Affordable Living in Raton, NM

Experience the perfect blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and an affordable lifestyle in New Mexico – Welcome to Raton!

Why Choose Raton for Your Next Home?

Affordable Housing Options

Raton offers a variety of affordable housing options to fit any budget. Whether you're looking for charming historic homes, modern townhouses, or cozy apartments, Raton has something for everyone. The average cost of living here is significantly lower than larger cities, allowing you to stretch your dollar further.

RATON COMMUNITY PROFILE

Cost of Living in Raton, NM

Housing: The median home price in Raton is significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible for families, retirees, and first-time buyers. Here's your opportunity to purchase a cozy home (fixer upper or turnkey) nestled against a majestic landscape.
Utilities & Taxes: With lower utility costs and no state income tax in New Mexico, your monthly expenses will be more manageable. Raton’s property taxes are also among the lowest in the region.
Groceries & Healthcare: Everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare are lower than in many larger cities, ensuring you get the most out of your budget.

Cost Breakdown

Median Home Price

Raton: $150,000

National Average: $400,000+

Monthly Rent

Raton: $700-$1,100

National Average: $1,500+

Utilities (Monthly)

Raton: $150

National Average: $250

Groceries (Monthly):

Raton: $300

National Average: $500

Climate & Weather in Raton, NM

Raton, New Mexico, experiences a semi-arid climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters.

Temperature

Summers (June to August): Average highs range from 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C), but temperatures can occasionally reach over 100°F (38°C) on hotter days. Nights are cooler, with lows ranging from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C).
Winters (December to February): Winters can be cold, with average highs between 40°F and 50°F (4°C to 10°C) and lows ranging from 15°F to 25°F (-9°C to -4°C). Snow is common during the winter months, with accumulation possible.

Precipitation

Rain: Raton gets about 14–18 inches (355–460 mm) of precipitation annually. The rainiest months are usually late spring and summer (May to July), with thunderstorms common in the summer months.
Snow: Winter snowfall varies but typically accumulates between 10–20 inches (25–50 cm) per year, especially in the higher elevations surrounding Raton.

Sunshine

Raton enjoys a relatively high number of sunny days, with around 250 days of sunshine per year.

In summary, Raton experiences a relatively dry climate with significant temperature fluctuations between seasons, particularly in the winter. Summer thunderstorms provide most of the region's rainfall, and winters can bring occasional snow.

Population & Demographics in Raton, NM

Raton is a small, rural town with a population of around 6,000, with a diverse population, with a growing focus on tourism and service industries. The town has a slightly older population and an average household size of about 2.4 people.

Race & Ethnicity

White: Approximately 63% of the population.
Hispanic or Latino: Around 39%. This group represents a significant portion of the community, contributing to the town's cultural heritage.
African American: Roughly 1%.
Native American: A small percentage, around 1%.
Asian and Pacific Islander: Less than 1%.

Age Distribution

The population is relatively evenly distributed across age groups, with a median age of around 45 years.
Under 18: Around 20% of the population.
18 to 64: The largest age group, making up approximately 55% of the population.
65 and older: About 25%.

Economy

Main industries in Raton include retail, healthcare, education, and transportation, with a focus on tourism due to the town’s location near scenic natural attractions like Capulin Volcano and Sugarite Canyon State Park.
Historically, Raton was a coal mining town, and its economy was once centered around that industry, but it has diversified in recent years and is going through a renaissance of economic development focused on outdoor recreation, tourism, film, and industry recruitment.

Entrepreneurial Recruitment

Tax Incentives & Benefits: New businesses may be eligible for state and local tax incentives that help you minimize startup costs. Additionally, New Mexico’s low corporate income tax and absence of state sales tax on most services make it a great place to grow your company.
Support for Startups: Local organizations and networks provide support for entrepreneurs, including mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and networking events to help you connect with like-minded individuals and potential partners.
Affordable Commercial Space: Find affordable office space and storefronts in downtown Raton and nearby areas, offering your business the visibility and accessibility it needs to succeed. We will rally behind you and help you start your business - big or small!

Healthcare in Raton, NM

Raton, New Mexico, has a range of healthcare amenities to serve its residents and surrounding communities. While the town is small, it offers essential medical services, including

Miners Colfax Medical Center

Miners Colfax Medical Center is the primary hospital in the area, offering a variety of healthcare services, including emergency care, routine medical procedures, a clinic, and more specialized care for the community.

