The name Farmington is shared by several cities across the United States. This article focuses on providing an overview of the City of Farmington in New Mexico. We’ll explore key details about Farmington NM including its history, economy, attractions, and more.
A Brief History of Farmington, New Mexico
Farmington is located in the northwest region of New Mexico It had its humble beginnings in 1901 when the first settlers came to farm the land along the Animas River
The town was officially incorporated as a village in 1925. By the late 1940s, Farmington transformed into a lively commerce hub serving surrounding rural communities.
In the 1950s, oil and gas were discovered nearby which spurred economic growth. Farmington was reincorporated as a city in 1960 It has continued expanding and had a population over 45,000 as of the 2020 census.
Farmington’s Diverse Economy and Industries
Farmington has a diverse economy beyond just oil and gas. Key industries include:
- Healthcare – Major employers like San Juan Regional Medical Center provide jobs.
- Retail – With big box stores and local shops, retail thrives.
- Tourism – Visitors come for outdoor recreation and attractions.
- Education – Farmington is home to San Juan College and great schools.
- Manufacturing – Companies like Advent Solar have factories in Farmington.
The city also benefits from steady government, construction, technology, and professional services jobs. Unemployment tends to run lower than state and national averages.
Attractions and Things to Do
Farmington offers fun attractions and activities:
- Outdoor recreation at Lake Farmington and the Foothills Trails
- Golfing at the scenic Piñon Hills Golf Course
- Fishing, boating, and swimming along the San Juan and Animas Rivers
- Exploring downtown’s museums, shops, restaurants and murals
- Catching a baseball game with the professional Farmington Frackers team
- Shopping at Animas Valley Mall and other retail centers
- Experiencing cultural sites like the Salmon Ruins and Aztec Ruins
- Attending popular annual events like the Connie Mack World Series and the Totah Festival
With scenic landscapes, vibrant city culture, and endless entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Farmington.
Farmington’s Climate and Geography
Farmington resides in the Colorado Plateau region with an arid desert climate. Summers bring hot temperatures in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are mild with highs in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is light.
The diverse terrain includes mesas, red rock formations, arroyos, and the Animas and San Juan River valleys. Piñon pine, juniper, sagebrush, and other high desert flora blanket the landscape.
Elevation ranges from around 5,200 feet in lower areas to over 6,000 feet in the foothills. This high elevation provides refreshing air.
Municipal Services for Residents
The City of Farmington provides full municipal services to residents including:
- Electric utility through Farmington Electric Utility System
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Trash collection and recycling
- Police and fire departments
- Public library and senior services
- Parks, trails, recreational facilities
- Public transit with Red Apple Transit
- Road maintenance and traffic engineering
The city government strives to operate efficiently and serve community needs.
Farmington Public School System
The Farmington Municipal School District provides education to around 10,000 students in the region. It has:
- 12 elementary schools
- 3 middle schools
- 3 high schools
- 1 alternative high school
Schools consistently rank high on state evaluations. There are also several charter and private schools in Farmington.
Farmington’s Neighborhoods and Real Estate
Farmington offers diverse neighborhoods from downtown lofts to suburban communities. Popular areas include:
- Animas District – Historic downtown with local shops and homes
- Foothills – Upper-end homes nestled in natural landscapes
- Northern region – New suburban growth with parks and trails
- Sycamore – Established neighborhood near both rivers
The median home value is around $215,000. Renting is also affordable with one-bedroom apartments starting around $650 per month.
Getting Around Farmington
Farmington has a compact, easily navigable layout. Main thoroughfares include Murray Drive, Main Street, 20th Street, and Butler Avenue.
The Red Apple Transit system provides bus routes across town with stops at key destinations. A new Complete Streets project is enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure too.
Farmington is just over an hour from the larger city of Albuquerque. It’s also a short drive from adventure in Durango, Colorado. Daily flights are available at the Four Corners Regional Airport.
Farmington’s Bright Future
As one of New Mexico’s fastest growing mid-sized cities, Farmington has an exciting future ahead. Ongoing downtown revitalization aims to spur investment and vitality.
The newly created Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative also positions Farmington as an adventure destination. The city’s proximity to public lands, strong infrastructure, and business incentives create opportunities.
Farmington provides the best of vibrant small city living coupled with the natural beauty of the Southwest. It’s an ideal community to call home.
How We Live it
Kind words from our residents
“We’ve lived here ever since we moved to America. The people are wonderful and so welcoming. Everything is available and nearby, the neighborhoods are serene and clean with no complaints.”
“Farmington is a great place for good people who care about one another and value the beauty and peace that surrounds us. Most take care to beautify their surroundings and look out for one another.”
“Farmington is such a safe place to live and still has a small community feel. I was born and raised in Utah and feel like we made the best decision to build our dream home in Farmington over 10 years ago.”
The City of Farmington Hills Recognizes Juneteenth
What type of government does Farmington have?
Farmington has a Mayor-Council form of government with a full-time city administrator who is responsible for the day-to-day administrative operations of the city. The Mayor and City Council are elected to make decisions on behalf of over 22,000 Farmington residents.
When are municipal elections held in Farmington?
Municipal elections are held in November of even-numbered years, the same time as federal, state, and county elections. The city administrator is responsible to the Farmington City Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the city. They are appointed by a majority vote of the City Council for an indefinite period of time.
Where is Farmington New Mexico?
Farmington (Navajo: Tóta’) is a city in San Juan County in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 46,624 people. Farmington (and surrounding San Juan County) makes up one of the four metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in New Mexico.
Where is Farmington Colorado located?
Farmington is located at the junction of the San Juan River, the Animas River, and the La Plata River, and is located on the Colorado Plateau. Farmington is the largest city of San Juan County, one of the geographically largest counties in the United States covering 5,538 square miles (14,340 km 2).
What does the mayor and city council do in Farmington?
The Mayor and City Council are elected to make decisions on behalf of over 22,000 Farmington residents. They adopt and oversee the city’s annual budget and set the annual property tax levy as one of the funding sources for the budget.
Does Farmington have an online utility payment system?
Thank you for visiting the City of Farmington’s On-line Utility Payment system. Details about FEUS’ online payment system: – E-CHECKS: The new online system and upgraded phone system will also allow for e-check payments. – ONE LOGIN: If you have multiple accounts, you’ll now be able to access and pay all your bills with one login.