Learning more about Cimarron: Pros vs Cons? (Santa Fe, Raton: hotel, schools)

[Westernwayfarer]

Hello all,

I've done quite of bit of research on Cimarron learning about the area and history. However, searching on this site for information from locals who live there or from people that live in the area, information is hard to come by.

For those that are familiar with the Cimarron or the surrounding area (towns) and what life may be like there I would enjoy hearing your thoughts: Pro's and Con's

Thank you..

[catman]

I don't know a lot about Cimarron, but I've been through it several times on the way to Red River. It's in a very beautiful area and isn't as cold in winter as Raton, Eagle Nest or Red River. Next time I go through, I'm going to take the time to look around.

[GregW]

ChecK the city-date website. Cimarron is in a stunningly pretty setting. It is also a very small town.

[debbie at bouontiful]

I too have been interested in the area. I ususally take the panhandle through OK into NM. We stay somewhere in the circle for a few days then to Chama for a week every Sept. I couldn't find any information on Cimarron. It was really pretty, we took a scenic route last year through a Boy's Town kind of thing.

[catman]

I've taken that route before too, and it's gorgeous. I had no idea that any of Oklahoma looked like that (mesas and lava). Kenton was a soulful little town, 2 miles from NM. I want to take that trip again!

[Towanda]

I love the scenery around Cimarron -- it's a beautiful area ..... but really quite remote. Too remote.....at least for me.

The Hotel St. James there is really neat to visit.

[debbie at bouontiful]

But I love remote. I bought this ranch to be remote. 11 years ago there wasn't a light to be found. Now at night I see 7 lights out there and it bugs me. I had never taken the Oklahoma Panhanle before this last year to Northern New Mexico but loved it. Cimmarron Pass was quite beautiful.

I have been reading diaries of people (2 different woman) that have taken the pass into Taos during the Mexico war. Their husbands were merchants. Really interesting.

[Towanda]

I would have loved remote too had I not developed health problems that require me to be close to health care. For people like me, Cimarron, as much as I might love it up there, is not possible.

[gberry]

Westernwayfarer... I grew up in Raton and worked for Colfax County later in life so I know a little about the town...

The town is small having one gas station, a handful of restraunts, one grocery store (very small, most people go to Raton for the big stuff), a western wear store, and tons of history. The schools are average, but have great athletics (basketball) and most kids that want to go to college get atleast one scholarship. There's also a Charter School in Angel Fire that was started about 5 years ago. Most people who live there have to work in Raton and overall the town's pretty poor. Most of the roads are dirt/gravel/or poorely paved and the city government has had its share of corruption.

I would be able to help better if you can specifically tell me about yourself, ie do you have children, what kind of recreation are you looking for, what's your taste in entertainment, etc.

Overall Cimarron is a beautiful place but is very remote... there's really no entertainment, few choices for dine out, and nothing much else.

[Westernwayfarer]

Originally Posted by gberry

Westernwayfarer... I grew up in Raton and worked for Colfax County later in life so I know a little about the town...

The town is small having one gas station, a handful of restraunts, one grocery store (very small, most people go to Raton for the big stuff), a western wear store, and tons of history. The schools are average, but have great athletics (basketball) and most kids that want to go to college get atleast one scholarship. There's also a Charter School in Angel Fire that was started about 5 years ago. Most people who live there have to work in Raton and overall the town's pretty poor. Most of the roads are dirt/gravel/or poorely paved and the city government has had its share of corruption.

I would be able to help better if you can specifically tell me about yourself, ie do you have children, what kind of recreation are you looking for, what's your taste in entertainment, etc.

Overall Cimarron is a beautiful place but is very remote... there's really no entertainment, few choices for dine out, and nothing much else.

Howdy,

I appreciate the feedback! Just the wife and I and I'm looking to retire in a few years. There is a lot to like about Cimarron: Climate, Beauty, Quite, Central Location, History, to name a few. What's great is that it's fairly close to Santa Fe, Taos, Colorado and Raton. I'm a "Western History" buff and my entertainment is geared to hiking, camping, exploring, etc.

I know that in any small town the "locals" may be welcoming or not. Hopefully, in Cimarron and the surrounding towns people are welcoming. Most of all, my wife and I are looking for good people to get to know (where ever we end up) where we can contribute to the community and take pride in the area.

BTW, you mentioned corruption in the city government, any thoughts. How's law enforcement in Cimarron or in the surrounding communities?? Is law enforcement generally supported in the areas of Raton, Cimarron, Springer?

Thanks for your reply!