Bloomfield is a small, riverside city in northern New Mexico
Bloomfield is a small city on the San Juan River in the Four Corners area, where New Mexico meets Arizona, Colorado and Utah. It's considered part of the Tri-Cities, along with Aztec and Farmington, which is the most urban of the trio. "Bloomfield and Aztec are smaller and a little bit more rural, you know, they don't have a Walmart," says Amanda Banks, an associate broker at Gabaldon Construction & Realty. "Bloomfield is more of a farming community." The population is roughly 7,400, according to U.S. Census estimates.
Various home types and many multiacre lots in Bloomfield
Ranch-style homes, farmhouses, Southwestern-style architecture and contemporaries are all found in Bloomfield. Some of the oldest homes date to the 1950s, and there's been 2020s construction, primarily north of the river. The median price in Bloomfield is under $290,000; in comparison, the national median is over $410,000. Listings typically range from about $120,000 to $530,000. In the category of manufactured homes, listing prices may be under $60,000 and up to about $380,000. There is a limited supply of townhouses; these may list for under $180,000.
There are many multiacre properties, including those used for equestrian and agricultural purposes. Bloomfield has a sewer system, though Banks says septic tanks are also used. Some homes will come with water rights to use irrigation ditches. Though the risk of flooding in Bloomfield isn't high, home sites near the river or other water sources could be vulnerable.
Native American heritage sites, pioneer history and an oil boom
The region's history and culture are connected to several Native American tribes, including the ancestral Anasazi and the Navajo Nation, which owns a significant amount of land in this part of the state. Roughly 1 mile west is the Salmon Ruins & Heritage Park, an ancient pueblo site. Bloomfield is on one of the New Mexico Scenic Byways: the Trails of the Ancients, which crosses various roads and is associated with sites like Aztec Ruins National Monument about 10 miles north in Aztec.
In the 1870s, pioneer families migrated to the area and established communities based around farming and ranching. The oil and gas boom of the 1950s transformed the area's economy and brought many newcomers. Bloomfield continues to have jobs related to fuel production, agriculture and tourism.
Bloomfield's annual events, parks and recreation
Bloomfield has 10 municipal parks and other facilities, like an aquatic center. Vereda del Rio San Juan Park has swimming and fishing areas, a boat launch and illuminated trails. An annual fireworks show is held here on the fifth of July, the day after Bloomfield's Old Tyme Fourth parade. Chamblee Park, frequently used for soccer, is also an event site. "Bloomfield has their own little annual balloon fiesta," Banks says. The San Juan River Balloon Rally is a hot-air balloon event held in June at Chamblee Park. It's months before one of New Mexico's biggest events, the International Balloon Fiesta, which is in October and about 165 miles away in Albuquerque.
Businesses are on South Bloomfield and West Broadway boulevards
Bloomfield's commercial corridors are South Bloomfield and West Broadway boulevards. Though there are sidewalks, the businesses are spread out. "There are none of the big names, but they do have a grocery store," Banks says, mentioning Farmers Market, a store with two locations in the Tri-Cities area. Grandma's Kitchen Restaurant is among the various eateries that serve Mexican dishes. Wooden Nickel, a bar attached to a liquor store guarded by a buffalo statue, hosts live bands, country line dancing and karaoke nights.
People likely go to Farmington, about 15 miles west, for national brand stores, the Animas Valley Mall and the San Juan Regional Medical Center.
Mostly Bloomfield District schools, but some areas zoned to Aztec
Most students are enrolled in the Bloomfield School District, though there are areas that are zoned to the Aztec Municipal School District. Both districts earn a C-plus grade from Niche and have American Indian education programs.
Bus service, highways and regional airport options
Red Apple Transit serves the area with a route that includes stops at stores, the municipal court and the Bloomfield Cultural Center, which houses the city's library, a fitness center and an event room.
Most people drive in Bloomfield and there's convenient access to U.S. Routes 64 and 550, which meet in the city. The Colorado border is about 20 miles north, and from there, it's about 25 miles farther to Durango. The Durango-La Plata County Airport offers flights on American Airlines and United Airlines, with destinations including Dallas, Denver and Phoenix. Closer to Bloomfield is the Four Corners Regional Airport in Farmington, which has flights to Denver on United.
It's not far to a state park and a renowned fishing destination
Within a 30-mile drive east, there's Navajo Lake State Park, the Navajo Dam and what's known as the Quality Waters, which is a 4-mile stretch of the San Juan River. It's an internationally known fishing destination with trout populations as high as 80,000. "There's a big draw for that. I know fishermen hear 'Quality Waters,' and they start drooling," Banks says.
Written By
Robin Silberman
