West Hammond is on the San Juan River in the Four Corners area
West Hammond is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Four Corners area, where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah come together. "It's a farming community with lots of fields. I notice a lot of alfalfa and hay being grown," says Amanda Banks, an associate broker at Gabaldon Construction & Realty. "It's by the San Juan River, too, so there's a lot of irrigation available." Primarily rural, West Hammond has a population of about 2,700, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
Native cultures, pioneer history and local industries
The history and culture of the region are linked to several Native American tribes, such as the ancestral Anasazi and the Navajo Nation, which owns a lot of land in this part of the state. To the north is an ancient pueblo site, the Salmon Ruins & Heritage Park. Other influences on the region's culture and development include the late 19th-century pioneering era and an oil and gas boom in the 1950s that boosted the economy. In West Hammond today, there are equestrian businesses, a chicken hatchery and industrial and home service providers.
Home listing prices are typically under $500,000
Ranch-style and manufactured homes are common in West Hammond. There are also farmhouses, contemporaries and Southwestern-style homes. Some of the oldest homes date to the 1970s; the newest are from the 2020s, though they are few in number. Listings typically range from about $120,000 to $500,000, with manufactured homes maxing out around the $370,000 mark.
Many homes are on multiacre lots, which may provide room for horses, gardens and small farms. Some properties come with water rights to use irrigation ditches. Homesites close to the river are at more of a flood risk. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
'West' seems to be the main Hammond on the map
The name West Hammond likely originated from the Hammond Project, which, in 1956, was authorized to irrigate land spanning 20 miles along the south bank of the San Juan River. Related water management is now under a non-profit, the Hammond Conservancy District. "West Hammond is used like a nickname; actually, all those homes have a Bloomfield address," Banks says, noting that West Hammond is outside the Bloomfield city limits. About 7 miles northwest, Bloomfield is one of the Tri-Cities, a group that includes Farmington and Aztec, each about 15 miles away.
As to where the rest of Hammond is, besides the East Hammond Cemetery, there's not much. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a CDP cannot have the same name as an adjacent or nearby incorporated place, and this includes the use of directionals.
Outdoor recreation and annual events around the area
As it's not part of a neighboring city, West Hammond doesn't have municipal parks. But the general area offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Some of the top activities are hiking, fishing, rafting and mountain biking. "I could go on and on and on and on about all the things in the area because there really are a ton of things to do," Banks says.
Close by to the west is McGee Park, which includes a convention center and the San Juan County Fairgrounds. In addition to the San Juan County Fair, which takes place in August, the venue hosts concerts, circuses, carnivals and rodeos. Banks says many people also head to Farmington over Memorial Day weekend for the annual Riverfest. In June, hot-air balloons take to the skies during the San Juan River Balloon Rally in Bloomfield.
West Hammond is zoned to the Bloomfield School District
Students may attend schools in the Bloomfield School District. Central Primary School, for first through third grade, earns a C grade from Niche. Naaba Ani Elementary School serves fourth and fifth grades and has a B-minus. Mesa Alta Junior High receives a C-plus, and Bloomfield High School has a B-minus. The district has a certified secondary Navajo Language/culture teacher on staff and provides other services for Native American students.
The river adds to driving distances, Farmington has flights
West Hammond is car-dependent in part because of the river, which separates residential areas and U.S. Route 64 to the north. There are limited crossing points: a bridge on the west is via County Road 5500, on the east it's U.S. Route 550.
For air travel, the Four Corners Regional Airport in Farmington has United Airlines. Another option is the Durango-La Plata County Airport, which is in Durango, Colorado, about 50 miles north.
Most of the shopping is in Farmington or Bloomfield
There are a few businesses along U.S. 64, such as a Dollar General, but Farmington or Bloomfield are the best bet for more shopping selection. Farmington has a Walmart Supercenter, Sam's Club and the Animas Valley Mall. The San Juan Regional Medical Center is also there. Bloomfield's offerings include a Farmers Market grocery store.
Written By
Robin Silberman