It is a general hospital that offers a variety of services, including acute care, long-term care, and rural health services.
It has a patient portal and offers financial assistance programs.
It hosts live streams of its board meetings to keep the community informed.

Local Physician Practices and Specialists

In addition to the larger healthcare facilities, there are several private medical practices and specialists (e.g., dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, and mental health counselors) offering care in Raton. These provide routine care, specialist consultations, and dental services.

Dialysis Clinic
Krossroads
MCMC Clinic
Mesa Pharmacy
McGowen Chiropractor
Mystic Mountain Healthcare
Nazeri Family Dentistry
Pinwheel Healing
Professional Home Healthcare Services
Raton Family Dental
Raton VA Clinic
Rocky Mountain Physical Therapy
Sunrise Medical Clinic
Teambuilders
Wilson Troy L DDS

Education in Raton, NM

Raton has a variety of educational opportunities for students of all ages.

Public Schools

Raton Public Schools offer a comprehensive education, including academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic program. This district serves the local community with schools including Longfellow Elementary, Raton Intermediate, and Raton High School.

Higher Education

While there are no traditional universities or colleges in Raton, the city offers access to higher education through:

Community Colleges: Trinidad State College, located just across the state line in Colorado, provides associate degrees and vocational training.
Online Programs: Eastern New Mexico University and other institutions offer online degree programs that can be completed remotely.
Dual Credit Classes at Raton High School

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

THINGS TO DO

Historical Significance

Once a thriving railroad town, Raton’s history is deeply intertwined with the expansion of the American West. The town’s historic buildings, like the Raton Train Depot, tell the story of this pivotal era, and the rich cultural heritage is preserved throughout the town.

Arts & Creativity

Raton has a growing arts scene, with local galleries, theaters, and craft studios where residents and visitors alike can explore local creativity. The Raton Community Center and the Shuler Theater host a variety of performances, from plays to concerts, providing cultural entertainment for all ages.

Cultural Diversity

With a mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences, Raton is a community where diverse traditions and celebrations thrive. This cultural melting pot adds depth and character to the town, making it a fascinating place to live and visit.

Acres to Explore

Slow down and enjoy a quality life with big views and picturesque scenery. Raton is centrally located to many state and national parks, and close enough to nearby metropolitan areas all while being tucked in a quiet community with minimal light polution.

Indoor Leisurely Fun

Spend your days soaking or exercising in our state-of-the-art aquatic center. The kids can get a break, or you can have the pool to yourself during open lap swim time.

Wide Open Spaces

A natural haven for hiking, wildlife watching, outdoor activities like kayaking, golfing, and camping, just minutes from the city.

Historic Downtown

Stroll through Raton’s charming downtown district, filled with local shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or find a one-of-a-kind treasure.

We'd love to have you!

RETIRE IN RATON

A Peaceful, Affordable Retirement Destination

Raton is the best place to retire and an ideal place to enjoy your golden years. With its lower cost of living, peaceful surroundings, and close-knit community, retirees can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle without the financial stress of larger cities. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, a slower pace of life, or a welcoming place to build lasting relationships, Raton offers it all.

Affordable Housing

Many retirees find that they can downsize or purchase their dream retirement home in Raton without draining their savings. Housing costs are much lower than the national average, allowing retirees to stretch their budgets further.

Low Taxes for Retirees

New Mexico offers several tax benefits for retirees, including exemptions on Social Security benefits and tax credits for low-income seniors. In addition, the overall cost of living in Raton is much lower than in larger cities, ensuring your retirement dollars go further.

Active Retirement Life

If you love nature, you’ll enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching at nearby parks like Sugarite Canyon State Park. Enjoy year-round mild weather and scenic views that make outdoor recreation enjoyable no matter the season.

Friendly Community

The residents of Raton are warm and welcoming, making it easy for newcomers to get involved and form lasting friendships. From local coffee shops to community events, you’ll always feel at home in Raton.

250-mile radius from nearest metros.

Cost of Living Comparison

Find Your Next Home

Raton provides a range of housing options for every budget. Furthermore, we have a lower cost of living compared to Denver, Colorado Springs, Amarillo, Houston and even Trinidad, CO.

Real Estate

Trulia.com

Realtor.com

Rentals

The rental market in Raton is constantly fluctuating. Take a look at HotPads, Call Local Realtors and checkout Local Facebook Pages for leads.