$301,604Average Value$227Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
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.
The City of Aztec was founded in 1887 and officially incorporated in 1905.
Aztec locals can fish, kayak, or swim in the Animas River.
1/2
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.
Southwestern-inspired homes are a staple of the Aztec housing stock.
Aztec's homes tend to be more affordable than the national average.
1/2
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.
Aztec is home to many sights of natural and historic beauty.
Aztec Ruins National Monument includes well-preserved Chacoan structures, providing a direct link to the history of the area going back a thousand years.
1/2
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.
Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village provides education on local history, including an immersive small village reflective of life in the early 20th century.
Aztec locals can learn about ancestral Pueblo culture and architecture at Aztec Ruins National Monument.
1/2
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.
Aztec locals can go skateboarding at The Hartman Sports Complex.
Farmington Lake is a short drive for Aztec locals to get out for a fun day on the water.
1/2
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.
Rubia's Fine Mexican Dining offers options like burritos and tamales in downtown Aztec.
Aztec locals can shop for groceries at the Safeway located in town.
1/2
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.
Lydia Rippey Elementary School serves Aztec students in grades Pre-K through 3rd.
Aztec Municipal Schools earns an overall grade of C+ on Niche.
1/2
Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
GL Moses
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Allen Elmore,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Aztec, NM sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Aztec, NM over the last 12 months is $296,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
''Rio de las Animas'' Rare opportunity to own irrigated farmland & a modern southwest-style home located on 2ac directly on the beautiful Animas River. Situated at the end of a private drive surrounded by quiet farms, this property offers true peace & privacy while staying under 30min to Durango, CO & less than 10min to Aztec, NM. Built in 2001, the 3-bedroom, 2-bath stucco home showcases Santa
''Conejito'' Tucked into the highly desirable Kokopelli Park subdivision, this 3,073sf private and well-designed home offers space, comfort, and views with no close neighbors or backyard neighbors. Ideally located about 30min from Durango, CO and Navajo Lake State Park, it's perfectly positioned for outdoor adventure. This 4-bed, 2.5-bath home features 3 living areas, creating flexibility for
116 acres of land near a secluded neighborhood located 10 minutes North of Aztec NM off of Light Plant Rd (Old State Hwy 173) on Road 3088. Less than 1 hour from Durango, CO and 20 minutes from Farmington NM. Borders over 62,000 acres of BLM land. Great spot to build your secluded dream home with direct dirt road access to Chokecherry Canyon, Farmington Lake, and MORE!
Amazing location to develop a Truck Stop or other commercial venture. This corner lot located on Pepsi Way and S Main Ave outside of Aztec NM is on the corner of the coming Aztec Truck Bypass. Available for long term land lease only. Sellers are open to creative options.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.