Lakeside city of Farmington, just south of Colorado
As its name may suggest, Farmington began as an agricultural hub for area farmers. It became the leading oil and gas-producing area in the state after reserves were discovered there in the 1920s and the industry is still an economic force today. But the biggest draw now is recreation. “People come here to enjoy tons of activities in beautiful weather,” says Allen Elmore, Realtor with eXp Realty, who’s been in the business since 2020. Water activities are especially abundant, with two nearby lakes and the Animas and San Juan Rivers rolling by. Downtown hums with locals shopping, dining or exploring museums, and annual events draw the community together. “We have a lot of families living here, but there’s also a huge retirement movement right now,” says Elmore. “Residents are leaving southwest Colorado for Farmington, growing our population to just over 46,000.”
The Farmington visitor center has great information on the history surrounding the city.
Farmington has seen steady growth recently with new residents moving in from Southern Colorado.
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Recreation at two nearby lakes and the Animas River
Residents can access Lake Farmington and Navajo Lake, as well as, trails and outdoor events. “Our outdoor recreation here is great,” says Elmore. “You can go hiking, 4-wheeling, river rafting, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. During the summer’s River Fest, you can surf the Animas River, enjoy music and hit up vendors.” Families utilize city parks for various activities and explore wetlands at the Nature Center. Golfers can choose between a few 18-hole courses here, while adult sports leagues compete at the city’s recreation center. The city is in the northwestern part of the state about 60 miles east of the Four Corners Monument. The Aztec Ruins National Monument is about 15 miles northeast.
The Animas River is one of the three rivers that flows through Farmington.
Locals enjoy the beach at Lake Farmington to sit back and enjoy warm sunny days.
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Xeriscape design for multi-style homes
The median sale price for single-family dwellings throughout 2024 was $304,000, compared to nearby Durango, Colorado's median of about $700,000. Elmore says Farmington has seen double-digit price increases year after year since 2020. Xeriscape foundations house ranch- and Pueblo Revival-style homes toward the center of town and contemporary and new traditional Craftsman-styles to the northeast. Custom-built homes sit to the northwest. Prices range from $120,000 to $300,000 for homes built during the 1950s and ‘70s to $330,000 to $590,000 for ‘80s and ‘90s homes. Prices for homes built during the 2000s and ‘10s range from $620,000 to $900,000, and custom-built estates sell for between $1.1 million and $2.9 million.
Pueblo Revival homes can be found scattered around the neighborhoods in Farmington.
Contemporary homes and xeriscaping are common housing trends found around Farmington.
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Main Street shops and eateries
Locally owned and chain restaurants skirt north and south of Main Street, many serving Tex-Mex, pizza and ethnic cuisine. A few bars and a brewery-distillery combo are also present. The city sports several coffee shops, and Downtown Farmington, the Arts and Cultural District, is a cluster of awnings protruding from small businesses and art galleries. Residents fill this area during holiday parades. Strip malls and shopping centers line Browning Parkway, while big-box stores sit to the west.
Farmington's historic downtown is filled with unique shops and restaurants.
Downtown Farmington has a variety of great restaurants including 3 Rivers Brewing a local favorite.
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Theater and museum culture
The Farmington Civic Center in downtown is both a conference and a performing and visual arts site, which holds live theater performances and youth acting classes. The city’s collection of museums takes visitors on a journey through a world of science, Navajo heritage and the area’s history with lectures and workshops. In the fall, hot air balloons ascend into the sky during the Four Corners Balloon Rally.
Farmington is proud of the Navajo influence surrounding the city and includes it in their history.
The Farmington Civic Center is a great place to catch a show or attend a variety of events.
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Medical hub nearby and an hour from Durango
Farmington is about 52 miles southwest of Durango, Colorado, via State Highway 170 and 182 miles northwest of Albuquerque via Highway 550. Browning Parkway, Highway 64 and Bisti Highway offer alternative routes around town. Red Apple Transit buses service the city, and many roads are bicycle-friendly. San Juan Regional Medical Center is right in town near other health centers. Four Corners Regional Airport has no commercial flights, and Albuquerque's international airport is 186 miles southeast, usually a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Award-winning music education program at area schools
Farmington Municipal Schools, which earns a B-plus from Niche, serves approximately 11,000 students and is one of the state’s most diverse school districts. In 2024, the district was awarded the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. Nearby San Juan College offers over 140 degree and certificate programs across its five campuses, three of which are in Farmington. New Mexico Highlands University, known for improving experiences for first-generation college students, has a satellite campus here.
San Juan College is a great school in Farmington for students to pursue their dreams.
New Mexico Highlands University also has a satellite campus in Farmington givings students more options.
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Decreasing crime rates, all four seasons
Over the last five years, Farmington’s violent crime rate has been much higher than the state and national figures, while property crime rates have been lower than state figures but higher than national figures, according to FBI statistics. Both rates are decreasing. Farmington experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and chilly winters. Elmore says they’ll get some snow but aren’t hammered with it.
Written By
Tess Evans
Photography Contributed By
Kody Martin
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
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GreatSchools:
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