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Española, NM

Frequently asked questions

Española, NM

Española is a city primarily in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States. A portion of the central and eastern section of the city is in Santa Fe County. Founded as a railroad village some distance from the old Indian town of San Juan de los Caballeros (now renamed Ohkay Owingeh), it was named Española and officially incorporated in 1925. It has been called the first capital city in the United States. At the time of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 10,495. Española is within the Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Las Vegas combined statistical area.

Española was referred to as La Vega de los Vigiles ('the Vigils' Meadow') before the presence of railroads. La Española means 'Spanish woman', and folk history attributes the name to railroad construction workers who named the area after a woman who worked in a small restaurant in the area. The name is a shortened form of Plaza Española ('Spanish town'), which likely was to differentiate it from the Tewa pueblo just to the south. In 1925 Española was incorporated as a city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.9 square kilometers (8.5 sq mi²), with 21.7 square kilometers (8.4 sq mi²) of land and 0.2 square kilometers (0.077 sq mi²) of water, for a total of 0.83%.

Española lies at an elevation of around 5,595 feet (1,705 m) with much variance. It is in a valley nestled between the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, and the meeting point of three rivers, the Rio Grande, the Rio Chama, and the Rio Santa Cruz.

Española places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Presbyterian Española Hospital provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. For fitness lovers, Anytime Fitness provides a wide range of gym equipment and classes. For a rejuvenating spa experience, visit Ten Thousand Waves in nearby Santa Fe, offering traditional Japanese hot spring baths. Another excellent option is Blackstone Hotsprings in Truth or Consequences, featuring unique geothermal hot springs. For a more holistic approach, the Wo' P'in Spa at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder combines Native American healing traditions with modern spa treatments. Elevation Yoga and Wellness offers yoga and wellness services that cater to various fitness levels. If you're interested in hydration therapy, Prime IV Hydration is a great choice.

The top sites in Española, NM are the Puye Cliff Dwellings, Bond House Museum, and Black Mesa Golf Club.

Population: 10,446 (2022). ZIP Codes: 87532. Area code: 505. Elevation: 5,594 ft (1,705 m). Area: 8.34 sq mi (21.61 km²).

FAQs

What is Española, NM known for?

Considered the first European capital of New Mexico and less than an hour north of Santa Fe, the City of Española celebrates the blending of Native, Spanish, and American cultures in the verdant Río Grande Valley. On Sundays from mid-June through October, the Española Farmers Market showcases the area’s rich agricultural bounty and its fantastic car culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in Native and Spanish weaving and other fiber arts techniques (both traditional and modern) at the New Mexico Fiber Arts Center. 

What are some fun facts about Espanola, NM?

Española was the original capital of the first European settlement in the United States. Originally called San Gabriel, it was settled in 1598 in the Yungue Uingue (Ohkay Owingeh) Pueblo near the joining of the Rio Chama and the Rio Grande.  It was here that the first Spanish settlement of Nuevo Mexico was established at the end Camino Real trade route traversing the route from Mexico to Ohkay Owingeh. The Española Valley honors and supports cultural diversity, blending its roots of Hispanic and Native American cultures to create a rich tapestry of traditions and distinctive cuisine. It seamlessly blends the old and the new, with ancient pueblo architecture, colonial churches, historic cultural sites, New and Old Mexican restaurants, and modern breweries and wineries.

Is Española, NM a good place to live?

Española is in Rio Arriba County. Living in Española offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Española and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Española

Niche

New Mexico

Puye Cliff Dwellings

Bond House Museum

Black Mesa Golf Club

Presbyterian Española Hospital

Anytime Fitness

Ten Thousand Waves

Blackstone Hotsprings

Wo' P'in Spa at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder

Elevation Yoga and Wellness

Prime IV Hydration

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