Desert scenery surrounds Chimayo’s culturally rich community
Chimayo is a residential area just 9 miles east of Española within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The community is rooted in New Mexico’s unique culture. “The beauty and historic charm of Chimayo makes it a truly special place, where the preservation of traditions and values passed down through generations is deeply important to the community,” says Realtor LyAnn Vigil with Keller Williams Realty, who has about 8 years of experience. “Chimayo” is a Hispanic weaving technique named after the area, and many local artisans still use the craft today. Additionally, the area is a known pilgrimage site for its historic Catholic chapel, El Santuario de Chimayó. Chimayo is surrounded by desert landscape and a short drive to a handful of recreational places within the Santa Cruz Valley.
Single-family homes with adobe exteriors
Most homes in Chimayo are spread out along narrow, winding roads and within specific neighborhoods, called plazas or placitas. Properties are often separated by fields, fences and desert trees. Ranch-style homes and cottages are common, built between the 1920s and 1950s. Many of these properties have Northern New Mexico architecture with features such as stucco or adobe siding. There are also a handful of single-story Spanish Revivals with red-tiled roofs. Modern pueblos from the 1990s are another popular housing style for the area. There are both single- and two-story properties, and most are painted with bright colors. Prices range between $310,000 and $525,000, depending on the home’s size and age.
According to Vigil, most homes are multi-generational and passed down through families. The CAP Index Crime Score for Chimayo is 1 out of 10, low when compared to the national average of 4.
Local commerce and national chains in Española
While Chimayo is primarily residential, a handful of galleries and artisan shops are found throughout the area selling fabrics, pottery and wood carvings – such as Centinela Traditional Arts and Trujillo’s Weaving Shop. Rancho de Chimayó is a restaurant in town serving New Mexican cuisine, and La Fonda del Santuario is a casual eatery with Mexican street food located outside the community’s historic chapel.
Española is around 9 miles west with additional options along the Riverside Drive commercial corridor. Pizza Parlor is the oldest pizzeria in the city, and there are multiple traditional New Mexican restaurants such as Sopaipilla Cafe and El Parasol. National retailers include Walmart Supercenter, Lowe’s and Harbor Freight. For groceries, there’s Food King and Center Market. “Santa Fe is just a bit farther, providing a larger city experience with a broader selection of shopping, dining and cultural attractions,” Vigil says.
Chimayo’s historic and cultural destinations
One of Chimayo’s most notable attractions is El Santuario de Chimayó, a Catholic chapel built in the 1810s. The small adobe building is a designated National Historic Landmark furnished with both Spanish and Native American-inspired décor. Known for its healing dirt, the chapel attracts over 300,000 pilgrims a year during Holy Week.
Another cultural destination is the Chimayo Museum, with its rotating exhibits on the history of Chimayo. These include photographs and artifact displays from both Hispanic and Native American communities. “Chimayo is rich in generational culture with traditions passed down through the years, including weaving, farming, a vibrant community of artists and the celebrated lowrider culture,” Vigil says.
Playgrounds and nearby lakes are key spots for recreation
La Arboleda Community Center is Chimayo’s primary source of recreation. The outdoor area has picnic shelters, a basketball court and multiple playgrounds with climbing structures. La Arboleda Senior Center is a building in the back that hosts activities and classes. The Black Mesa Golf Club is a public, 18-hole golf course about 8 miles away in Española.
About 6 miles south of Chimayo is the Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area, which surrounds its namesake water source. There are over 6 miles of hiking trails within the Santa Cruz Lake Trail System, and fishing and boating are allowed on the water. North Lake Campground and Overlook Campground both have RV and tent sites for overnight visitors.
Española public schools with quality programs
Children living in Chimayo can attend schools in the Española Public School District, which offer open enrollment opportunities. Chimayo Elementary School earns a C grade from Niche, while Carlos F. Vigil Middle School has a C-minus. Both offer an English Language Development program for bilingual students. From there, students can attend Española Valley High School, which receives a C-plus. The high school offers programs such as JROTC and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agriculture Education.
Traveling in and around Chimayo by car or bus
Chimayo’s expansive landscape and winding residential roads require a vehicle to navigate. New Mexico state Road 76 is the area’s main thoroughfare, traveling east and west. Bus stops for the North Central Regional Transit District are dotted along NM 76 and head to Española. The Santa Fe Regional Airport is roughly 37 miles away.
