you will most likely find that the intentional communities (I.C.) are not quite what you may be looking for. Most require an investment up front and have requirements as to how you will build your home and on what plot af land.You might find them a bit more restrictive that what you want. There is also an old hippy commune between bisbee and douglas, arizona, but i can't remember the name. there's a couple near taos, n.m. there's lots of folks living in the forests by glenwood, n.m. too (hot springs there).
We are looking for a place to live in the southwest also. We live in a school bus now.. I will let you know if we find anything. So far just someone in east texas..but im really hoping for az or Nm!!
in the summer they are hot and in winter they are cold. short people can walk around inside. use lots of gas. tires (6 of em)are expensive. otherwise they are ok.
We decided to start our own community in the south west.. looking for land in colorado & new mexico.. check out our group if your interested LoveDragonfly http://groups.yahoo.com/group/joyfirehollowvisioncouncil/