The film Sorcerer, which was made in 1977 and directed by William Friedkin, filmed one of its climatic scenes within the Bisti Badlands surrounding Kirtland.
Kirtland, New Mexico is a census-designated place in San Juan County. The surrounding area is on the quieter side, but there is a lot to see and do. For example, you can get some exercise in while learning more about the surrounding area in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, a 45,000 acre wilderness area within the county. Instead of lush trees and many plants, the area is largely comprised of peaceful stretches of land with wide plains of badlands that are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The town itself is great for people who like a calm and relaxing vibe and access to nearby entertainment. Cities like Aztec, Bloomfield and Farmington have plenty in the way of shops and restaurants and you can check out the nearby community of Fruitland as well as the Navajo Indian Reservation!
Moving to Kirtland
Kirtland covers a total of almost 12 square miles on the map and has a population of around 7,875. It's a pretty big space for so few people so you'll have plenty of room to stretch out here. Some think it is home to the Kirtland Air Force Base, but the name is misleading. The base is a three hour drive southeast of Kirtland and is situated in Albuquerque. Although it's well worth it to take the trip to the base, you can still find plenty of activities and entertainment much closer to your home in Kirtland.
Housing
Housing an rental options here are fairly limited, just because the population is so small. However, you'll find a lot of single family homes for rent so if that's what you're looking for, you're in luck! There are some apartment complexes that offer both one and 2 bedroom apartments for rent but the majority of housing is by far single family homes with three to four bedrooms. That means you can have a lot of extra space if you're not moving in with roommates!
A lot of the homes and buildings in Kirtland were built in the late 1900s and early 2000s. This means that you're likely to end up in a newer building which is good news because they generally have fewer issues with plumbing, electricity, etc. than older buildings do. Still, you should always ask your landlord about any damages the apartment might have or potential causes for concern, like pest problems or leaky ceilings. If the buildings weren't built well, even the new ones can have issues sometimes.
When it comes time to rent, you'll want to get all your proverbial ducks in a row before you set out to meet your potential landlord. This means getting your rental documents together - a copy of your ID, your credit report, bank statements, pay stubs, letter of employment, etc. Once your landlord has these, he or she can start conducting a background check to make sure you're a stand up citizen who is going to pay the rent on time! be prepared to hand over one month's rent as a security deposit.
Kirtland Neighborhoods
Kirtland is a relatively small town that is contained within a single neighborhood. The area is surrounded by larger cities such as Aztec and Bloomfield. It is also situated within the northwest corner of the state, which includes the New Mexico part of the Four Corners.
West Kirtland: If you live in West Kirtland, you'll be situated along the beautiful San Juan River! It's also where the Riverview Golf Course is located and the delicious Qivana restaurant.
East Kirtland: East Kirtland is most residential with a lot of small subdivisions and single family home. There are some restaurants along I-64, like Burrito Y Mas.
Living in Kirtland
When you live in Kirtland, you can expect a small-town feel. In fact, there isn't even a public transportation system here. Those who want a quiet area will appreciate what Kirtland has to offer. Although you need a car for most occasions, it is possible to get to the grocery store without one. If you're feeling hungry and don't want to venture out of town, check out local eateries like Doc's Place for some barbecue grub. If suds are more your style, venture to Three Rivers Brewery in nearby Farmington. You can also check out live music and theater at the Brooks/Isham Performing Arts Center in town!
