Question 1

Which is better for STR bonus depreciation in 2026: Angel Fire, NM or Taos, NM?

Accepted Answer

Two New Mexico ski-country neighbors, very different depreciation profiles. Angel Fire runs at 12% land / 26% bonus / 76% Diamond — one of the strongest small-market profiles in the Study. Taos has the cultural draw (art scene, historic pueblo) but a much weaker tax profile at similar price point.

Question 2

What is the typical Year-1 bonus depreciation write-off on a Angel Fire short-term rental vs a Taos short-term rental?

Accepted Answer

On the median Angel Fire STR ($635K), Year-1 bonus depreciation is approximately ~$165K (26% bonus-eligible of purchase price). On the median Taos STR ($599K), Year-1 is approximately ~$144K (24% bonus-eligible). Higher bonus-eligible % combined with lower purchase price typically yields the best return-on-tax-dollars.

Question 3

When should an STR investor choose Angel Fire over Taos?

Accepted Answer

Choose Angel Fire if: Investors optimizing depreciation math in the New Mexico ski market. Angel Fire is a purpose-built resort community with heavy HOA + amenity mix. Choose Taos if: Investors who specifically want the Taos brand — art collectors, culture-tourism investors. Accept 21% land ratio and 55% Diamond for the market character.

Angel Fire, NM vs Taos, NM — short-term rental bonus depreciation head-to-head

Angel Fire wins on depreciation math

Angel Fire vs Taos — data head-to-head

When to choose Angel Fire

When to choose Taos

Not sure which is right? Run the numbers on a specific property.

Metric	Angel Fire, NM	Taos, NM
Median bonus-eligible % (of purchase price)	26%Better tax math	24%
Median STR purchase price	$635K	$599K
Typical Year-1 write-off	~$165K	~$144K
Median land ratio	12%	21%
Diamond density (≥24% bonus-eligible listings)	76%	55%