economic development

Mountains of Opportunity for Business and Pleasure

Trading the corporate, city life for a tourism-based business in Red River may be a tough choice for some. But for many Red River mavericks, it's a quality of life issue. Quality that includes pure mountain air and clear crystal water, fresh snow on the ski mountain, and outstanding views at 8,750 feet. Folks in Red River love where they live and enjoy life in the pines. Filled with attitude and innovation, people in Red River think it's okay to mix business with pleasure every chance they get. Our tourists appreciate it, and we have a blast.

If you have creative energy, an innovative spirit, and a dream for an outstanding quality of life, Red River is definitely for you. Here are a few things you should know to get started in business:

Generally Speaking

Red River is located in the Southern Rockies and is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Settled by gold miners in the mid-1800's, our pioneering spirit still exists. Red River's four square miles are surrounded by the Carson National Forest and are a part of New Mexico's Enchanted Circle Scenic Byways - an 87-mile scenic road at the base Wheeler Peak. Red River is off the beaten path. Main Street is only a mile long, but busy with business. The nearest stoplight? 11 miles away. Remote? Yes. Prosperous? Yes. Room for growth? Yes.

The Town of Red River's main industry is tourism. Every year, over 500,000 visitors escape the big city for refuge in Red River's cool, mountainous valley filled with scenic beauty and hometown, friendly attitudes. The local labor force specializes in hospitality and customer service making them courteous and qualified hosts to everyone who visits. There are a wide range of activities to enjoy: hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and four-wheeling are summer favorites. Winter guests enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Red River averages 200" of snow each year making it a skier's paradise and a snowboarder's heaven. The Red River Ski Area logged over 120,000 skier days in 2006-2007. Simply put, Red River is one big playground in the mountains.

So What About Business?

The average daily tourist population is 3895, and the average daily occupancy rate is 48.6% (the average of both on and off seasons). During peak season and holidays, Red River may host as many as 10,000 people a day.

Currently there are 173 registered businesses in the Town of Red River. This includes: 38 hotels and nightly rental services, 19 Restaurants, 31 Retail Shops, 2 Gasoline Stations, 1 Bank, 1 Post Office, 3 Local Newspapers, 1 Radio Station, 1 Grocery Store, 1 Downhill Ski Area, 1 Cross Country Ski Area, 13 Tourist/Recreation Businesses, 1 Medical Clinic, 8 Real Estate Offices, 2 Automotive Repairs, 13 Construction-Related Businesses, and 4 Religious Congregations.

The total Gross Receipts Tax collected by the Town in 2007 was $1,057,754.00. Lodger's Tax (5%) in 2007 was $465,590.

Current Gross Receipts Tax: 8.1875%
Current Lodgers Tax: 5.0%

The Digital Divide

The "Digital Divide" is narrowing in Red River. Long haul fiber information and communication infrastructure will provide Red River businesses with more choices, regardless of our rather remote location. T-1 Service and high-speed wireless broadband Internet service provide efficient networked business, and rapid E-Commerce capabilities. As the fiber and digital industries continue to grow, so will Red River's creative commerce continue to expand. Just another great reason to work and play in Red River.

Education

University of New Mexico - Taos

Questa Independent School District - Red River Valley Charter School, Questa Elementary, Questa Middle School, Questa High School

Cimarron School District - Eagle Nest Elementary, Eagle Nest Middle School, Cimarron High School, Moreno Valley High School