Sonoma Ranch in Las Cruces
June 23, 2008
Sonoma Ranch is a master-planned community in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Sonoma Ranch is a large community comprised of several smaller neighborhoods.
The community is home to the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course, which won a Best New Course nomination from Golf Digest in 2000 and holds a 3-1/2 star ranking in its Places to Play list.
Another convenience of the community is the Sunset Grill Restaurant which is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
A quick search of the Sonoma Ranch MLS yielded roughly 60 available homes priced from the $160,000’s to almost $500,000. In addition to reslae homes, there are three home builders to choose from in Sonoma Ranch: DR Horton, Winston/Flair Homes, and Sonoma Ranch Construction.
Among the many neighborhoods to choose from in Sonoma Ranch, Boulders on the Green stands out as being the most likely fit for retirement community living. According to the community website:
“This gorgeous community in Sonoma Ranch was built exclusively for those looking to retire. The community’s visual qualities are unparalleled throughout the land. The architectual design combines contemporary structure with an old-fashioned aesthetic. If you’re ready to give up the grind, then you found the perfect place to settle down.”
Residents of Boulders on the Green also have exclusive access to a clubhouse, gym, pool, and spa.
Aldea de Santa Fe
June 22, 2008
Aldea de Santa Fe, on the northwest side of Santa Fe, was designed in part by world renowned architect and planner Andres Duany, one of the founding fathers of the movement know as New Urbanism. Andres was brought on to use neo-traditional planning concepts in creating Aldea de Santa Fe.
The result is one of Santa Fe’s most stunning communities. Aldea sits on about 345 acres, 200 of which will remain open space. Like most communities of this kind, each homeowner has deeded ownership in the open space.
The community offers a “village lifestyle” where you are in close proximity to your neighbors. Meaning, if you are looking for a large lot with tons of privacy, you should probably look elsewhere. Aldea de Santa Fe also has a commercial development called Aldea Plaza where there will be restaurants, coffee shops, and more all within walking distance of the homes in the community.
Home types vary widely, as do the prices. There are townhomes, courtyard homes, as well as single-family homes ranging in price from the $300,000’s to over $1 million.
You’ll also be required to pay dues and be a member of the Aldea de Santa Fe HOA. They take care of managing and maintaining the amenities like private Security Service, maintenance of the private roads, open space, parks, and a community building.
Sunrise Bluffs 55+ Retirement Community
June 22, 2008
Sunrise Bluffs is a gated, 55-plus, manufactured home community located 30 minutes south of Albuquerque in the city of Belen, New Mexico. Learn more about the city of Belen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belen,_New_Mexico
There seems to be a stigma associated with manufactured homes, but in most cases these days they are just as nice and just as safe as site built homes and are a less expensive alternative.
Homes for the 240 planned lots here range in size from 1,300 to 2,400 square feet, and there are several floorplans to choose from.
One great feature that is very hard to find these, especially in this price range, is the ability to store an RV on your property. 14 lots in the community’s third phase are approved for RV ports next to your home. There is also an RV storage yard in the community.
Monthly maintenance fees are currently just $75, and according to the Sunrise Bluffs website there have not been any increases of this fee since 2001.
The community also has a clubhouse with a covered swimming pool, exercise room, billiards room, library, full kitchen and more. Check out the community newsletter to get an idea of the types of activities going on in Sunrise Bluffs.
Taos New Mexico Custom Home
May 31, 2008
A true hidden gem near Taos New Mexico. Lavishly landscaped by owner/Master Gardener, this property blends Asian and Southwestern influences to create an inspiring environment for rest and relaxation.
A thriving demonstration garden winds through lush microclimates of perennials, mixed with vegetables, herbs, fruit trees and shrubs.
A secluded corner with outdoor hot tub provides comfort with a view of the sky and Taos Mountain.
An outdoor Japanese tea room, fountain and fish pond add to your relaxation and enjoyment.
