Earthships for Sale in Taos

Yes, Earthships tend to do well in Taos’ high-desert climate. The earthen walls moderate heat and cold, buffering the swings between hot days and chilly nights. Because the homes are partly built into the earth or bermed, they’re shielded from wind and temperature extremes. Many residents report that inside feels stable and comfortable year-round. The dry climate helps too, there’s less risk of humidity damage compared with wetter places. That said, proper drainage and design are important: water runoff and foundation drainage must work well to keep moisture from causing problems.

“Off-grid” in an Earthship means the house is designed to meet many needs on its own. Solar panels and sometimes wind power supply electricity. Rainwater and snowmelt can be harvested, filtered, and used for drinking, cooking, washing, and watering plants. Greywater and natural recycling systems often handle waste water. Some Earthships even grow food inside their greenhouse-style rooms. In other words, yes, you can live without relying on municipal water, electricity, or sewage, if the systems are built right and you are ready to managing them.

There are real tradeoffs. Building or buying an Earthship can cost more upfront since the design, materials, and especially the labor demands are different from a regular home. Living off-grid also means you need more hands-on care, water harvesting, maintenance of solar/wind systems, making sure drainage and waterproofing hold up, and sometimes living with lifestyle adjustments. As an example, water use is often more conservative and needs to be monitored if no well is on-site. Some Earthships may be harder to finance or insure, and resale can be trickier because not everyone wants or understands off-grid living.

Earthships can absolutely work for families, many are large enough for more than one person, with greenhouse space, living rooms, bedrooms, and storage. Some homes near Taos are 2,000+ square feet with multiple bedrooms and baths. The stable indoor temperature, low utility needs, and off-grid systems can give families independence from rising utility costs and make for a quiet, natural lifestyle. On the flip side, families need to be ready to live intentionally, being mindful of their water, power, and maintenance. That lifestyle suits people who enjoy simplicity, self-reliance, and connection to nature.

If you look at an Earthship, first check the structure: make sure the walls, windows, and greenhouse “solar wall” are intact. Confirm the roof and drainage systems keep water away from bermed or earth-covered walls so moisture doesn’t seep in. Check the solar power setup, age of battery system, and water-harvesting and filtration systems (cisterns, piping, pumps). Make sure greywater and waste systems are functional. Finally, think about access as many Earthships sit on remote land, so distance to town, roads, and services matters. Additionally, since Eathships we're born in Taos, you can find local inspectors who know what to look for.

People pick Earthships because they want a totally different kind of living, self-sufficient, low utilities, connected to the earth and sun. They like the idea of growing food in a greenhouse wall, catching rain, making their own power, and living with a low environmental impact. Many feel peace and connection living in a home built from earth and recycled materials in the high-desert landscape. For them, it’s not just a house, it’s a lifestyle.