Located in New Mexico's Moreno Valley near Santa Fe and Taos, Angel Fire is a skier's dream. But there's a lot more to this town than moguls and powder. Angel Fire is an interesting mix of modern tourism and traditional industries, most notably farming. Thousands of die-hard skiers pass through here each year, but for the most part, Angel Fire remains dedicated to its quiet, laid-back lifestyle. Some 1,600 residents call Angel Fire their year-round home, and another 1,200 (approximately) live here on a seasonal basis.

Angel Fire has the perfect combination of snow (an average of 240 inches per year) and sun (an average of 345 sunny days annually). This portion of Moreno Valley is blessed with fall and wintertime temperatures that range from the teens at night to the upper-30s during the day; and spring and summertime temperatures that can range from lows in the mid-40s to highs in the mid-70s, with very little humidity. Snowfall in the Moreno Valley averages 140 inches annually, and about 200 inches at the higher temperatures. These generally dry, mild weather conditions allow skiers to glide down the slopes donning their shades and clothing hardly heavier than a pair of jeans.

One of northeastern New Mexico's fastest-growing communities, Angel Fire has witnessed the diversification of its economy and an increasingly competitive labor market in recent years. In addition to the obvious tourism and farming segments, Angel Fire's construction and services sectors are on the upswing. Many of the town's available jobs are seasonal, and a significant percentage of Angel Fire's residents hold two or more jobs to earn a full-time salary. Full-time jobs are available, of course, but remain in the minority; according to the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce, full-time jobs comprise less than 15 percent of Angel Fire's total employment base.

The local labor force has been affected by the explosion of tourism throughout Angel Fire. Many of the rental properties - condominiums and single-family homes -- that used to accommodate employees throughout Angel Fire have been purchased by tourists-turned homebuyers. An increase in the number of vacation homes has, then, forced Angel Fire's labor force to look elsewhere for rental properties. Asking prices and rental rates for Angel Fire's remaining properties have risen steadily during this housing shortage.

The average cost of a new home in Angel Fire now stands at $180,000. Not surprisingly, workers have opted to live outside of Angel Fire and commute into the town each day for work.

Some potential employees were essentially driven out by the local housing shortage, however, and Angel Fire now finds itself with a shortage of skilled workers. Small business owners have resorted to various tactics (benefits packages, etc.) to dangle the proverbial carrot in front of perspective employees.

For year-round residents, the outdoors plays an integral role in their daily lives. Recreational pastimes include skiing both in and around Angel Fire - most notably at Angel Fire Resort -- as well as camping, hiking, fishing (including ice fishing and mountain stream fishing), snowmobiling and boating are nearly as common as walking.

Angel Fire sits amidst an astonishing array of natural wonders, including state parks (Cimarron Canyon State Park, Coyote Creek State Park), the 33,000-acre Colin Neblett State Wildlife Area, Carson National Forest, and Eagle Nest Lake, which draws more than 50,000 fishermen each year.

For the prospective homebuyer, Angel Fire's selling points are many. Housing costs continue to climb, but they remain lower than the majority of the United States' other resort areas. The average three-bedroom existing single-family home is $165,000; the average two-bedroom condominium is approximately $71,000. The average apartment rents anywhere from approximately $600-$1,000 per month.

The resident population is well-educated, many of them graduates of nearby University of New Mexico and Taos, and many of them retired after distinguished careers in business, science, the military, education and other fields. Angel Fire's property tax rate is low compared to the rest of the United States, and its quality of life ranks high, with clean, fresh, air; low crime; and unparalleled scenery. Taos is a mere 45 minutes away, and Santa Fe, just two hours away.

It's significant that Angel Fire's population is increasing in the retiree sector. Angel Fire and the greater Moreno Valley give retirees the opportunity to remain active in a natural paradise with mild weather conditions, while maintaining an excellent quality of life. While the town is small and won't soon be noted for nightlife or other fast-paced excitement, Angel Fire offers an unforgettable experience with nature, as well as a laid-back and friendly local populace. And more and more of us are finding that this type of atmosphere is just the ticket ... even if our retirement years are a glimmer on the horizon.

Published: December 26, 2000

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