Whether you’re considering a move to Farmington for career opportunities, family life, or retirement, you’ll quickly discover that this vibrant city in northwest New Mexico has a plethora of offerings for its residents.
So what’s it like to live in Farmington, New Mexico? The city has a population of about 46,000, making it the largest city in the Four Corners region. It basks in more than 270 days of sunshine, featuring a comfortable climate ranging from crisp, snowy winters to warm, enjoyable summers.
Like many towns, Farmington’s economy has undergone boom and bust periods with various industries — apple orchards were the first economic driver — and for many years, oil and gas were the basis for the economy.
Now, Farmington is capitalizing on its natural beauty and ease of access to national monuments and parks to become a significant contributor to New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy.
Farmington even hosts annual events that make the most of those surroundings, like the Road Apple Rally mountain bike race, Four Corners 4×4 Week featuring off-road vehicles, and even the Four Corners Balloon Rally, where you can watch hot air balloons rise at dawn above the desert.
With an affordable cost of living, highly-rated public schools, and a community-focused lifestyle, it’s easier to achieve a better work-life balance in Farmington. Natural wonders, including the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata rivers, picturesque bluffs, and open desert vistas, are a part of daily life. This allows easy access to year-round outdoor activities like fishing, rafting, hiking, and mountain biking.
Farmington was established at the convergence of the three rivers mentioned above, and this area was originally given the name Totah, meaning Among the Waters, by the Navajo. Native American culture is still and important part of the community, given Farmington’s proximity to and intertwined history with the Navajo Nation.
Just west of Farmington is the sacred Navajo site of Shiprock, a stunning rock formation that rises from the desert. Also in the area are the historic and prehistoric sites of Aztec Ruins National Monument, Bisti Badlands, and Chaco Canyon.
While the city has its own transportation system, another option for getting around town is the numerous biking and walking trails that stretch out across the city. For instance, the Berg and Animas Park Trails alone offer eight miles of trails to explore, and there are over 30 miles of bike trails in town!
Plus, Farmington’s historic downtown area is particularly pedestrian-friendly, offering a charming blend of local shops, restaurants, breweries, and galleries, if you prefer your exercise pace on the leisurely side.
As if all that weren’t enough, Farmington is also home to a public library that should be on your must-see list. Winner of New Mexico’s Best New Buildings awards for Interior and Best Lighting — Interior in 2004, it’s a perfect stop for those interested in architecture, lighting, or the art that’s embedded in the walls and glass. It was designed to astonish, and it delivers.
Farmington also serves as a regional center for entertainment and arts in the Four Corners area, hosting various festivals, live music events, and cultural activities that draw visitors from across the region. There’s no shortage of things to do in Farmington.
Whether you’re seeking to advance your career in a community-oriented city, reconnect with your roots, or simply start anew in neighborhoods that balance modern living with rich cultural heritage, Farmington has a spot for you.
