TORRANCE COUNTY
County Offices
205 South Ninth Street
Estancia 505-544-4700
www.torrancecountynm.org
Chamber of Commerce
2515 Highway 333
Moriarty 505-832-5428
www.evedanm.com
Major Highways
Interstate 40; US Highways 60, 285; Routes 14, 41, 55, 333, 334
Torrance County is home to the panoramic Manzano Mountains and Salina’s National Monument as well as vast open, undisturbed rangeland that farmers, ranchers, and abundant wildlife call home. This rural region is distinguished as one of the most productive agricultural counties in entire nation, an open and spacious expanse of land that continues to be intensely cultivated and utilized. Pinto beans, corn, alfalfa, and pumpkins are just a sample of the crops that are harvested throughout the year. However, farms are not the only development that dots the vast landscape. Bordering southern Santa Fe County and the booming city of Edgewood as well as Bernalillo County and Albuquerque, this region has been experiencing an influx of residential development.
Situated in Central New Mexico in a geographic region known as the Estancia Valley, Torrance County is closely aligned with southern Santa Fe County and the expanded amenities of Edgewood as well as eastern Bernalillo County. The valley also offers easy access to New Mexico’s largest and fastest-growing metropolitan area, Albuquerque — just minutes from home along Interstate 40. The excellent highway system, attractive tax rates, advanced services like broadband Internet access, and the wide variety of picturesque settings have made the valley popular with new businesses.
Services
In spite of the county’s rural heritage, brisk agricultural activity, and abundant open space, newcomers can look forward to easy access to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. Local medical centers and senior centers provide many routine services, supported by major research and treatment institutions throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan region. Leading healthcare systems that include the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and UNM Hospitals ensure advanced diagnostics, leading-edge treatment, and highly specialized care close to home.
Torrance County residents enjoy first-rate educational opportunities in quality public school districts staffed by dedicated professionals who receive strong community support. Metropolitan Albuquerque offers abundant options for post-secondary education in career and vocational institutes, technical and community college campuses, private colleges, and the vast University of New Mexico campus with its outstanding schools and colleges. New Mexico uses the state lottery to offer an outstanding opportunity to high school graduates. All resident high school students with at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 system are eligible for the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, an award that covers the tuition for a student to attend a state college for eight semesters after the successful completion of a self-funded first semester.
Lifestyle
Each one of the Torrance County communities claims its own unique personality and advantages, from amenities of Estancia, the manufacturing and transportation focus of Moriarty, or the natural beauty of the Mountainair area. The Estancia Valley is also encompassed in the larger region known as East Mountain, which refers to the fast-growing area on the eastern side of the Sandia and Monsano mountains. Many impressive ranches were established on these plains, some of which are still in operation. Today, East Mountain communities are seeing explosive growth of residential villages and new homes that offer a retreat from the fast track of urban life. Hidden treasures within this area include Madrid, a unique artist’s community nestled into the hillside that features restored historical sites and a popular melodrama theater.
Breathtaking mountain views, premier recreational opportunities, and land-rich open space have encouraged sporadic residential subdivisions that offer large lots. Ten-acre parcels of land are common, although entire ranches are opening to building and development. Horse properties are available in many areas, and equestrians or dirt-bike enthusiasts will find a paradise of scenic trails. Hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, dirt biking, road cycling, off-roading, photography, bird-watching, and nature study are all popular pastimes in this beautiful region.
Cultural enrichment is never far from home in Torrance County, with some of the nation’s finest museums and art galleries in nearby Santa Fe and a full complement of performing visual and performing arts in Albuquerque. Other easily accessible activities include modern mall or historic district shopping, farmer’s markets and flea markets, antique hunting, fine or casual dining, and exploration of natural and crafted historic sites. Wherever you go in Torrance County, the East Mountain region, or Central New Mexico, an exciting new adventure is waiting just around the corner.
Estancia
City Hall
505-247-1750
www.mrcog-nm.gov
Chamber of Commerce
505-832-5428
www.evedanm.com
Nestled in the primarily flat Estancia Basin, the small town of Estancia is surrounded by mountains and highlands. The large salt flats and lagoons southeast of the town were once an important source of salt. In fact, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument takes it names from this ancient salt trade. Small in population, the city nevertheless serves as the Torrance County seat of government. The Estancia area has existed as a cattle and sheep ranching area since the 19th century, adding significant farming activity in the mid 20th century. Newcomers will discover a small-town spirit where neighbors become easily acquainted and a wide range of housing possibilities that include vintage homes as well as newer construction or multi-acre properties that include farms or ranches.
Moriarty
City Hall
505-832-4406
http://cityofmoriarty.org
Chamber of Commerce
505-832-5428
www.evedanm.com
Distinguished as the largest community in Torrance County, Moriarty claims the advantage of having the junction of Interstate 40 and New Mexico Highway 41 at its doorstep. The city serves as a hub for farmers and ranchers working the Estancia Valley southeast to Albuquerque and the Galisteo area to the northeast. Offering a 40-minute commute into Albuquerque, the city offers a comfortable residential community where housing options range from cozy bungalows in the heart of town to large farms and ranches that sprawl over hundreds of acres. The city’s location within the oval-shaped Estancia Basin places the rugged, forested slopes of the Manzano and Sandia mountains to the west and the rolling Pedernal Hills to the east for virtually unlimited four-season recreational activities.
Mountainair
City Hall
505-847-2321
http://mountainairnm.gov
Chamber of Commerce
505-847-3580
http://discovermountainairnm.com
Growing in popularity as an artist’s haven, the charming small town of Mountainair is located at the intersection of Highway 60 and New Mexico Highway 55. Interstate 40 is approximately 40 miles north at Moriarty, while Interstate 25 is 40 miles west at Belen. Gentle hills, abundant wildlife, mountain slopes, and a temperate climate add natural beauty and environmental appeal to the relaxed pace of living. Picturesque backdrops create an idyllic setting for hiking, horseback riding, camping, and nature observation. Ranching is still popular in this area, since animals of diverse species seem to thrive in this moderate, healthy environs.
