Aguilar

Aguilar is a town with history. It seeps from every building, every home, every street. I didn’t mean to stay long in Aguilar; as a matter of fact, I only stopped to get a few things at the convenience store. I ended up wandering the streets, taking pictures of the beautiful old church, talking to people who’d lived in southern Colorado their whole lives. They told me about the coal mines and the camps that used to bring a thriving industry to this area. They told me stories of children who grew up and left, and children who grew up and stayed. This town is small and rural and often-overlooked, but there is a thriving memory here that draws you in. Even if you are just passing through, make sure you stop in at Ringo’s Market and get a bite to eat. Talk to the cashier. Listen to their stories. This is my favorite part of living in southern Colorado – visiting towns like Aguilar, where the past and the present live together in one place.

This little town was first settled way back in 1861. It was originally known as the San Antonio Plaza and was a trading post for American Indians and the Spanish settlers. Seventeen years after those first settlers arrived, the train came to town and gave rise to more businesses, the coal industry, and mining. Then in 1894 the town officially came to be.

The current population of Aguilar is 538 as of the last census. The estimated median income is $33,600 which is well below the Colorado average, however buying a home here is much less expensive as well. The median home/condo price is $85,200. The population here is 50% white, 46% HIspanic, 2% American Indian, and 2% black or a mix of two ore more races. 84% of the town's population identify as being Catholic.

Although Aguilar is located off of the interstate, it is situated between Walsenburg and Trinidad so there is shopping within about 20 miles each direction.

For kids who go to school in Aguilar the schools are small and the parents seem pretty happy with them when you look at comments about the schools on ratings boards.

Aguilar is a small town in the far southern part of Colorado along I-25 north of Trinidad, so it is about 40 minutes from the Colorado/New Mexico border. The town is known as the "Gateway to the Spanish Peaks" because the two beautiful volcanic mountains West Spanish Peak (13,626 feet) and East Spanish Peak (12,683 feet) are just west of Aguilar as well as the Spanish Peaks Wilderness area. There are so many amazing hiking, biking and scenic areas around the town.

The town has one elementary school and one junior/senior high school. A good part about the town is that it is one mile away from the interstate so it is not dominated by the highway. There is a strong Hispanic community and lots of places for people to walk, meet and for kids to play. There is a good vibe there and it feels to me like New Mexico.

I think the homes and property are reasonably affordable there in town and there are so many beautiful ranches and large properties outside of town especially towards the Spanish Peaks, this is a truly beautiful part of southern Colorado.