Chama, New Mexico
Downtown Chama, NM
Chama is in a beautiful setting at the southern foot of the South San Juan Mountains and the western foot of the Brazos Mountains in northern New Mexico.
The town was originally a logging and mining center but these days the folks see a lot more recreational business. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has its western terminus here and brings a lot of people into town. And while Chama doesn't look very big, it's the local shopping center for northern Rio Arriba County.
Chama is a great jumping off point for trips into the San Juans and the Tusas Mountains. The road north out of town crosses Cumbres Pass and Mogote Pass before reaching Antonito, Colorado, the eastern terminus of the railroad. It's a simply gorgeous drive through the San Juan National Forest and through the valley of the Conejos.
One of the churches on Main Street
Also in downtown Chama
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Station
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Gift Shop and Ticket Office
The Gandy Dancer Bed & Breakfast
The Chama Senior Citizens Center
Latitude: 36.8948°N
Longitude: 106.5844°W
Elevation: 7,871'
Education:
High School or Higher: 74.6%
Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 11.6%
Graduate or Professional Degree: 4.6%
2011 Cost of Living Index for Chama: 86.4
Estimated Median Household Income: $41,390
Estimated Median Home Value: $119,850
Median Resident Age: 38.1 Years
Major Industries:
Lodging & Food Services, Construction, Government, Educational Services, Health Care, Agriculture, Finance & Insurance Services, Arts & Entertainment, Retail Services, Professional Services
Unemployed (March 2011): 8.8%
