Robison Wells' "On Second Thought" is a book about a man who finds himself in a place called Alamitos. Wells said Alamitos is based on Grants, New Mexico.
Grants began as a camp for the Grant brothers, contractors in charge of building a specific section of the Atlantic and Pacific railway. Beginning as Grants Camp, then Grants Station, the name was finally shortened to Grants. After the golden age of the railroad waned, Grants thrived on the logging industry in the nearby Zuni Mountains. It then became the carrot capital, growing lush, bountiful carrot crops in its rich, volcanic soil, irrigated by the nearby Bluewater Reservoir. Then Grants' economy boomed again when uranium was discovered. Now, Grants thrives off of tourists who come to see the gorgeous natural beauty of the area.
Moving to Grants
Grants offers a variety of property rentals, including studio apartments and roomier two and three-bedroom units. One-bedroom apartments for rent in Grants are available from Courtyard Apartments, Sunray Apartments, Vista Mesa Villa Apartments, New West Apartments and Lobo Canyon Village Apartments. Some of these complexes also offer two bedroom apartments. Rental houses, duplexes, and townhouses are also available in the area. If you've decided to rent, don't forget any of the necessary paperwork. Bring with you copies of your ID, tax papers, rental history, a recent credit report and letters of reference vouching for you as a great tenant.
With just over 9,000 residents, Grants is a small town, though talks of bringing in more nuclear power and revamping the uranium mining in the area might change that someday. There is still uranium in the area to be mined, and U.S. power companies own many of the local mining rights.
Neighborhoods
Outside of the small City Center, Grants doesn't exactly have neighborhoods, but the San Fidel / San Mateo area is close to it. This area is blessed with natural beauty, including the El Malpais National Monument rock formation, the San Mateo Mountains, the Zuni Mountains, and the highest peak in the region, Mount Taylor. An apartment search of the area often shows available properties for rent with amazing views of local scenery.
Living in Grants
Two radio stations, two local television stations, and the "Cibola Beacon" newspaper provide local news and entertainment. A mining museum and the Western New Mexico Aviation Heritage Museum are some of the area's main attractions. Another claim to fame for Grants is some scenes shot here for the movie "21 Grams," starring Sean Penn and Naomi Watts.
If you're looking to move to a new place, food can be a defining factor impacting your decision. When you're looking for some grub in Grants, check out La Ventana Steak House, Surf Shack Pizza, or El Cafecito. After all, don't we all love food?
Grants is 78 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, one of the largest cities in the state. Many Grants residents travel to Albuquerque to find larger shopping malls, nicer restaurants, and other amenities not readily available in the small town of Grants. It is a bit far, however, to travel to Albuquerque as a daily commute. Weekend trips are highly recommended for these kinds of excursions. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there!