Things to know about the Luna County area
- Luna County is located in the high plains Chihuahuan Desert.
- Florida Mountains, Tres Hermanas Mountains, and Cooks Range are prominent features. Large swaths of land are owned/controlled by US BLM and State of NM. Weather is mild in winter, hot in summer.
- Housing is inexpensive.
- Services are sparse, jobs limited.
- Electric power lines are mostly located along improved roads. Self-contained solar is a good option.
- Water rights on ranchette lots are only for 1 domestic well. For farming, ranching and commercial activities water rights have to be purchased separately.
- Municipal water and sewer are not available for most ranchette lots.
- Luna County allows construction on lots less than ¾ acre only if an "advanced sewage treatment system" is installed.
- Most roads in ranchette subdivisions are unimproved; when wet they are usually impassible.
Visit our Facebook page for more information and to connect with others about being a ranchette owner. Or, you can visit our LCROA group to connect with buyers and sellers of Ranchette Lots.
Luna County during the Dry Season
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Photos in this section taken by Kellye Stimpson
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Luna County during the Rainy Season
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Photos in this section taken during our last spring wet season, 3 years ago 2020 and some more recent blooms of 2023,
by Carol Felsing |
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A few interesting facts about the current market
- The Luna County tax delinquent report lists over 15,000 ranchette lots tax delinquent. About 12,500 are 3 years or more delinquent.
- According to the 2012 Luna County Comprehensive Plan, there are approximately 80,000 half acre ranchette lots.
- The County assesses all vacant ranchette lots at $600 market value for taxing purposes. Unfortunately not all are created equal. Real market value varies by amenities like electric service at the lot line, having improved road access, how deep to available groundwater and the quality of the water (some areas have high arsenic, high fluoride salts and/or micro sand). Some lots were laid out in flood zones.
Want more information about being a Ranchette Owner?
Become a member.
Compiled by: Carol Felsing, LCROA Vice President, 2.15.2019 updated 11/30/21
