Is Living in Jemez Pueblo Right for You? 🏜️ | What You Should Know Before Moving to Jemez Pueblo NM

Looking for a peaceful city with a rich history and natural beauty? Then living in Jemez Pueblo may be a great option. A federally recognized tribe and census-designated place in Sandoval County, New Mexico, Jemez Pueblo is known for its rich Native American history and the Jemez language (also known as Towa or Walatowa), an ancient, unwritten dialect spoken only by the native population.

The history of the pueblo dates back to 1275 AD, when the ancient ancestors of the native people migrated to the Jemez Mountains from the Four Corners area and established numerous villages. By the time European settlers were beginning to make contact in 1541, the Jemez people were among the largest and most powerful Puebloan cultures.

Its name derives from the Towan word for "people" or "humans". In 1936, an act of Congress merged the Jemez tribe with the Pecos Pueblo of New Mexico, another Towa-speaking people, after they relocated to the area from their original location east of Santa Fe. In the modern era, Jemez Pueblo is an ideal place to live for those seeking a traditional lifestyle with a rich history and a strong connection to nature.

Thinking about moving to Jemez Pueblo NM? Here is everything you need to know before making it your new home.

Where Is Jemez Pueblo?

Jemez Pueblo is in Sandoval County, New Mexico, within the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The pueblo is in a remote, rural location near the Red Rocks formation. It's situated north of Albuquerque but west of Santa Fe. New Mexico State Route 4 is the main thoroughfare through town, connecting to US Route 550 and providing access to other parts of the state.

Living in Jemez Pueblo offers quick access to larger cities. It's 48 miles or a 52-minute drive from Albuquerque to Jemez Pueblo and 73 miles or a 1 hour 15-minute drive to Santa Fe.

Jemez Pueblo Population & Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the Jemez Pueblo population is 1,963. The number of people living in Jemez Pueblo is growing consistently and is projected to have increased by 15% in the last 5 years. It has a very spacious, rural atmosphere with a population density of 1,111.8 residents per square mile.

Because it's a federally recognized tribe, residents living in Jemez Pueblo are almost exclusively of Native American descent and overwhelmingly female. The population is 61% females and 39% males, with only 1% identifying as a race or ethnicity other than Native. It's also a very family-oriented community, with multiple generations often living in the same home, and 35% of people living in Jemez Pueblo are under 18.

Notable citizens and tribal residents who have had the pleasure of living in Jemez Pueblo include sculptor Cliff Fragua and N. Scott Momaday.

Other Jemez Pueblo demographics:

• The median age is 31.3 years, 20% lower than the rest of New Mexico
• The median household income is $59,102, which is 5% lower than the rest of New Mexico
• 88.3% of people living in Jemez Pueblo have a high school diploma, and 13.1% have a bachelor's degree or higher

Living in Jemez Pueblo is very safe. It's a small, tight-knit community that doesn't suffer from the social problems often found in larger cities. Here is how crime in Jemez Pueblo compares to the New Mexico crime rate and the national average.

• Total crime: 1667 crimes per 100,000 people, 27% lower than the national average, 54% lower than the rest of New Mexico
• Violent crime: 343 crimes per 100,000 people, 6% lower than the national average, 54% lower than the rest of New Mexico
• Property crime: 1323 crimes per 100,000 people, 31% lower than the national average, 54% lower than the rest of New Mexico

So if crime is a major concern for you, moving to Jemez Pueblo NM is a great option.

Crime in Jemez Pueblo is handled through a combination of the Pueblo's own police department, as well as the New Mexico State Police and federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI.

Cost of Living in Jemez Pueblo

The cost of living in Jemez Pueblo is very affordable. One way to understand the cost of living in a community is to examine the cost-of-living index. It compares the price of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by a value of 100.

