Welcome to New Mexico

[bebewanna]

Well we made it..... New Mexico

Let me start by saying the 1500 mile trip in a minivan 300lbs over GVWR was at times a breathtaking experience. I have been on the same roads, some 2 lane that were maybe 50-55mph. At 65 it was not pleasant. Some turns at those speeds, well you just slow down. But we made it. Car did fine, but it does have a squeak in right front wheel, I will have to sort.

It is nice to relax and not worry about Govt. or tourists...

The photo is the property and part of the great views. I am at the spot where the hill plateaus and nothing between us and snow capped peaks.
The road from HWY 64...well horrible does not do it justice lol. But really only about 1/2 mile is really bad. The rest is just bumpy.
Sadly only a few hours after we arrived, Daddys girl cat wandered off and never to be seen again. 2, the first day gone.
We were in the van over a year parking in different spots, nobody wandered off. Nothing hauled them off but this place looks the same for miles and getting lost past shouting distance is a mistake.. Damn cats will always break your heart.
The property itself is OK. Lots more trees than Google showed. The monsoon should be fun with the lava/Adobe dirt but everything has a down side.
Google did not however show neighbors at the corner of the lot. 8 of them living on 1/2 acre and the trash pile to match.
They had a trail cutting my lot down the middle corner to corner to get to friends down the road. After 2 days of neverending traffic and 9pm scattering the Cats, that was it. I tried with that edumucation my Dad paid for to nicely discuss the trail. But that was not to be. After listening to 2 drama queens screaming at me over their believed entitlement to my land. The trail is closed. He tried Mr retired military to intimidate me and ended up walking off when he could see verbally he was going to lose and the Pittsburgh kid was amused and not the least bit scared, screaming stay off my property or I will call the police lmao... I had to bite my tongue to not comment I didn't have any interest in rats. No big deal trees are thick and we are on different roads. Another guy lives further up said they are always unhappy lol... Oh well I could tell.

I am happy with the lot, for the $2900. I did OK. I need some driveway gravel and a few hundred feet of fencing. Maybe daily 2 cars go by on both roads, so it's quite peaceful.
Nobody from the Govt is coming here to harass me. 2 miles below along 64 is like a refugee paradise. So no worries living here. Winter may be different at 8050 feet. I had to but a $60 cell booster from ebay with yagi antenna for 700mhz. Now 4 bars, yipeeeeeee.
Uses 2 amps at 12v, but what can you do. Football season is coming lol

Guy above wants to help me build a small earthship house. I have not seen his place. But I would do that. The famous earthship community is between here and Taos.

I don't mind van living. But I realized I do like to know where home is.

And the fire photo.... The earth here is cracking it is so dry. Dry dead sage everywhere just waiting to burn. Dry and windy and dusty... Both photos are my property.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Looks like you are in or near the Taos Valley/Taos County area. Yes, winters there can be cold and snowy but you have wheels and can venture south to BLM/NF land or out to Quartzsite in the winter.

When you get the time, go take a a look at the earthship visitor area...it might give you some ideas.

 

[bebewanna]

Looks like you are in or near the Taos Valley/Taos County area. Yes, winters there can be cold and snowy but you have wheels and can venture south to BLM/NF land or out to Quartzsite in the winter.

When you get the time, go take a a look at the earthship visitor area...it might give you some ideas.

I am only several miles west of the earthship visitor area in Taos County. I have not yet stopped but lots of examples just going by. One very small clamshell looking one is about my speed. I really only need like a one room or small place.

Yes gets really cold here in the winter. I have been here when I froze just walking to car from hotel. It's the wind too. I have done 20s temps in van no issues but 5f with wind is a new story

 

[AmargosaWayne]

"Guy above wants to help me" ... God wants to help you build an earthship?

I did keep reading to get the correct context.

 

[Frood]

"Guy above wants to help me" ... God wants to help you build an earthship?

I did keep reading to get the correct context.

I think he is referring to the "Guy above him on a hill"...

 

[AmargosaWayne]

You didn't read the last line of a two line post.

"I did keep reading to get the correct context."

 

[Frood]

You didn't read the last line of a two line post.

"I did keep reading to get the correct context."

Oops. I did read it. I'm kind of shocked at how badly I miscomprehended it's meaning until
reading your reply. My apologies.

 

[JDub]

Here's a link for a guy in SE AZ who has built up a nice little homestead from scratch in a place very similar to yours. Might have some useful info. He's outside St Johns. What's your water situation?

