Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chamita, NM
Considering a move to Chamita, NM? This small community of about 1,050 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $112,000 and average rents of $800. Commute times are short at just under 22 minutes, and residents enjoy plenty of sunshine—about 69% of days are sunny each year. While the cost of living is low, education attainment and incomes are below national averages, and property crime rates are higher than average for the region. Chamita is ideal for those seeking a rural atmosphere, mild climate, and a close-knit, primarily Hispanic and Native American community.
Demographics - Chamita, NM
Demographics - Chamita, NM
Chamita is a small, close-knit community of approximately 1,050 residents, with a median age of 44 and a population density of 240 per square mile. The area is predominantly Hispanic/Latino and Native American, with over half of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This cultural diversity creates a unique local character and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
1,050
Density:
240 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.0
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
52%
Ethnic Composition
White:
18.0%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
81.2% (primarily Hispanic/Latino and Native American)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chamita, NM?
Chamita offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values around $112,000 and average rents of $800, which are well below national averages. Utilities and daily expenses remain manageable, and the overall cost of living index is 86.4, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and retirees. State income taxes range from 1.7% to 5.9%, further supporting affordability.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$90
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
1.7%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.4
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
66.0
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
88.3
Health Care:
90.9
Miscellaneous:
92.7
Crime
Is Chamita, NM a safe place to live?
While violent crime in Chamita is relatively low, with a rate of 380 incidents per 100,000 people, property crime is higher than average, with a 1 in 46 chance of experiencing such an event. Residents should take standard safety precautions, but the community's small size helps foster a sense of vigilance and neighborly support. Overall, the area remains a safe choice for many, particularly in comparison to larger urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,560
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Chamita, NM year-round?
Chamita experiences a mild, high-desert climate with warm summers reaching up to 90°F and chilly winters that can dip to 12°F. Residents enjoy about 69% sunny days each year and receive around 11.5 inches of rainfall annually. The mix of sunshine and moderate seasonal changes makes outdoor activities enjoyable throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
The typical household in Chamita earns about $39,200, with a notable 23.5% poverty rate, reflecting the rural, working-class nature of the community. Most adults have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a convenient 22 minutes. The area is characterized by modest incomes, a strong sense of community, and a predominance of Spanish and Native languages.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$39,200
Family Income:
$42,700
Per Capita Income:
$16,880
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$27,100
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
52%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.4%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Chamita, NM?
Chamita families benefit from local public schools like Velarde Elementary and Española Valley High School, both offering small class sizes for personalized attention. Higher education is available just six miles away at Northern New Mexico College, making it easy for residents to pursue further learning. While private schooling options are limited, the public and college offerings provide solid educational opportunities for students.
Public Schools
Name:
Velarde Elementary School
Street:
1 Calle de Escuela, Velarde, NM 87582
Phone:
505-852-4041
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Española Valley High School
Street:
1111 El Llano Rd, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
505-753-7357
Students:
1,025
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Colleges
Name:
Northern New Mexico College
City:
Española
State:
NM
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Chamita residents have access to Presbyterian Española Hospital, a general and surgical facility just a short drive away in Española, offering emergency services. Healthcare coverage is relatively high, with nearly 87% insured, but the area has fewer physicians per capita compared to urban regions. Overall, basic healthcare needs are met locally, with more specialized care available in nearby cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Presbyterian Española Hospital
Address:
1010 Spruce St, Española, NM 87532
Phone:
(505) 753-1502
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
72.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chamita, NM?
The Chamita housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $112,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $800. The area boasts a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 78%, and home values have seen moderate appreciation in recent years. Rental properties are available, but the market remains stable with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Chamita are served by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest office located at 1100 S St. Francis Dr, Santa Fe. Typical DMV services, including licensing and registration, are easily accessible, and information is available online or by phone. This convenient access helps streamline vehicle and driver needs for locals.
State:
New Mexico
Department:
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1100 S St. Francis Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone:
1-888-683-4636
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.