2 Best Independent Living Communities in Taos, NM

Independent Living

Many seniors may be physically and mentally capable of living without assistance, but the burden of home ownership and the maintenance of the property might deter them from enjoying an otherwise independent life. Independent Living Communities provide a great solution. Seniors can continue to live their lives as they desire while their meals are cooked by a professionall chef, housekeeping and laundry duties are taken care of by staff, and recreational activities are organized and scheduled. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, in a community with others of similar age groups and interests. Residents’ quarters consist of a private living space with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering an opportunity to entertain guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies differ between locations, many residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing care is desired, residents may always enlist the services of independent health care professionalls. There are a number of expenses and advantages to balance when selecting an independent living community. It is important to determine if these amenities are covered in the care plan: parking, cable TV, internet access, laundry, housekeeping, private phone, utilities, and move-in fee. The benefits that pertain to independent living include golf course, fitness center & swimming pool, transportation, concierge services, game/TV room, laundry service, restaurant-style dining hall, and beauty salon & barber shop.

Cost of Living

The total cost of living is a major factor in choosing what care choice fits best. The rent burden for Taos is around 15.5% of the average monthly income. Monthly, the median rent in Taos is around $528 and the median home value for Taos is around $274,494.

Demographics and Values

Of the population of Taos 29.4% have a college degree, 13.7% have a graduate degree, and 25.6% have a high-school diploma. Out of the total city population, 56.6% are female and 43.4% are male. The median age of Taos is 47 years old. In Taos, 9.5% of the population are veterans. Out of the total population of Taos, 14.7% do not have health insurance, 19.2% have some form of disability, 8.2% are widowed, and 52.0% participate in the labor force. Taos has a population density of 364 people per square mile. Racially, the population of Taos is 86.1% white, 45.6% Hispanic, 4.5% other or not specified, 0.5% black, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.6% Asian, 4.5% Native American, and 3.9% mixed race.

State Information

An overview of New Mexico

New Mexico is ranked 46th in quality of life and 34th in healthcare. The state of New Mexico has a cost of living index of 92.8 where a score of 100 is the national average, and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The state has a grocery index rating of 92.8 and a housing index rating of 100.9. The state of New Mexico has 47 hospitals and 137 health centers, providing care to a population of 2,097,463. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Christus St Vincent Regional Medical Center, Lovelace Medical Center, and Presbyterian Espanola Hospital. Residents of New Mexico enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 23rd in the United States.

Social demographics of the state

In the last presidential election 48% of New Mexico residents voted Democrat and 40% voted Republican. The state of New Mexico ranks 6th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. The median age in the state is 38, and 31% of the population is over the age of 55. Thirty-six percent of New Mexico residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 2,447 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-23%, Mainline Protestant-14%, and Historically Black Protestant-1%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In New Mexico there are 57 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of July at around 5.98 inches. On average, the state receives 1.22 inches of precipitation a month. The average air quality index rating in New Mexico is 45.5 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of July with a rating of 61.7 AQI. New Mexico experiences an average humidity rating of about 46%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of August at around 56%. During the summer, the average temperature in New Mexico is around 71F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 98F during the month of June. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 36F during the month of June. During the winter, the average temperature in New Mexico drops to around 36F. The average high winter temperature is around 65F in the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 2F in the month of January. While residents of New Mexico mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in New Mexico can include earthquakes (moderate) and floods.

Wildlife to be found in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of evergreen conifers, spruce-fir, blue grama, and aspen trees. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the coyotes, the cougars, the western diamondbacks, or the bobcats. The state animal of New Mexico is the roadrunner.