Archive for July, 2008
Ruidoso Flood
July 30th, 2008 categories: Community, Ruidoso Flood
By now you have probably heard about the flooding in the Ruidoso area. Several New Mexico news channels have been giving this rare event excellent coverage, and I wanted to provide links to some of those sites which have given the best news coverage, photos, and videos.
Additional links to the Ruidoso flood coverage:
YouTube Videos - Ruidoso Flood
Ruidoso Web Cam - live web cam from Mid town shopping district in Ruidoso
YOU CAN HELP - Local agencies such as the Red Cross, area churches and banks are working to provide aid to those in need. See more details at this link.
This is a devastating situation for those who live or own property right on the Ruidoso River or Bonito River. Early estimates are that about 350 homes were severely damaged. Numerous residents, visitors, and campers, were stranded when bridges and roads were completely washed away. Rescue efforts have relocated most of those folks to safety, while the rebuilding and cleanup has begun in the hard hit areas along the river.
In Ruidoso, bridges at the following locations are either destroyed or closed due to damage:
Country Club, Eagle, Close, North Loop, River Road/River Crossing, first and second bridge in Upper Canyon, North Grindstone, Valencia, McDaniels, Fox and Main, Sleepy Hollow.
Getting around town will be a bit challenging until the bridges are repaired. Ruidoso Downs Racetrack also experienced flooding, but has stated it will plan on being open for the first weekend in August.
Governor Richardson has already declared a state of emergency, so I am sure the Village will receive some help with clean up and repair costs. The New Mexico Dept. of Homeland Security, along with FEMA, and other agencies are also assisting the Village of Ruidoso.
I thought it would only be fair however, to let those of you who might own property here know that the majority of the county was not affected. I drove through the Alto area, Alpine Village, White Mountain Estates and a few other areas on Sunday. Other than receiving heavy rainfall and debris washed on to some low lying areas, there was little if any damage in these areas.
The main devastation were homes and RVs located in the flood plain of the Ruidoso River. I have lived here 17 years and could never have imagined the 100 ft wide, boiling, raging water that was roaring down our normally peaceful little stream.
According to the weather forecast, more rain is possible in the coming days, as our normal summer monsoon season continues, so we are all keeping our fingers crossed that we won’t have additional damage to the affected areas. I’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available, for for now, don’t worry if you own a home in the area. If it is not on the river, chances are very good that it has not been damaged.
If you have questions or would like more specific information on Ruidoso, please contact me at mary@ruidoso-homes.com.
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Ruidoso Land - lots and acreage
July 27th, 2008 categories: Land, Ruidoso real estate, Subdivisions
I wanted to write a brief update on land - and just a few of the subdivisions in or near Ruidoso where you can buy lots or acreage, and compare how prices and features will vary among these areas.The areas I’ll be writing about are White Mountain Meadows, Alpine Village, Cedar Creek Ranchettes and Camelot.
White Mountain Meadows is one of Ruidoso’s mid to upper priced developments. Existing site built homes in this subdivision are listed at a median price of $449,900 (prices ranging from $175K to $690K, med. sq. ft price of $163 / ft) and currently there are 19 homes on the market.
Available lots in this area are in short supply. There are currently, 6 lots listed in White Mountain Meadows, prices range from $50,000 to $99,000. (Median price is $53,500) These lots generally will be at least a quarter acre to an acre in size, and offer amenities such village water & sewer, paved roads, restrictions, views, etc.
Alpine Village located on the Northwest corner of Ruidoso, just outside the Village limits. Home prices in Alpine Village are closer to the median for the Ruidoso area. Currently, there are 5 homes listed at a median price of $269,000, and median sq. ft price is $172 / ft.
Available lots in this subdivision are also limited, with only 3 listings in the local MLS.
Prices range from $19,500 to $27,000 and the median is $25,900. Lots range in size from one third to two thirds of an acre, roads are gravel, and community water is available.
Cedar Creek Ranchettes - shown in the photo on right, is located near the National Forest boundary in the Cedar Creek area, offers lots ranging from 1.6 to 4.1 acres in size. Median price on these parcels is $164,450. This is a gated community with underground utilities and a minimum building size of 2500 sq. ft. The terrain is heavily wooded and some lots have mountain views. Roads will be paved soon, and community water is provided for most lots. Click here for more details.
Camelot - located near on the south eastern side of Ruidoso (near the “Y”), this area offers a wide range of prices and features. Current home prices here show a median listing price $439,000 and price per sq. ft of $170 / ft., with 9 homes on the market at this time. Read the rest of this entry »
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Ruidoso’s Annual Art Festival
July 24th, 2008 categories: Community
The Southwest region of the United States is known for its lush native culture and the art it births. From Native American pottery and jewelry to beautiful sunset paintings, the region is home to many talented artists. Every year, the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce hosts the Ruidoso Art Fest at the convention center. Local artists, as well as those from surrounding states, bring their wares to display and sell to private collectors or soon-to-be collectors.
The Ruidoso Art Fest is a juried show, not all applicants are selected to participate. Here you will see stunning works of glass, wood, acrylic, sculpture, and much more. A silent auction will be held near the front entrance to benefit a local charity.
The art festival will run from July 25 through July 27. Friday the doors will open at noon and close at 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. A one day entry fee costs $5.00 for adults and $1 for kids ages 6-16. Children under age 3 are free. A 2 day pass will cost $8; a 3 day pass will cost only $12.
For more information or for a list of artists, please visit the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce website.The Convention Center is located at 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, just off Mechem Drive near the post office.
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Ruidoso Condos - A Wide Range of Prices and Features
July 16th, 2008 categories: Condominiums, Ruidoso real estate
Looking for a condo this summer in Ruidoso? Currently, our local MLS is showing 141 listings of either condos / town homes in the Village. Prices vary widely from a low of $54,900 for a 640 sq. ft, older unit on Mechem Dr. to a high of $600,000 for a 2550 sq.ft. new unit at River Crossing.
Ruidoso River Resort - near downtown
( Don & Nancy Lincoln, Coldwell Banker SDC, listing brokers )
The following chart shows the current condo and town home inventory by price, price per sq. ft., and days on market ( DOM ).
Features and amenities: The lower priced condos are generally smaller units ranging from 500-900 sq.ft, often 1 bed room, and older construction built in the 1980s, or before.
The mid range group priced between $100k to $200k, will generally measure around 1000 sq. ft, have at least 2 bedrooms, and slightly newer construction. Locations vary widely on this group.
The upper end group consists mostly of the newest, largest size and most modern features. These often measure over 2000 sq. ft, built in 2007-2008, high end features such as granite counters, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, balconies, and much more.
If you are looking for a condo for personal use, or to place in the rental pool, call or email me to discuss the current market.
If you would like more specific information on Ruidoso Real Estate, please contact me at mary@ruidoso-homes.com.
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Forest Re-Opens
July 3rd, 2008 categories: Community, Mountain Wildlife
In a previous post I mentioned that we would do our best to keep you updated on the latest forest conditions in the area. Though it was predicted that our monsoon season would start late this year, we had an increase in precipitation over the course of June. It’s not enough to take us out of Stage II fire restrictions (see below), but the forest re-opened Wednesday, July 2 and we are very grateful. The air is fresh and cool, the grass is finally turning green, and the hummingbirds are out in full force.
(July 11) FIRE RESTRICTION UPDATE:
The use of an open campfire and charcoal grill is no longer restricted in the Lincoln County National Forest. As always, fireworks are prohibited on all federal lands.
Current village fire restrictions
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