Jack Kerouac stopped in Raton for burgers on his infamous cross-country escapade. He even mentions Raton in the famous novel from that trip On the Road.
The first thing you'll probably learn about Raton is that it is the Spanish word for small rat, or mouse
Jack Kerouac stopped in Raton for burgers on his infamous cross-country escapade. He even mentions Raton in the famous novel from that trip On the Road.
The first thing you'll probably learn about Raton is that it is the Spanish word for small rat, or mouse. Sure that doesn't sound like the name of a good place to live, but don't judge a book by its cover or a town by its name. Raton is a beautiful place to be, or be from. Raton is the county seat in Colfax County, New Mexico in the northeastern part of New Mexico, up by the Colorado border. There were 6,885 residents at the 2010 census on just over seven square miles. The town is most well known for being a top on the Santa Fe Trail, one of the earliest wagon routes across the United States. Travelers had a tough go through the Raton Range and Raton Peak that are just north of the town, and likely how the town got its name -- rather than because there are small rats here! The Raton pass is the highest point on the Santa Fe Trail and weary travelers found respite, after successfully cutting through the great Rocky Mountains, in the town below.
Raton's growth spurt began when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway came through town. Before the Interstate Highway System was built, Raton was the place to be in northeastern New Mexico. It was the center for mining, ranching and trade in the area. Today things are considerably more quiet, with Raton mostly relying on tourism for its living. The area is a magnet for artists because of its pristine high desert scenery and fresh, clean air.
Raton has a strong history with national transportation, beginning with the Santa Fe Trail. It was also a stop on the original railroads and the original interstate road, which eventually became the interstate highway system, the National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway. Today, Amtrak's Southwest Chief has a stop in Raton and Interstate 25 runs straight through town north to south. Residents have easy access to Santa Fe, though it is two and half hours away, and just over two hours to Colorado Springs. The closest large city is Pueblo, Colorado at one and half hours north.
If you are searching for rental housing in Raton, you should be pleasantly surprised by the prices. They are lower compared to the country as a whole. You will have to fill out applications and will likely have a credit check performed but these are normal apartment rental processes. Just make sure you have your ID, proof of income and deposits ready because the rental market in Raton is a bit tight and you will want to move quickly when you find a place you like.
There are only two apartment buildings in Raton so you are likely looking at a private arrangement for rental housing or a condo for rent. The good news is that you may have luck finding one bedroom apartments for rent or a studio apartment for rent in a private home.
You should take note that Raton is at 6,500 feet of elevation. If you're from the flatlands this may take some getting used to! You might not want to be lifting heavy furniture and boxes up the stairs on your first day in Raton.
Most of the housing is clustered around the downtown area west and north of Route 64 or 2nd Street. Outside of this area is open land and a place to find a single-family home for rent or maybe even a nice little ranch!
Town Center: Somerset Apartments and Dona Ana Apartments are both located on State Street. These are the two main options for apartment buildings. You will find home rentals in this area also and the good news is that being within the town center will put you in easy access to shopping. Kmart, the Dollar Store and the Mesa Pharmacy within walking distance. You may not need a car if you live in town, depending on whether or not you want to get out of Raton once in a while.
You'll know you are in the West if you live in Raton. Residents are all about the good life with fresh Rocky Mountain air and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The Sugarite Canyon State Park is nearby. The Canyon was the site of a coal mining camp that was operational from 1912-1941. Now it's a great place to get out and explore. It's a top birding area and there are fifteen miles of trails for hiking. Two lakes will keep fishermen busy. There is camping allowed here with facilities and the old mining camp to explore.
Downtown is all about the art and history. The Raton Arts and Cultural District highlights the unique feeling of Raton old and new. The Old Pass Gallery and the Raton Arts Gallery anchor the area around 2nd Street and Ripley Park.
As part of the district, there are two well-known and historically significant theaters in town. The El Raton Theatre has beautiful art deco architecture and is like watching a movie in a castle, complete with Dolby Digital Surround Sound, and the Schuler which also has live performances.
You'll need a new pair of cowboy boots and Raton as just the place. You have to make a stop at Solano's Boot and Western Wear. A local family-owned business that has been at the top of its game since 1956.
Another family-owned business, La Cosina Cafe, is serving some of the best Mexican food to be found anywhere. You'll become addicted to New Mexico green chiles -- they don't have to be hot, just smoky and yummy -- and their smothered enchiladas. Boomers BBQ will give a more American meal with all kinds of grilled meats and of course awesome fries.
So, welcome to Raton; where the air is fresh and clean and you'll be glad you discovered this gem!
