Affordable housing, explained
Income-based senior living in Ruidoso, without the jargon.
Mountain towns like Ruidoso are wonderful places to retire and expensive places to rent. La Tierra exists to close that gap: a tax-credit community where every rent is set below market for households 55+ that qualify.
What "affordable" means at La Tierra
La Tierra takes part in the federal affordable-housing tax-credit program. In exchange, all 60 homes rent below the market rate, with caps set by the program. There is no affordable wing and no lottery: every floor plan qualifies the same way, and rent is a set amount by home, never a percentage of your income.
Who qualifies
Two things decide it. First, La Tierra is a 55+ community, so at least one member of your household must be 55 or older. Second, household income must fall below limits HUD publishes each year for Lincoln County. The limits scale with household size and change annually, so the fastest answer is one phone call with a rough idea of your monthly income. From there, applying is straightforward.
Housing Choice Vouchers are welcome
Tax-credit housing and Section 8 are different programs that work well together. You do not need a voucher to live at La Tierra, because rents are already below market for everyone. If your household does hold a Housing Choice Voucher, it is welcome here, and the office will gladly explain how the two combine.
What it costs
Program rents at La Tierra are set below the Ruidoso market and adjust from time to time as the program updates its limits. Call the office for today's exact rate on a one- or two-bedroom home, and ask about availability while you are on the line. It is one call, and you will have real numbers instead of guesses.
Common questions about qualifying
Who can live at La Tierra?
La Tierra is an independent-living community for adults 55 and better. At least one member of the household must be 55 or older, and household income must fall within the limits of the affordable housing program. One phone call is usually enough for us to tell you whether you qualify.
How much is the rent?
Rents at La Tierra are set below market by the affordable housing program and adjust from time to time, so please call the office for today's exact rate on a one bedroom or two bedroom home. Rent is a set amount, not a percentage of your income.
What are the income limits?
Household income must fall below limits that HUD sets each year for Lincoln County. The limits depend on how many people live in the home and change annually, so the surest way to know is to call with a rough idea of your monthly income. We can usually tell you the same day.
Senior Apartments · Ruidoso, New Mexico · 55+
Come see it for yourself.
The best way to know if La Tierra feels like home is to visit. Call us and we will answer your questions and set up a tour.