Life on Navajo
Living and working as a healthcare worker on the Navajo Nation presents a unique and rewarding experience shaped by the community, culture, and challenges of the region.
Nestled at a remarkable elevation of 6,836 feet in the breathtaking high desert of northeastern Arizona, Fort Defiance proudly resides within the vibrant Navajo Nation. For a fun perspective, that’s quite a contrast to Phoenix, Arizona, which rests at a lower elevation of 1,086 feet! The Navajo Nation encompasses a vast 27,413 square miles—comparable in size to the state of West Virginia—spanning parts of northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southern Utah. Just a short 7-mile journey south from Fort Defiance leads you to Window Rock, the heart of the Navajo Nation that houses the tribal government captial and tribal council.
Life on the Navajo reservation is rich with community spirit and resilience, whereas city life shines with accessibility and modern conveniences. Both settings offer unique advantages and challenges. While urban living provides a variety of amenities, entertainment options, and notable cafes, the true charm of the Navajo reservation lies in its tight-knit communities. Here, relationships and cultural traditions thrive, creating a deeply rooted sense of identity and mutual support.
Residents often choose local businesses for their daily needs, while enjoyable trips to nearby "border towns" offer access to larger retail spaces. Additionally, many embrace monthly adventures to the "big city" (Albuquerque, NM & Pheonix, AZ) for weekend escapes or to experience urban delights. Fort Defiance is also centrally located to many national parks and outdoor activities.
Local Amenities:
- Bashas (Grocery) - Window Rock, AZ
- Shop-N-Save (Grocery) - Window Rock, AZ
Border Town Amenities
- Home Depot - Gallup, NM
- Safeway - Gallup, NM
- Walmart - Gallup, NM
- Tractor Supply - Gallup, NM
- Gallup Parks/Playgrounds - Gallup, NM
- Gallup Aquatic Center - Gallup, NM
- Farmington Parks & Recreation - Farmington, NM
- Flagstaff, AZ
Local Schools
Window Rock Unified School District - A grade - Fort Defiance, AZ
Saint Micheals Indian School - Saint Micheals, AZ
Gallup McKinley County Schools - Gallup, NM
Rehoboth Christian School - Gallup/Rehoboth, NM
Hozho Academy - Gallup, NM
Airports
- Phoenix Sky Harbor airport - Phoenix, AZ
- Albuquerque International Sunport - Albuquerque, NM
- Gallup Municipal Airport | Advance Air - Gallup, NM
Local Utilities
- Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) - Electric & Water
- Frontier - Internet
- Starlink