The COLI for the Albuquerque area is 95.3, which suggests that the cost of living in Jemez is 4.7% less expensive than the typical cost of living in a US city. It also helps to reference the Family Budget Calculator developed by the Economic Policy Institute. It shows that a typical family of four, with two adults and two children, would need to earn $110,909 to afford the cost of living in Jemez Pueblo.

Typical expenses associated with living in Jemez Pueblo:

• Loaf of bread: $3.86
• Carton of eggs: $3.48
• Hamburger: $5.54
• Gallon of milk: $4.59
• Gallon of gas: $2.82
• Average Jemez Pueblo monthly utility bill: $180.23

Source: Payscale

You'll find everything from affordable ranch homes to luxury estates to land for sale in Jemez, NM. Redfin indicates that the median price of homes for sale in Jemez Pueblo is $725,000. The median price per square foot of Jemez Pueblo real estate is $247.

There are a few luxury properties listed in the area that tend to drive up the price. Jemez Pueblo, NM, real estate prices start around $155,000 and go up to $1.5 million. So, regardless of your budget, you can find an example that suits your needs.

Although most people living in Jemez Pueblo own a home, renters will also find options. Census data suggests that 83% of homes are owner-occupied and only 17% are rented out. So tenants moving to Jemez Pueblo NM will find options here and there. According to Rentcafe, the average rent in the Albuquerque area is $1391 per month.

Jemez Pueblo Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Jemez Pueblo

As a small, census-designated place and tribal area, Jemez Pueblo doesn't have well-defined neighborhoods. The center of the community is the village of Walatowa, which features a community center, museum, gift shop, and other recreational facilities.

Most residents living in Jemez Pueblo continue to live and work directly in the area, blending their native Pueblo Tribe culture with modern customs. Certain residential areas are restricted to tribe members only. The adjacent village of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, is also a wonderful community with a similar atmosphere that is open to non-tribal members as well.

Jemez Pueblo Weather & Climate

The weather in Jemez, New Mexico, is characterized by hot and dry conditions due to its high elevation and desert climate. According to the Koppen classification system, the Jemez Pueblo climate is classified as a high plains desert, characterized by a high percentage of sunny days and low precipitation.

Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold and snowy. The temperature typically ranges from 14°F to 95°F, although winters can be as cold as 14°F and summers can reach up to 95°F. The best time to visit Jemez Pueblo is between June and September.

One of the benefits of living in Jemez Pueblo is that you don't have to worry much about rain, as it only averages about 12 inches of rainfall per year. Although it does get a fair amount of snow and averages about 18 inches of snowfall every year.

Things to Do in Jemez Pueblo

Even though it's a small, relatively insular community, you'll still find a number of things to do in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. From exhibits on Jemez Pueblo pottery to nature preserves, you'll discover plenty of activities, arts, and entertainment to keep you entertained. The Walatola Visitor's Center is the main recreation hub for the community, with a gift shop and museum on Pueblo, interesting facts, and important historical events in New Mexico.

Anyone living in Jemez Pueblo will find plenty of shops and boutiques in the nearby village of Jemez Springs selling fresh produce, artisan goods, and works from the native pueblo people of New Mexico. A few popular spots include Amanda's Country Store, WEEKENDS, and Well Look-ee Here Thrift Shop. Other than shopping, here are a few fun things to do while living in Jemez Pueblo.

Jemez Historic Site

Located off New Mexico State Route 4 in Jemez Springs, the Jemez Historic Site is a state-sponsored attraction that preserves the remains of the 16th-century Native American Gíusewa Pueblo and a 17th-century Spanish colonial mission. It's also an ancestral site for the native people living in Jemez Pueblo.

18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 (575) 829-3530

Fenton Lake State Park

Fenton Lake State Park is a 37-acre park located just north of Jemez Pueblo with beautiful lake and mountain views that make a great location for outdoor enthusiasts living in Jemez Pueblo looking to do some fishing, camping, or cross-country skiing.

