Located
at the heart of the Estancia Valley just south of Moriarty, Estancia
(which means “resting place”) is rich in history and character.
Throughout recorded history, Estancia has been a popular stopping point
for regional travelers, thanks to its clean, spring-fed lake. The area
has been historically associated with agriculture, including cattle
ranching and farming. The town has been the county seat since 1905,
and was incorporated in 1909. For over two decades in the early part
of the 20th century, it was home to the headquarters of the New Mexico
Central Railway. Growth during these years was largely responsible for
the current physical configuration of the town, which is primarily a
grid pattern of smaller residential properties, with commercial development
– including restaurants, filling stations, and a variety of other
commercial enterprises. The Town of Estancia has made the visual attractiveness
of the commercial district and preservation of a small-town atmosphere
a high priority.
In
many ways, Estancia may be considered the area’s most aggressive
community with respect to providing amenities to residents and businesses.
The town is served by municipal water and sewer systems, curbside trash
removal, and a natural gas utility. Estancia boasts a newly-completed,
$1 million public library. Arthur Park, with its lake, provides area
residents and visitors with fishing, picnicking, and other recreational
opportunities. The town is the first community in the Estancia Valley
to build a community recreation center with a swimming pool. Estancia
is also home to the Torrance County Fairgrounds and rodeo arena, as
well as a baseball park. The town also owns the Estancia Municipal Airport,
located just east of the Town of Estancia.
Estancia
Fact Sheet (PDF)