Los Alamos

Home to the Los Alamos National Labs, the words “Los Alamos” actually means the cottonwoods in Spanish. Built on the four mesas of Pajarito Plateau and White Rock Canyon, the city of Los Alamos and White Rock both make up the population base for the city. Los Alamos was originally founded during World War II to house the scientists and laboratories where the Manhattan Project was undertaken.

Top-ranked among New Mexico public schools, Los Alamos High School’s academic achievements have been recognized by a number of national publications.

Creativity abounds in Los Alamos and White Rock and plays a major role in community life. The same intellectual curiosity that drives scientific discovery and creativity has also produced a deep appreciation and involvement in cultural pursuits. Art, music, dance, theater, and lecture activities are accessible every day of the year. Art fairs, concerts, lectures, demonstrations, plays, recitals, parades, festivals, etc. are frequent.

Nearby is Bandelier, a 33,677-acre National Monument preserving the homes and territory of the Ancestral Pueblo People. Most of the pueblo structures date to two eras, in total from 1150 to 1600 CE. The Valles Caldera is also close, a 3.7-mile-wide volcanic caldera in the Jemez Mountains. A number of recreational and/or historical uses take place in Valles Caldera. Many of these uses involve trails. Valles Caldera has many miles of ranch roads, livestock, and game trails. These include a network of trails currently designated for horse riding. Historically, Valles Caldera was a location for equestrian endurance races. After the establishment of VCNP, the first race in the caldera was held in 2009. The largest grass valley, Valle Grande, is a venue for ski orienteering. Activities are open to the public, though some require reservations.

The Village of Jemez Springs is located a bit south of Los Alamos, the site of Jemez State Monument and the headquarters of the Jemez Ranger District. The village and nearby locations in the Jemez Valley are the site of hot springs and several religious retreats.

Homes & Land for Sale in the Los Alamos, New Mexico Area