400 median — $167,800 less than Taos, NM's $357,200. WYLT rates Los Lunas, NM as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Taos, NM as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Taos, NM has the stronger safety profile of the two. Los Lunas, NM has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Taos, NM has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Los Lunas, NM has High flood risk and Taos, NM has Low flood risk.
Taos, NM is the more walkable neighborhood. Los Lunas, NM scores N/A/100 versus Taos, NM's 46/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Los Lunas, NM has the higher school rating — Los Lunas, NM rates 7.1/10 and Taos, NM rates 6.7/10.
| Category | Los Lunas, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $189K ✓ Lower price | $357K |
| Median Rent | $1K | $938 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $59K ✓ Higher income | $54K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 46/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 17/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 18/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 35 min ✓ Shorter commute | 90 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | B ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | High | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.7/10 |
| Best for | Families looking for affordable housingRetirees who prefer a quiet, rural settingRemote workers who can handle the commute | retireesartistsfamilies |
Bottom line
For families with a long commute to work, who value affordability and decent schools, consider Los Lunas over Taos, but with caution due to high flood risk and limited city amenities. For retirees and remote workers who prioritize a quiet, small-town setting, Taos is a relatively safe and solid option despite its drawbacks. Ultimately, Los Lunas is the better choice for working families, while Taos is more suitable for those who can afford the trade-offs.
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