If you’re thinking about moving to the Ruidoso area, either as a full- or part-time resident, our team at Pinnacle Real Estate and Development has some insider tips for you to consider to help you make a decision. Then, if you decide you’re ready to make the leap, we can help you find just the right home to fit your budget and lifestyle.
Here are some things to consider when you’re thinking about moving to Ruidoso.
Ruidoso Weather: Five Seasons
“Ruidoso is truly a one-of-a-kind community,” says Misty Strickland, associate broker with Pinnacle Real Estate and Development. “One of the things I enjoy the most about living in Ruidoso is experiencing all four seasons and all that they have to offer. The winter snows, the fall colors, the spring blooms, and the cool summer days and monsoons. And, occasionally, a fifth season between March and April of New Mexico winds.”
Ruidoso stays cooler than parts of Southern New Mexico set in lower elevations. You can enjoy warm summer days and expect it to be cooled off by monsoons in July and August.
How cold does it get in Ruidoso? The average January temperature is 35 degrees, but the coldest recorded temperature here was -26 degrees!
Things To Do In Ruidoso
Ruidoso is known as “The Year-Round Playground of the Southwest,” and Misty agrees.
“There is absolutely something for everyone to enjoy in Ruidoso,” says Misty, “from mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, skiing, swimming, hunting, Grindstone Lake, the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, boutique shopping, museums, the diverse culture and history of Lincoln County, arts festivals, and outdoor music or just sitting on the porch and enjoying the day.”
Ruidoso has access to excellent trails both throughout the village and in Lincoln National Forest, as well as several lakes to enjoy on a moderately warm summer day. The average daily summer high is in the 70s and that’s why so many tourists retreat to the cool pines during the summer months.
The great weather here makes it the perfect place for a game of golf just about any time of the year and there are several golf courses to explore.
What else can you do? How about taking in a show at the Spencer Theatre, designed by renowned architect Antoine Predock, or Inn of the Mountain Gods? Enjoy some horse racing and betting at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Try out some of the village’s many restaurants and specialty shops. Ruidoso provides great entertainment, festivals, and events for residents and tourists alike.
Wildlife Among Us
Ruidoso is in a forested area, so be aware that there’s plenty of wildlife to spot. For homeowners, that may also mean that raccoons or even bears may come up to your backdoor looking for food in your trash. Animals like elk, deer, and wild horses may cross the road in front of your car or share your yard with you. With elk, deer, turkeys, wild horses, and occasionally some black bears, it’s important to be cognizant and alert, whether you’re a longtime resident or tourist.
Misty jokes that, except for busy holiday weekends, wildlife causes most of the traffic jams in the Village of Ruidoso.!
Life At A Slower Pace
Life in the mountains is more relaxed, and it may take some folks a while to adjust. Everything is closer than in larger towns, and commute times are shorter, except for busy summer weekends when the town can be filled with visitors escaping the heat.
Getting Involved In The Community
New residents may want to get involved in the community through charitable or civic organizations, which are a wonderful way to meet your new neighbors.In addition, Ruidoso has a wonderful faith-based community, with a variety of church options, that is very involved with its members and giving back to others.
Homes In Ruidoso
If you’re thinking about moving to Ruidoso, you want to know what types of homes are available and that’s where Pinnacle Real Estate and Development can help. Ruidoso offers everything from rustic mountain cabins to luxurious homes. You can see homes on the market in Ruidoso and surrounding areas here and see what matches your lifestyle and budget.
If you’re exploring the area as a possible place to live or simply visiting on vacation, you may want to stay in a Ruidoso luxury rental. We can help with that, too!
Working In Ruidoso
The top industries in Ruidoso are service industries (food/beverage, retail, construction, etc.), as well as trade positions in medicine, teaching, electricians, plumbers, and cable/alarm technicians.
Ruidoso is great for those who have the flexibility of working remotely. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you might find exactly what you’re looking for in these mountains.
Healthcare
Whether you have a young family or are a senior, you’ll be looking for medical care. Lincoln County Medical Center, part of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, is a newer facility with a 24-hour emergency room. However, for major medical needs, surgeries, and specialty care, residents are typically referred to hospitals and doctors in Las Cruces, Albuquerque, or El Paso.
Ruidoso is a great place to take a break from the grind and pace of any big city, whether it’s for a day or a new chapter in life. Visit to experience life in the beautiful Sacramento Mountains and Lincoln National Forest. You may never want to leave! Our staff at Pinnacle Real Estate and Development is happy to share our insights about living in Ruidoso. We’re the Your Club Pro in Real Estate. Give us a call or stop by!