Property is 1140 square foot house on .239 acres (approx. 1/5 acre) near the Taos Pueblo, in El Prado, NM (between Taos and the Taos ski basin).
Three bedrooms, two baths with one car carport. Property is currently being used as a guesthouse and retreat.
Asking Price: $289,000
For more information:
505.758.3966
jduncan@newmex.com
http://www.duncanretreat.com
Disclaimer: NewMexicoforBoomers.com has not verified the above information. Use of any information found on our website is at your own risk.
Rainmakers Golf Community in Ruidoso New Mexico
May 11, 2008
If you’re looking for retirement real estate in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico, be sure to take a look at Rainmakers Golf and Recreational Community.
Located in Ruidoso at an elevation of 7,000 feet, you’ll enjoy a true four season climate. Besides the picturesque scenery, the community is very well amenticized with features including a full-service clubhouse with restaurant, lounge, pro shop and locker rooms, an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II golf course, extensive walking, hiking and jogging trails, fitness, tennis and swimming facilities, plus a full-service clubhouse with restaurant and lounge.
Custom home sites range in size from 1/2 acre to 1 1/2 acres and larger. Patio home sites are also available to accommodate smaller homes. Custom home site prices range from $95,000 (sized for patio homes) to $399,000, many with golf or mountain views.
Part II of Our Interview with Doug Rietz
April 13, 2008
Part II of the NewMexicoforBoomers.com interview with Doug Rietz. Read Part I.
What is your best advice for someone who wants to move here?
My advice is to do your research. Scour the internet for information and opinions. Join the various groups on the Duke City Fix and post questions about the area. And most importantly, network with people who live in Albuquerque.
Do you really think Abq is perched on the edge like SF Bay was?
What makes you think that?
I’ve watched the San Francisco Bay Area grow over the last three decades into what it is today. After that experience, and all of the positive news about Albuquerque’s growing job market, venture capital investment and willingness to attract new employers, I am convinced that Albuquerque is where the Bay Area was back in the 1970’s. This is the time for people to get in early on a city that is going to be a Mecca for green technology, nanotechnology and other industries that are going to be vital in the 21st Century. Albuquerque has never seen this type of opportunity before in its 300+ year history.
What other groups are useful for new comers?
In my opinion all of the groups on the Duke City Fix are useful for new comers. The sheer number and diversity of the groups illustrates the number of talented and interesting people that live in city.
What about the Duke City Fix do you find most useful, most surprising or down right questionable? (changed it from my group to the Fix in general)
I really don’t find anything on the Duke City Fix that is questionable. The site is very useful and has become one of the resources that I use to stay on top of the developments in the city.
I also believe that the Duke City Fix is one of the best sites that I’ve seen about any metropolitan area. I love the variety of people who make The Duke City Fix so colorful. And I think everyone in Albuquerque owes Chantal Foster, and the team that keep the site running, a huge “thank you” for creating a forum that reflects well upon the city.
What’s your favorite thing about ABQ?
There is so much to love about the Duke City. When I think about it, I always feel that it’s the people who make the city so special. It’s the diversity in the types of people mixed with three very interesting cultures (Spanish/Mexican, Indian, Anglo) that give our city its flavor. I have never run into a place like the Duke City in my all of my travels.
Least Favorite?
When people try to convince me that change is not good for Albuquerque. I remember the old city and compare it with what I see today and I can’t contain my excitement.
Best activities in Albuquerque for Baby Boomers?
The activities for boomers are endless. The location and climate open up outdoor activities that normally wouldn’t be available year round in other states. The history and culture of New Mexico is not found in any other state and offers all sorts of new learning experiences for the adventurous. For those who have dreamed about exercising their creative side, I can’t think of any place better.
Interview with Doug Rietz - Founder of Moving to the Duke City Group
April 13, 2008
Part I of the NewMexicoforBoomers.com interview with Doug Rietz, the founder of the Moving to the Duke City Group on Duke City Fix.
Background:
- Born in Santa Fe New Mexico and raised in Albuquerque until age 16.
