Raton

Raton

Located in Colfax County

$204,343 Average Value
$129 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Raton is a quiet high-desert town on the Santa Fe Trail

Located just a few miles south of the Colorado border, Raton is a quiet town set along the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The city got its start as a waystation on the Santa Fe Trail, which shared roughly the same route as modern-day Interstate 25. As time passed, Raton grew into a full-fledged town and the county seat of Colfax County. "You get quiet, small town living out here, with lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation," says Broker/Owner Pamela Seneff of Home Associates, Inc., who has lived in Raton for over 40 years. "It's more affordable than the resort communities in the mountains, but you can still get out there basically whenever you want."

Downtown Raton is easily walkable with many galleries shops and eateries.
Downtown Raton is easily walkable with many galleries shops and eateries.
Craftsman style homes with porches overlooking lush lawns can be found in Raton.
Craftsman style homes with porches overlooking lush lawns can be found in Raton.
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The city is known for its historic late 19th-century homes

Raton is known for its historic homes, many of which were built in the 1880s and 1890s. Traditional cottages, farmhouses and craftsman style homes can all be found in town, along with a large selection of midcentury ranch-style homes and split-levels. Larger yards are the norm in Raton, and a number of houses in the area come with a few acres attached. It's also fairly common for people moving to town to buy a parcel of land and build their own custom home or ranch. Most homes in Raton sell for between $140,000 and $400,000, while parcels of land can go for anywhere from $20,000 to $300,000, depending on the lot size and location. Wildfire is a risk in part of Raton closer to the mountains, but the city makes a concerted effort to regularly clear brush around vulnerable areas.

Homes in the city of Raton sell from $140,000 to $400,000.
Homes in the city of Raton sell from $140,000 to $400,000.
Traditional humble cottages in Raton are still very affordable.
Traditional humble cottages in Raton are still very affordable.
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Hiking and fishing can be found just outside of town

Raton is surrounded by scenic natural areas. Mesas and high desert dominate the landscape east of town, while the foothills to the west represent the beginning of the Sangre de Cristo range. Sugarite Canyon State Park, located about six miles northeast of the city, offers fishing and boating on Lake Maloya and Lake Alice, miles of hiking trails and a visitor center that explores the area's coal mining history. Within the city limits, Climax Canyon Park provides easily accessible hiking trails that wind through a picturesque canyon, offering views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Roundhouse Memorial Park, located in the center of town, is a more traditional city park with a playground and athletic fields, as well as the Raton Regional Aquatic Center.

Raton Regional Aquatic Center is always packed with happy locals and visitors enjoying the indoor pool.
Raton Regional Aquatic Center is always packed with happy locals and visitors enjoying the indoor pool.
Raton's Roundhouse Memorial Park has a large steel gazeebo within its wide open fields.
Raton's Roundhouse Memorial Park has a large steel gazeebo within its wide open fields.
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Downtown Raton features highly rated restaurants and quaint shops

Shopping and dining in Raton is concentrated along 2nd Street, the city's major thoroughfare. A number of small local shops can be found along the road, particularly in its historic downtown district. Downtown is also home to the Shuler Theater, a performance venue, the local cinema and the Raton Museum. For groceries, locals generally head to the Super Save supermarket on the south side of town. It is a bit of a drive to the nearest major shopping centers. Trinidad has a Walmart, but for any big box retail beyond that, locals have to head to Pueblo, over 100 miles away. While local retail is limited, Raton is home to a vibrant food scene that includes many highly rated Mexican and American restaurants, including the popular Colfax Ale Cellar brewery.

Raton's popular Colfax Ale Cellar brewery is opening in the evenings.
Raton's popular Colfax Ale Cellar brewery is opening in the evenings.
Old Pass Gallery showcases artworks and crafts of local Raton artists.
Old Pass Gallery showcases artworks and crafts of local Raton artists.
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Raton Public Schools

The community's public school system is run by Raton Public Schools, which has a C on Niche. Raton's unique school system sends grades K-2 to Lonfellow Elementary School and grades 3-6 to Raton Intermediate School, while older students go to Raton High. Raton Intermediate School has a B rating on Niche, while Raton High School has a C-plus. Raton High offers dual credit courses via Santa Fe Community College, though the courses are held on the Raton High campus.

Historic Longfellow Elementary in the city of Raton was built in 1939.
Historic Longfellow Elementary in the city of Raton was built in 1939.
Raton High School Tiger students continue education from grade 7 to 12.
Raton High School Tiger students continue education from grade 7 to 12.
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The annual Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally

Raton hosts a number of annual events that draw both locals and visitors. One of the most notable is the International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally, typically held in early July, which sees hot air balloons launching from La Mesa Park.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally are the biggest New Mexico events.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally are the biggest New Mexico events.
Raton's International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally is held in July.
Raton's International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally is held in July.
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Interstate 25 connects Raton to Colorado and Albuquerque

Interstate 25 is the main route in or out of Raton. Pueblo is about 100 miles north via the interstate, while Santa Fe is 172 miles south. There's an Amtrak station in the center of town that offers regular trains to both of those locations, as well as Denver. The nearest major commercial airports are in Denver and Albuquerque, over three hours away by car.

Raton Station has convenient morning and evening Amtrak service.
Raton Station has convenient morning and evening Amtrak service.
Albuquerque International Sunport serves the region with eight major airlines.
Albuquerque International Sunport serves the region with eight major airlines.
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Andrew Moreno
Written By
Andrew Moreno
Christiaan Cruz
Photography Contributed By
Christiaan Cruz

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Leland Titus, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Raton Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$199,500
Median Sale Price
$177,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$195,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$169,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
22
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$20
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$129

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
13
Months of Supply
7.10

Homes for Sale

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Raton Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,997
Median Age
46
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$29,977
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$45,029

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89%
College Graduates
14.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.8%
% Population in Labor Force
52.8%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
13''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
34''
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.
Raton
Leland Titus
Santa Fe Realty Unlimited