Los Alamos is located in north central New Mexico, about 90 miles north of Albuquerque, 35 miles from Santa Fe, and 55 miles from Taos. The community is surrounded by Federal lands, including Santa Fe National Forest and Bandelier National Monument.

At an altitude of 7200 feet, Los Alamos is big pine country with a mild, four season climate. Summers have moderately warm days, with afternoon temperatures generally in the 70s and 80s. The relatively thin air, light winds, clear skies, and dry atmosphere cause nighttime temperatures to drop to the 50s even after the warmest day. Winters are typically short with many mild, sunny days. There is just enough snow in the winter to support the local ski area. With an average maximum temperature of 70 degrees, and an average minimum of 42, Los Alamos is renowned for sunny days and blue skies.

Ancestors of current Native American tribes, commonly referred to as the Anasazi , built communities and inhabited the area between 1150 A.D. and the 16th century. Anasazi ruins are found throughout Los Alamos County, most notably at Bandelier National Monument. In 1918, the Los Alamos Ranch School was established as a unique prep school that combined academic study with outdoor experience. Many historic structures and trails remain from the Ranch School era.

The school operated for 25 years until the onset of the Manhattan Project in 1943, which culminated in the development of the first atomic weapon in 1945. The establishment of Los Alamos National Laboratory evolved out of the Manhattan Project. In staff and technical capabilities, Los Alamos is one of the largest multi-disciplinary, multi-program research institutions in the world.

The housing market in Northern New Mexico is truly regional, with housing options to serve a broad range of interests. Planned developments in Los Alamos proper will increase housing availability by 10% in the near future.

Low property taxes are a plus for the New Mexico resident. Real property taxes are the 49th lowest among the 50 states and there is no personal property tax for residents.

Los Alamos possesses a highly trained and educated workforce. LANL is the primary employer with nearly 7000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and professionals. In addition, there are a significant number of technology and technical services firms in Los Alamos engaged in software development, technology development, and engineering services activities that draw upon this established technology workforce. LANL's liberal retirement policies (as early as age 50) and availability of extended entrepreneurial leave for its staff provide local technology businesses with additional access to highly skilled professionals.

In recent years, nearly half of the workforce lived in neighboring counties and the total number of people employed in Los Alamos has exceeded the population of Los Alamos County. Regional mass transit has aided the mobility of residents of the region with respect to workplace.

The educational system is top-notch. Eighty percent of the population over 25 years of age are college educated. Thirty percent possess advanced degrees. Annually, over 80% of Los Alamos High School graduates go on to four year colleges. SAT scores have historically exceeded national averages by more than 30%.

There are five institutions of higher education located within 40 miles of Los Alamos County, with technical and manufacturing training programs available. The University of New Mexico-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) campus provides computing, engineering, and technology coursework in support of local businesses and LANL. Undergraduate and Advanced academic degree programs are offered through the UNM-LA, St. Johns College in Santa Fe, the College of Santa Fe, and the main campus of University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The Santa Fe Institute offers post-doctoral fellowship opportunities.

Recreational and cultural opportunities go hand-in-hand in Los Alamos. In addition to the Pajarito Ski Mountain, Los Alamos is home to a top-notch aquatic facility, a scenic, high altitude golf course, a community skating rink, an urban trail system that connects to adjacent National Forest trails. Local theater, light opera, arts, and concert groups maintain an active calendar of events. There are also a large number of active clubs, service organizations, sports leagues, and religious communities.

Los Alamos is a forty minute drive to Santa Fe, a city with an international reputation for Southwest culture, arts, and cuisine. The community is also within 45 miles of eight Native American Pueblos and their link to ancient cultures. Los Alamos residents have the dual benefit of small town living coupled with close proximity to a broad variety of cultural and entertainment possibilities.

Los Alamos is a one hour drive from the regional airport at Santa Fe and less than a two hour drive from the international airport at Albuquerque. Los Alamos has an active general aviation airport. Los Alamos is served by a free, local public transit system