I lived in Counselors, NM for six years. Love the high desert. We go to Taos at least once a year. You can't beat the weather in the valley. You have mountains nearby and desert to the south. Would love to move back someday.
high desert temps can get up there (+100) but not that often. usually mid to upper 90's with real low humidity. i used to crack up when folks would complain about 25% hunidity
Right now the weather is really nice here in Rio Rancho. Sunny and 70 degrees. But it can get really hot right where I live. I live right on the edge of the desert virtually no shade at all. I have an out door thermometer on my fence and last summer it had hit 120 degrees.