Best of luck!

http://joelsgulch.com/

 

[GoingMobile]

I'm curious about that area. I sometimes peruse craigslist / Santa Fe/Taos to get a sense of housing and land and see cheap parcels in that area. Always wondered what that would be like, I think the neighbors you encountered are one of the things I might expect, which gives me pause about putting anything on the property of any value I wouldn't be there 24/7 to keep an eye on.

I had participated in art exhibitions in nearby Taos for 6 years in a row. It has an interesting history of art and after I retire next year I'd like to build a studio somewhere in the area. Housing situations and prices seem to vary widely, from low cost to very high, and sometimes with a lot of restrictions as to the size and type of structure. Taos itself is pretty pricy.

Do you ever plan to build or move any type of structure to your land? Or is it mostly for the purposes of residency, domicile, and having a place to camp in your van? The latter in itself seems a decent value for that price. I like the idea of the earthships, I don't think at my age my body would stand up to the rigors of ramming earth, and I'm not sure it would be practical as a work space for me, which is my primary need. But if I build something I'd like to know I wouldn't run into zoning and permitting issues, or have anything of value immediately go missing when I was elsewhere.

I'm curious to know what your plans are and how this situation works out for you. Best regards.

 

[beachy]

I'm curious about that area. I sometimes peruse craigslist / Santa Fe/Taos to get a sense of housing and land and see cheap parcels in that area. Always wondered what that would be like, I think the neighbors you encountered are one of the things I might expect, which gives me pause about putting anything on the property of any value I wouldn't be there 24/7 to keep an eye on.

I had participated in art exhibitions in nearby Taos for 6 years in a row. It has an interesting history of art and after I retire next year I'd like to build a studio somewhere in the area. Housing situations and prices seem to vary widely, from low cost to very high, and sometimes with a lot of restrictions as to the size and type of structure. Taos itself is pretty pricy.

Do you ever plan to build or move any type of structure to your land? Or is it mostly for the purposes of residency, domicile, and having a place to camp in your van? The latter in itself seems a decent value for that price. I like the idea of the earthships, I don't think at my age my body would stand up to the rigors of ramming earth, and I'm not sure it would be practical as a work space for me, which is my primary need. But if I build something I'd like to know I wouldn't run into zoning and permitting issues, or have anything of value immediately go missing when I was elsewhere.

I'm curious to know what your plans are and how this situation works out for you. Best regards.

You should be sure to check out the water situation before you buy land there. As I understand it you cannot drill a water well without permission from the State and that is hard to get. That may be the reason for cheap land. I owned a parcel near Cuba NM but no water was available.

 

[bebewanna]

Here's a link for a guy in SE AZ who has built up a nice little homestead from scratch in a place very similar to yours. Might have some useful info. He's outside St Johns. What's your water situation?

Best of luck!

http://joelsgulch.com/

Buying water at 35 cents a gallon. It's just short of 2 miles from highway to here and about 1/2 mile is pretty bad so water is heavy and I am keeping about 25 gallons at a time... Using like 12 a week for now.

Thanks I will look at that

 

[bebewanna]

I'm curious about that area. I sometimes peruse craigslist / Santa Fe/Taos to get a sense of housing and land and see cheap parcels in that area. Always wondered what that would be like, I think the neighbors you encountered are one of the things I might expect, which gives me pause about putting anything on the property of any value I wouldn't be there 24/7 to keep an eye on.

I had participated in art exhibitions in nearby Taos for 6 years in a row. It has an interesting history of art and after I retire next year I'd like to build a studio somewhere in the area. Housing situations and prices seem to vary widely, from low cost to very high, and sometimes with a lot of restrictions as to the size and type of structure. Taos itself is pretty pricy.

Do you ever plan to build or move any type of structure to your land? Or is it mostly for the purposes of residency, domicile, and having a place to camp in your van? The latter in itself seems a decent value for that price. I like the idea of the earthships, I don't think at my age my body would stand up to the rigors of ramming earth, and I'm not sure it would be practical as a work space for me, which is my primary need. But if I build something I'd like to know I wouldn't run into zoning and permitting issues, or have anything of value immediately go missing when I was elsewhere.

I'm curious to know what your plans are and how this situation works out for you. Best regards.

Hey....

There is no water on any of these properties... It's a well documented story of the lack of water here. There is a woman runs the local water delivery... She quoted me like $250 for up to 1500 gallons...

