Old town, new ideas

New Mexico Business Journal, Nov, 2000 by Emily Van Cleve

Ranching and farming remain vital industries. Ranchers in the plains around Las Vegas raise cattle for meat and for show. Regional farmers bring their produce to the town's farmers market twice a week during the growing season. A Harvest Festival held in late September showcases the fresh produce grown by farmers and prepared by area restaurants.

The city's parks are venues for arts and crafts fairs and musical concerts. During the summer, Music in the Parks brings in local musicians to play at the plaza's gazebo early every Saturday evening. The plaza hosts the July 4 Fiesta, a three-day event filled with music and arts and crafts booths. Music and crafts are also featured at the Carnegie Library Park's People's Fair during the last weekend in August.

While real estate prices in Las Vegas have risen considerably through the years, there are a variety of homes on the market in the $60,000 to $100,000 range. The city's affordable housing has attracted the attention of Santa Fe County residents living 65 miles away. The population growth in San Miguel County is partly due to Santa Fe County residents moving into the area and commuting to Santa Fe to work. Some of the higher end properties, above $200,000, have drawn retiring baby boomers. With the Sangre de Cristo Mountains looming in the background, Storrie Lake and great fishing just minutes away and easy access to points north and south on Interstate 25, Las Vegas has many assets with which to attract both the younger and the older crowd.

"Las Vegas is a community that has grown considerably since the early 1990's," says Las Vegas/San Miguel Chamber of Commerce Director Judy Finley. "There's still a lot of room for growth. We have something for everyone here. Professional and technological jobs are increasing, the arts community is growing and new small businesses are springing up all around town. With affordable housing and the mountains right outside our door, it's hard to find a better place to call home."

EMILY VAN CLEVE IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN SANTA FE.