Moriarty, NM is a country/rural community in the very northern section of Torrance County. It had a population of 2,410 in 2014, the most recent number published. According to Movoto, there are 56 properties within the Moriarty city limits for sale as of this writing. There are also parcels of land available for purchase. Both Route 66 and Interstate Route 40 (I-40) pass through the north of Moriarty. This part of the city is mostly a travel stop for automobiles, trucks, and recreational vehicles (RVs). Motels, restaurants and an RV park offer food and lodging for travelers.
Moriarty is not a bedroom community, per se, although it can act as such for those who want rural community living and an urban working environment. As of 2004, approximately 80% of the residents are "newcomers." Young people are moving away to attend college and do not return, because the Moriarty job market cannot support them.
Since 2010, Moriarty is becoming more popular as a laid-back community to live in. Those who are looking for a New Mexico living experience, but have to take working in the city into consideration, are likely to find what they want in Moriarty. All the activities, amenities, and attractions Albuquerque has to offer are easily available to residents of Moriarty. Closer to home, rodeo activities, anything relating to horses, and small-aircraft aviation is readily available in, or very close to, town. It is easy to find a local instructor for any of these activities.
Local Industries
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Horses – stabling, riding lessons, rodeo (which includes roping and barrel racing), breeding, and showing can all be done in or near Moriarty with available facilities. The Moriarty Civic Center and Chamber of Commerce can provide current information on the New Mexico Quarter Horse Association, the New Mexico Horse Council, and any other organizations that hold meetings and events in or near Moriarty.
When it comes to aviation, the Moriarty Municipal Airport provides the airstrip for small private planes and for gliders. Several companies, like Sundance Aviation and Mauldin Aviation, and the Albuquerque Soaring Club (gliders) have their headquarters at Moriarty Airport. Hot-air balloons, another world-renowned area attraction, is based in nearby Albuquerque (home of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta).
Family-Oriented Features
There are two elementary, one middle, and one high school in Moriarty proper. These are public schools with ratings of 5, 6, 7, and 8 (out of 10), respectively. It is necessary to go to another town or city to find a private or charter school.
Although Moriarty is a small city, its incidence of reported crime (318.7 per 100,000 people) is higher than the United States average (291.1 per 100,000 people). 94% of these incidents were thefts or burglaries. Moriarty, however, has its own police force, the Moriarty Police Department. The city is also able to draw on the Torrance County Sheriff's Department when it needs extra help.
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Central New Mexico is blessed with sunshine 278 days a year. That means precipitation is not usually an issue when commuting. It is a straight shot on I-40 west into Albuquerque. Some residents of Moriarty do this commute two or three times a day.
The reported one-way commute time between Moriarty and Albuquerque is 28 minutes. Factor in construction on I-40, or inclement weather (snow or rain) and the drive time is more like 45 minutes to an hour, one way. An almost predictable bottleneck in the winter months is snow and ice on I-40 from Tijeras Canyon through Edgewood.
Commuting to Santa Fe is a bit less modern. A direct route to Santa Fe is via NM Route 41 to Route 285 and then into the state's capital city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Moriarty is about the same as any other rural place in New Mexico. Its overall Cost-of-Living Index is, however, about 85 when compared with the rest of the nation (at 100). Housing is much lower (62), and the most prevalent type of residence is manufactured housing. Groceries cost slightly more than the national average (103). Even when you factor in gasoline for commuting, it still costs less to live in Moriarty than other towns in the Albuquerque metro area.
Climate
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Moriarty is in the central region of New Mexico, which is mostly a high desert climate. With an elevation of 6,220 feet above sea level, it experiences wide temperature swings. For example, the third week of February 2016 shows highs in the 70s (Fahrenheit) and lows in the 30s. This is typical weather for this time of year in central New Mexico.
In Conclusion
If you are considering moving to the Albuquerque metro area, Moriarty has a combination of lower housing costs, slower pace, and a rural lifestyle that might be attractive to you.
