Moriarty, New Mexico. The very name conjures up images of dusty roads, cowboys and horses. If this is what you think of when you hear the community’s name, you wouldn’t be wrong. But, don’t forget—this city is close enough to Albuquerque that, when you need to get your “big city” fix, you’ll be able to do so, easily!
While the town isn’t very big, it boasts two professional baseball players, a professional MMA fighter and a former governor of New Mexico. The baseball players are Kyle Blanks and Matt Moor. John Dodson is the MMA fighter and Toney Anaya is the former state governor.
Looking for a home to buy in a rural community? You’ll be able to find several homes here, from the rural to those located within the town.
What are the Demographics?
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As a small town, Moriarty NM is populated mainly with white residents (90 percent), then mixed races and others (3 percent for both), Indian (2 percent), Asian or Pacific Islander (2 percent) and African-American (1 percent). Males slightly outnumber females 51 percent to 49 percent.
High school graduates make up 35 percent of the population, with those having less than a high school education making up 18 percent of Moriarty’s population. Those residents with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees make up the bulk of the town’s population, at 44 percent, with those holding graduate degrees are about 3 percent of the town population.
Children nine years old or younger comprise 15 percent of the town’s population; residents between the ages of 10 and 77 also reach 15 percent. Adults ages 18 to 24 make up 9 percent of the population while those 25 to 39 are 12 percent of the population. Those in the 40 to 64 age range are in the largest group, which is 38 percent of the population. Finally, those 65 and older make up 11 percent of the town population.
Employment and industry is mainly in education and health, at 22 percent. Retail and wholesale isn’t far behind, with these workers making up 16 percent of the population. Agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting/mining makes up only 3 percent of the population. Construction workers are slightly more plentiful, at 8 percent. The division between employed and “not in labor force" is equal at 45 percent. Ten percent of the town’s population is unemployed.
Income levels are distributed with 50 percent of Moriarty households earning less than $30,000. Thirty-three percent of households earn between $30,000 and $74,999. Families earning between $75,000 and $149,999 make up 17 percent of the population with only one percent of households earning more than $150,000.
Language distribution in the town’s households is mainly English, with 77 percent of households speaking English. Spanish-speaking households make up 18 percent of households with other Indo-European and other households making up 2 percent of the population respectively. Finally, households communicating in Asian and Pacific Islander languages make up 1 percent of the population.
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Moriarty is located near the northern border of Torrance County, which means that, when it snows or the wind blows, residents will experience this weather. When the weather is calm and sunny, residents of Moriarty NM can travel to Albuquerque or Santa Fe, to spend the day playing or shopping.
If you or your family members appreciate nature, the Bosque del Apache isn’t very far away. Plan a day’s excursion to the Bandelier National Monument, where you’ll learn about the most ancient cultures that occupied northwestern New Mexico centuries ago. Because you’re just over half an hour away from Albuquerque, you’ll be able to take the kids to the activities there as well.
Do you enjoy rodeo? Get yourself down to the Heritage Rodeo Arena, where you’ll be able to witness rodeo activities and events throughout the year. How about motocross? The city has its own track! Here, hundreds of cyclists compete against each other for rankings during the racing season.
Finish out the year with the Pinto Bean Fiesta, which celebrates the successful end of a growing season and the harvest.
What is the Quality of Life?
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Just as Albuquerque has its Balloon Fiesta, Moriarty NM has its Pinto Bean Fiesta, which takes place every October, after the harvest. During this celebration, party-goers celebrate with food, games, a rodeo, baseball tournaments, music, and arts and crafts. In addition, local farmers can sell their produce at the farmers market.
The Pinto Bean Fiesta is promoted and staged by the Moriarty Chamber of Commerce. Just as with other local harvest celebrations, a Pinto Bean Queen is crowned. An estimated crowd of about 2,000 people take part in the annual celebration, which helps to fill the city’s coffers.
Looking for activities for you and your children? Despite its small size, you’ll be able to find several activities for the junior members of the family. If the idea of flying thrills you, the Southwest Soaring Museum is located in Moriarty. Don’t forget to take a glider ride out at the Moriarty Municipal Airport. Because of its wide-open spaces, the winds are ideal for gliders. You’ll have the time and thrills of your life as you float over the earth in a glider.
What is Moriarty NM Best Known For?
Moriarty does have a connection to the famed Route 66. Between Grants, Route 66 meanders east, passing through small towns and Albuquerque. When it departs Albuquerque, this highway parallels a railroad from Highway 6 to Los Lunas, then becomes Highway 333. Just south of Interstate 40, as the old highway and I-40 climb upward into the Sandia Mountain foothills, where it winds through scenic vistas. East of Tijeras, the old highway passes through scattered areas of development until it finally reaches Moriarty.
If you want to see some scenic views from the old Route 66 in and near Moriarty, look for the Sunset Motel, which has been in operation for more than 66 years. As the old highway leaves Moriarty, it continues east to Santa Rosa.