- My family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1978.
- I finished high school in the Bay Area and attended Fresno State University and earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration from the Craig School of Business.
- I have worked in sales for 20 years and have spent the last 17 selling high tech solutions for Silicon Valley based companies.
- Married with no kids but we have Molly the cat.
- My interests vary from history to travel, southwestern culture, sports, food, wine and music.
- My secret for success - I live my life according to the philosophical teachings of the great Yogi Berra (ex-New York Yankee catcher).
Why are you moving back to Albuquerque?
Albuquerque is a perfect fit for what my wife and I are looking for in a major metropolitan area – location, climate, cost of living, job opportunities and lifestyle.
What lead you to choose Albuquerque?
Like many people living in California, we are fed up with the cost of living, pollution and congestion. About 5 years ago we started to look at other places to live outside of the state and were considering Denver, Boise and Salt Lake City. My wife, a native Californian, wondered why we were not looking at Albuquerque. I just assumed that Albuquerque had not changed since the 1970’s. After several trips back and researching the “new” Albuquerque we became convinced that it has more to offer, over the next 3 or 4 decades, than any other city.
Do you visit a lot?
I try to visit relatives and friends at least once a year.
How did you find the Duke City Fix?
In my sales job I am used to being on the internet to prospect for new customers. While I was researching Albuquerque I came across the Duke City Fix and fell in love with the site.
Why did you start the Moving to the Duke City group:
The Duke City Fix recently moved to a Web 2.0 format where users had to join The Duke City Fix. When you register on the site you get your own page. With my own page I can write blogs, build a social network and join or create groups about any topic or interest.
I started the Moving to the Duke City group because I wanted to create a site that could help others get started with their research about Albuquerque.
Continue reading Part II of our interview with Doug
Get Your Albuquerque Information “Fix” at Duke City Fix
April 13, 2008
Among the myriad of Albuquerque web sites, Duke City Fix stands out as one web site that anyone thinking of moving to Albuquerque should visit.
Started in 2005, Duke City Fix is a living, breathing (current) look at the city. Volunteers who write regular columns run the site. Additionally, the site is augmented by active forums where the average citizen can have his say.
The site also hosts groups, where Duke City denizens can network and squawk with each other about their favorite (and not so favorite) things. Ex-residents of the frozen north can band together and reminisce about the snow, and bikers (both kinds), farmers, star-gazers and web geeks can all find a fellow ‘Querque-ians’ with whom to compare notes. Wine-lovers, cooks and poets are among the others who have also claimed a corner in the cyber city site.
From restaurant and art reviews and live music, to politics, city growth, business and general rants and raves, Duke City Fix covers it. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, post a question in a forum or group and someone will answer. (This could be handy for the Boomer trying to track down the best homebrew shop or best spa for a facial*, or anyone wanting to know if the Roswell aliens could be alive and well and living in Albuquerque).
The site owners say, “Duke City Fix is a cityblog by the people, for the people. It’s a place to celebrate the kitschy, the funky, the wild openness, and caballero edge of what was once the rough and tumble West.”
But the question probably remains; why is Albuquerque called the “Duke City”?
Nope, nothing to do with John Wayne westerns.
The Duke City team jokes, “It wouldn’t be a good story if there weren’t at least 3 points of view, would it?”
The most popular theory is that the city was named after Mexican viceroy Francisco Fernandez de la Cueva, the Duke of Albu(r)querque.
For more theories, visit the Why “Duke City” page on the web site.
*By the way, the best spa for a facial (or relaxing massage), in our opinion, is A Great New Day. Check ‘em out when you visit and tell them For Boomers Media sent you.
Next up: A two-part interview with the founder of A Duke City Group: Moving to the Duke City
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We've taken the time to find and organize the best links for the retirement community destinations you're looking for, so you don't have to. Most websites only mention those communities that have paid money to advertise with them. Our goal is to cover all communities, regardless of whether they advertise with us or not.
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