455 Fenton Lake Rd, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 (877) 6647787

Jemez Hot Springs

The Jemez Hot Springs is a popular destination for hikers and vacationers with four outdoor pools and a 100-year-old bathhouse, located along the Jemez River near the Cañon del Rio Retreat & Spa, one of the best hotels in Jemez, NM.

40 Abousleman Loop, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 (575) 829-9175

Jemez Pueblo Restaurants

Although there aren't very many places to dine out in the pueblo itself, you will find a few local restaurants in Jemez Springs serving comfort food and authentic Jemez Pueblo enchiladas. Here are some of the best places to eat according to locals living in Jemez Pueblo.

Jemez Mountain Brewhouse

The Jemez Mountain Brewhouse is a local watering hole serving a wide selection of beers and pizzas with artisan pies and craft brews native to New Mexico.

17691 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 (575) 829-4222

Dave's Burgers & More

Dave's Burgers & More is a popular local eatery among residents living in Jemez Pueblo, serving a unique blend of American, Native American, and Mexican cuisine with options like tortilla burgers and Indian tacos.

4926 NM-4, Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024 (575) 834-0655

Monica's Firehouse Grill

Located inside the Second Alarm Brewery, Monica's Firehouse Grill is a great spot to grab a freshly brewed beer alongside classic bar staples like burgers and nachos, all served in a relaxed setting.

17691 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 (575) 829-4222

Jobs in Jemez Pueblo

The local economy is primarily based on tribal enterprises, and most jobs in Jemez Pueblo, NM are found at the visitor's center and convenience store, or in industries like timber harvesting, construction, recreation, and hospitality. The local economy is greatly influenced by government initiatives, such as the US Department of Commerce's recent $3 investment in irrigation infrastructure improvements to support the local workforce living in Jemez Pueblo.

Sandoval County, as a whole, has a total working population of approximately 60,000 workers, including those residing in Jemez Pueblo. It has a total GDP of $3 billion and an unemployment rate of 5%.

Largest employers in New Mexico:

• New Mexico State Government
• US Federal Government
• Sandia National Laboratories
• Walmart
• Los Alamos National Laboratory

It’s a modest community, and the per capita income of those living in Jemez Pueblo is only $18,064. Payscale shows that the average salary in the Albuquerque area is $76,000. So anyone living in Jemez Pueblo who needs to commute can also find opportunities elsewhere. From office assistant to kitchen remodel contractor, employment seekers can find plenty of great Jemez Pueblo jobs. You can also find job opportunities with the pueblo itself.

Jemez Pueblo Schools

The Jemez Valley School District serves students living in Jemez Pueblo and other rural parts of Sandoval County. It serves approximately 350 students across three schools:

• Jemez Valley Elementary School (Pre-K-5)
• Jemez Valley Elementary School (6-8)
• Jemez Valley High School (9-12)

San Diego Riverside Charter School is also located in the community and provides students living in Jemez Pueblo with education that places emphasis on family and collaboration.

The Jemez Day School is a public elementary school in Jemez Pueblo that's operated by the Bureau of Indian Education, not the local school district. The Walatowa High Charter School is also a public high school offering alternative education with an emphasis on Native American culture. The closest public library for anyone living in Jemez Pueblo is the Jemez Pueblo Community Library & Archives.

Jemez Pueblo Statistics & Information

• Jemez Pueblo County: Sandoval County
• Jemez Pueblo area: 2.05 square miles
• Jemez Pueblo zip code: 87024
• Jemez Pueblo area code(s): 575
• Jemez Pueblo elevation: 5,555 ft
• Jemez Pueblo time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
• Closest airport to Jemez Pueblo: The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is 50 miles away.

Jemez Pueblo NM Map

Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Jemez Pueblo with this map.

Find Out for Yourself What Living In Jemez Pueblo Is Really Like

Ready to learn what living in Jemez Pueblo is really like? When it comes time to make the move, you can count on the dedicated Jemez Pueblo movers at Pro Move Logistics to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (505) 471-3434 today for a free quote from the best Albuquerque moving company.