I am not worried about the folks next door stealing from me, the Dad is not a happy guy, but I don't think he wants that issue... And be aware places like Taos are listed as higher crime than 99% of the US... Physical and property. This is a state where its best to know where not to go... Especially if you are gringo lol

To drill a well and put in septic you need 3/4 of an acre.

Where I am from what I can see nobody's looking... So I kind of figure within reason, Govt is not coming out here.
I first came here 40 years ago.. Even summer I worked here in 96 was still small and quiet.... I sold lots of stuff every time I was in New Mexico.... Women from Pueblo tried to trade me jewelry for my leather bags.... So like you I have good reason to be here and a van full of materials...

But, Wow, Gentrification has already occurred and I would guess in Town of Taos building dept etc is a nightmare. I have read lots of locals complaining about the new Aspen style attitude. I went into a bakery
Danish cherry $5
Every load of bread was $10
A club sandwich at famous chili line depot with fries is over $18

So yeah its expensive lll

But out hear wit da PO folk, no problems I can't handle. Yes 1/2 acre 30 minutes to Taos on empty highway full of trees, it was worth what I paid.
Oddly they all sell here.. He had one lot $200 less than mine, several streets down, not a tree, but is already sold. I looked every damn day because at the price they sell fast.

My original plan was to stay until November.. It's 3 cold months and single digit temps. But I may be game to try even if still in the van to stay. I have built like a dozen small cabins and a 2 story log cabin... I can get up a livable building in few weeks.. All it takes is $ lol...

If you are coming out to look around and have ground clearance I own some land on other side of the dirt road, if you need a spot for few days let me know, the views are awesome .. The Forest is closed no camping there... I am planning with my killer view to fix that part up, weekend camping.. $25... You are free
Why not start a camping spot and really piss off the neighbors

You get what you pay for, it has bad points. But I can afford the payment

 

[bebewanna]

You should be sure to check out the water situation before you buy land there. As I understand it you cannot drill a water well without permission from the State and that is hard to get. That may be the reason for cheap land. I owned a parcel near Cuba NM but no water was available.

Yes I agree, you must either have enough money to deal with Govt or carry water or get a tank... It's the same in Arizona too

 

[bebewanna]

I'm curious about that area. I sometimes peruse craigslist / Santa Fe/Taos to get a sense of housing and land and see cheap parcels in that area. Always wondered what that would be like, I think the neighbors you encountered are one of the things I might expect, which gives me pause about putting anything on the property of any value I wouldn't be there 24/7 to keep an eye on.

I had participated in art exhibitions in nearby Taos for 6 years in a row. It has an interesting history of art and after I retire next year I'd like to build a studio somewhere in the area. Housing situations and prices seem to vary widely, from low cost to very high, and sometimes with a lot of restrictions as to the size and type of structure. Taos itself is pretty pricy.

Do you ever plan to build or move any type of structure to your land? Or is it mostly for the purposes of residency, domicile, and having a place to camp in your van? The latter in itself seems a decent value for that price. I like the idea of the earthships, I don't think at my age my body would stand up to the rigors of ramming earth, and I'm not sure it would be practical as a work space for me, which is my primary need. But if I build something I'd like to know I wouldn't run into zoning and permitting issues, or have anything of value immediately go missing when I was elsewhere.

I'm curious to know what your plans are and how this situation works out for you. Best regards.

Here is the website for this place... People list lots there too... One woman has 7, she sent me a list.
Trees are in only upper units... From me up they just get thicker..

http://www.trespiedrasestates.com/

 

[tx2sturgis]

I'm familiar with the area. When you see that weird looking tall pine 'tree' at the main intersection....guess what, that's not a tree, its a cell tower!

As seen from my truck cab back in 2016:

 

[AmargosaWayne]

Somerset County New Jersey has those camouflaged cell towers along with electrical junction boxes at street corners with decorative coverings.

 

[JDub]

Buying water at 35 cents a gallon. It's just short of 2 miles from highway to here and about 1/2 mile is pretty bad so water is heavy and I am keeping about 25 gallons at a time... Using like 12 a week for now.

Thanks I will look at that

Perhaps you might consider getting a couple of 55 gallon blue drums and fill them from your cans. They can act as your reserve. Make sure and add some bleach to them to keep them fresh for storage.

https://findanyanswer.com/how-much-bleach-do-i-add-to-55-gallon-water-for-storage
A water catchment system for the rainy season might be an option as well.

Cheers

 

[Catalyst1]

Yes I agree, you must either have enough money to deal with Govt or carry water or get a tank... It's the same in Arizona too

You could also set up a recirculation and filtering system. There are earthship videos that show how water is first used for cooking or dishes, then to flush toilets, then sent out to the garden area where they are growing some of their food.

