Tierra Amarilla, NM

Tierra Amarilla is a historic mountain village in northern New Mexico with a population of around 300. Sitting at 7,500 feet along U.S. 84 and the Chama River, it serves as the county seat for Rio Arriba County while keeping a distinctly rural, peaceful feel. Its name means “Yellow Earth,” inspired by the clay-rich soil of the surrounding valley. Living here puts you right in the middle of dramatic scenery, with the Brazos Cliffs rising nearby and both Heron Lake and El Vado Lake offering easy weekend boating and fishing. It is a tight-knit community anchored by local schools and county services, ideal for anyone drawn to quiet high-country living.