Aztec is a small city in the Four Corners area of New Mexico
Aztec, a small city on the Animas River, is in the Four Corners area, where New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona meet. Aztec is in San Juan County, New Mexico, about 15 miles south of the Colorado border. Aztec is part of the Tri-Cities area, along with Farmington and Bloomfield. “So those are the three main cities in San Juan County, and we're all about 15 minutes apart from each other,” says Amanda Banks, an associate broker at Gabaldon Construction & Realty. “Aztec is more of a small town, a pioneer town, and there are a lot of historic homes."
Aztec's population is roughly 6,100, according to U.S. Census estimates. Much of the semi-desert environment is rural, with grasslands and Pinyon-Juniper woodlands. “We're close to the mountains, and there are lots of outdoor recreational opportunities in the area,” Banks says.
A range of home styles, from vintage to contemporary
Ranch-style, Southwestern-style, contemporary, custom and manufactured homes are among the options in Aztec. Some of the oldest homes date to the early 20th century and are on streets like South Church Avenue. Homes typically list from about $100,000 to $650,000. Aztec's median home price of $290,000 is roughly 35% lower than the national number.
Countryside living is a hallmark of Aztec, and there are many multiacre lots, including equestrian and agricultural properties. Aztec has sewers, though Banks says septic systems are often used. Some homes will come with water rights to access irrigation ditches.
Aztec was founded before New Mexico became a state
Aztec, incorporated as a town in 1905, had developed during the late 19th century as a commercial center for ranchers and farmers in what was then the Territory of New Mexico. New Mexico did not become a U.S. state until 1912. The city contains four historic districts, including the downtown. Numerous buildings, including private residences, are on the New Mexico and/or National Register of Historic Places.
Event sites like an ancient pueblo and a pioneer village
The area's Native American and pioneer history can be experienced in Aztec. There's a pueblo settlement from the 1100s, now called the Aztec Ruins National Monument. Seasonal solstices and the Evening of Lights in December are celebrated here.
The Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village offers various educational programming and hosts a live music series in the summer. Annual events in Aztec include the Tico Time Bluegrass Festival in May, an antique truck and tractor show in September, the Aztec Highland Games & Celtic Festival in October and the Aztec Sparkles Christmas Parade. A big event in Farmington that draws people from surrounding areas is the Riverfest, held over Memorial Day weekend.
Parks, recreation on the Animas River and racing tracks
Aztec has seven city parks, many with playgrounds and sports facilities. The Hartman Sports Complex has fields for several sports and a skateboard park. The Animas River is another source for recreational activities, as it's popular for fishing, rafting and kayaking. Hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are other common pastimes. To the northeast is the mesa, where an unidentified aircraft crashed in 1948. Some consider the mesa a UFO site, though the incident also has been called a hoax.
The Aztec Disc Golf Course is near Tiger Lake. Competitive racers enjoy the Aztec Motocross Track and the Kart Kanyon Speedway, off state Route 173 to the east. To the west is Farmington Lake, with a park and a public swimming beach.
Car dependency, highways and several employment sectors
Aztec is the county seat and has jobs related to tourism, fuel production and agriculture. It's a car-dependent community with access to U.S. Route 550 and state Route 516. Four Corners Regional Airport in Farmington, about 16 miles away, offers nonstop service to Denver on United Airlines. Durango-La Plata County Airport in Durango, Colorado, about 38 miles north, serves several other hubs.
Shopping, dining and services on South Main and U.S. 550
Much of Aztec's commercial offerings are along South Main Avenue. Old-fashioned streetlamps and brick add to the small-town vibe. Establishments on Main include Ancient Grounds Cafe, Rubia's Fine Mexican Dining and Badlands Burgers & Brews. Feat of Clay, a co-op art gallery, hosts regular open mic nights and shows. Grocery stores in Aztec include Safeway and Farmers Market. To the northeast, Townsend Farms operates a seasonal produce stand.
Aztec Urgent Care and other medical facilities are available. Additionally, Farmington has the San Juan Regional Medical Center, plus more big-box stores, like a Walmart Supercenter and a Sam's Club.
Aztec Municipal School District serves the area
The Aztec Municipal School District earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Two elementary schools, designated pre-kindergarten to third grade, are zoned to the east and west sides of the river, and there's one elementary for fourth and fifth grades. Next up are the middle school and high school. There's also an alternative high school. The district's American Indian education department has facilitated events like the Kinteel Bi Olta Pow Wow, with an artisan vendor market and competitive gourd dance.
Another public educational option in Aztec is Mosaic Academy Charter School, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade and is rated B-plus.
Written By
Robin Silberman