 

[rruff]

There is no water on any of these properties... It's a well documented story of the lack of water here. There is a woman runs the local water delivery... She quoted me like $250 for up to 1500 gallons...

Yikes. At 17 cents per gallon that's the most expensive I've seen anywhere. I was just reading that 5 cents is pretty normal in AZ, but around Bisbee people were having to pay over 10 to have a similar amount delivered. The water is nearly free at the fill spot, the cost is just having it delivered.

Guess you won't be filling the swimming pool and watering the yard...

Nice thing about vehicle dwelling is that you learn how much water you really need, and it isn't a big deal. If you want to get luxurious you can get your own tank and trailer, catch it off the roof, etc.

Best wishes for your new place!

 

[Sky]

Well we made it..... New Mexico

Let me start by saying the 1500 mile trip in a minivan 300lbs over GVWR was at times a breathtaking experience. I have been on the same roads, some 2 lane that were maybe 50-55mph. At 65 it was not pleasant. Some turns at those speeds, well you just slow down. But we made it. Car did fine, but it does have a squeak in right front wheel, I will have to sort.

It is nice to relax and not worry about Govt. or tourists...

The photo is the property and part of the great views. I am at the spot where the hill plateaus and nothing between us and snow capped peaks.
The road from HWY 64...well horrible does not do it justice lol. But really only about 1/2 mile is really bad. The rest is just bumpy.
Sadly only a few hours after we arrived, Daddys girl cat wandered off and never to be seen again. 2, the first day gone.
We were in the van over a year parking in different spots, nobody wandered off. Nothing hauled them off but this place looks the same for miles and getting lost past shouting distance is a mistake.. Damn cats will always break your heart.
The property itself is OK. Lots more trees than Google showed. The monsoon should be fun with the lava/Adobe dirt but everything has a down side.
Google did not however show neighbors at the corner of the lot. 8 of them living on 1/2 acre and the trash pile to match.
They had a trail cutting my lot down the middle corner to corner to get to friends down the road. After 2 days of neverending traffic and 9pm scattering the Cats, that was it. I tried with that edumucation my Dad paid for to nicely discuss the trail. But that was not to be. After listening to 2 drama queens screaming at me over their believed entitlement to my land. The trail is closed. He tried Mr retired military to intimidate me and ended up walking off when he could see verbally he was going to lose and the Pittsburgh kid was amused and not the least bit scared, screaming stay off my property or I will call the police lmao... I had to bite my tongue to not comment I didn't have any interest in rats. No big deal trees are thick and we are on different roads. Another guy lives further up said they are always unhappy lol... Oh well I could tell.

I am happy with the lot, for the $2900. I did OK. I need some driveway gravel and a few hundred feet of fencing. Maybe daily 2 cars go by on both roads, so it's quite peaceful.
Nobody from the Govt is coming here to harass me. 2 miles below along 64 is like a refugee paradise. So no worries living here. Winter may be different at 8050 feet. I had to but a $60 cell booster from ebay with yagi antenna for 700mhz. Now 4 bars, yipeeeeeee.
Uses 2 amps at 12v, but what can you do. Football season is coming lol

Guy above wants to help me build a small earthship house. I have not seen his place. But I would do that. The famous earthship community is between here and Taos.

I don't mind van living. But I realized I do like to know where home is.

And the fire photo.... The earth here is cracking it is so dry. Dry dead sage everywhere just waiting to burn. Dry and windy and dusty... Both photos are my property.

View attachment 31682


View attachment 31681

Hello Bebewanna and welcome. Your brave to buy land sight unseen here as it is common to find people who you may not want to be neighbors with. TP is pretty rugged survivalist and the real nice 3-5th generation folks tend to be nice but small town gossipy types. All I can say as someone who arrived 25 yrs ago is to really use your instincts with who you make friends or foe with and allow to 'help you'. And yes this is the largest drought is 25 years, never seen so much dead sage-fire ready so given that I would seriously build with earth as I did adobe or hybridized earthship style and reduce fire fuel type structures since having water and or calling for help usually does not make it in time, especially now. Everything has changed hell I do no even know if we will see monsoons this year. Enjoy the peace and know there is less water, less food as in the rabbits are practically extinct, less wildflowers and cats out esp at dusk or dawn are fair game for Owls, Coyotes, Hawks, Eagles and roaming dogs. BUT YES YOU ARE FREE HERE !!