Within the Chihuahuan Desert, the southeast New Mexico city of Carlsbad is the seat of Eddy County, nicknamed “The Pearl on the Pecos” for its location on the Pecos River and Lake Carlsbad, as well as its lively downtown commercial district. A wealthy oil town in the 1920s and ’30s, Carlsbad is now experiencing another oil boom, fueled by petroleum production and potash mining. “Most residents here are retirees or people who work in the oil fields,” says Jordan Jaquez, a Realtor with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate who has three years' experience in Carlsbad. “The housing market prices cater to the working class." Tourism is a growing industry here as well, as area natural wonders include the famed Carlsbad Caverns, 20 miles away.
The Eddie County Courthouse is located in the center of the southeast New Mexico city of Carlsbad, nicknamed “The Pearl on the Pecos”.
A wealthy oil town in the 1920s and ’30s, Carlsbad is now experiencing another oil boom, fueled by petroleum production and potash mining.
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Ranch-style homes on large lots
The median home price in Carlsbad is around $320,000, lower than the national median of around $410,000. Ranch-style homes from the 1950s through ‘70s are the least expensive and typically set on lots of about a quarter-acre. Two-story new traditional homes from the late 20th century through today have either Pueblo Revival or Craftsman-style details, and are generally set on lots of a half-acre to almost 2 acres. Manufactured homes are found throughout the city.
Ranch-style homes from the 1950s through ‘70s are the least expensive and typically set on lots of about a quarter-acre.
Craftsman-style homes are generally set on lots of a half-acre to almost 2 acres.
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College prep from an A-rated school
Local kids can attend schools in the Carlsbad Municipal School District, which has 15 schools and earns an overall B-minus from Niche. The district's highest rated school is Carlsbad Early College High, which earns an A and offers dual enrollment courses at the local, two-year Southeast New Mexico College.
Local kids can attend schools in the Carlsbad Municipal School District, like Carsbad High, which has 15 schools and earns an overall B-minus from Niche.
The district's highest rated school is Carlsbad Early College High, which earns an A and offers dual enrollment courses at the local, two-year Southeast New Mexico College.
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A beach in the desert
There over 30 parks and open greenspaces within the city. Halagueno Arts Park is a local favorite for its winding paths, fountains and public art displays, and it hosts the annual Art in the Park festival each October. Residents can swim or kayak at Lake Carlsbad Beach Park, which has playgrounds and its own waterpark.
The 47,000-acre Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 20 miles southwest, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem and over 120 limestone caves. Sitting Bull Falls, 42 miles west in Lincoln National Forest, has 150-foot-tall spring-fed waterfall, where locals can go hiking, picnicking and swimming.
Halagueno Arts Park is a local favorite for its winding paths, Museum, Library and public art displays, and it hosts the annual Art in the Park festival each October.
The 47,000-acre Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 20 miles southwest, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem and over 120 limestone caves.
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The heart of Carlsbad
The city's walkable downtown center is called Carlsbad MainStreet, home to locally owned restaurants and boutiques, as well as murals by area artists. Tex-Mex is the common cuisine here, with green chiles appearing in everything from nachos to fajitas. Milton's Brewery is a local watering hole, and galleries display everything from intricate jewelry to handcrafted sculptures. In June, MainStreet hosts CavernFest, a concert series highlighting regional performers, as well as local vendors and fundraisers.
The city's walkable downtown center is called Carlsbad MainStreet, home to locally owned restaurants and boutiques, as well as murals by area artists.
Milton's Brewery is a local watering hole featuring Tex-Mex plates that offer green chiles appearing in many of its menu options.
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Commuting to Roswell or El Paso
Carlsbad is set on two major highways. Highway 62/180 leads 20 miles to the entrance of Carlsbad Caverns and about 150 miles to El Paso, Texas. Highway 285 leads 75 miles to Roswell, New Mexico and about 86 miles to Interstate 20. The Carlsbad Municipal Transit System provides bus routes within city limits, and the city's largest hospital is the 99-bed Carlsbad Medical Center. The regional Cavern City Air Terminal is 5 miles from downtown and served by one airline, Advanced Air, with flights to Albuquerque and Phoenix. The larger El Paso International Airport is 158 miles away, a roughly 3-hour drive.
Comparatively low crime rates
According to most recent FBI data from December 2023, Carlsbad has lower average rates of violent and property crime than those in both the state and the nation. The Carlsbad Police Department has three stations throughout the city and employs a Crimestoppers/TipSoft Program, where residents can file anonymous reports of local crime.
Written By
Braxton Chea
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Nate Myers
Video By
Victoria York
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Carlsbad, NM sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Carlsbad, NM over the last 12 months is $349,900, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 4-Bedroom Home in Copperstone Subdivision! This impressive two-story home offers 2,429 sq ft of living space with a layout designed for comfort and functionality. The main level features a formal living room, formal dining room, and a spacious family room—perfect for entertaining or relaxing with loved ones. The kitchen stands out with granite countertops, a large island, tiled
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,350 sq ft with a welcoming layout, spacious living area, and breakfast bar for easy living. Enjoy a fenced yard, garage, and a location close to Carlsbad High School, nearby elementary, and the hospital. Ready for your personal touch!
North of Texas Street and south of Church Street. In the county, adjacent to the city limits. City water line at Fountain Drive and Church Street. Views to the south and west from C-Hill. Potential for annexation into the City. Parcel for sale does not include well pad.
Available NOW!!! Multiple vacant lots zoned Industrial with acreage and easily accessible using access roads off the Hobbs Hwy or the new George Shoup relief route! Each lot offers generous acreage with multiple lot sizes, excellent visibility and easy access. Located just east of the new US Hwy 62/180 and George Shoupe Relief route east of Carlsbad, NM in a bustling oil and gas community. These
Have a look at this 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a single car attached garage, workshop, covered parking, metal privacy fence, covered patio and storage building out back! Inside you'll find a spacious kitchen with updated counter tops, spacious laundry room and bathrooms, hardwood & vinyl flooring, and a large picture window to let all the natural light into living room and kitchen area! Please
Are you looking for a 4 bedroom brand new home? This home is the 1897 square foot Emily floor plan featuring wide open space between the living room, dining room and a kitchen with a large island. You will have a master suite and an additional 3 bedrooms with 2 1/2 bathrooms along with a laundry room.
Fenced residential lot. This 69.65' x 100' fenced property at 2409 Hudson is ready for your new home. The lot is fully fenced and includes a storage shed and gazebo for added use and charm. Utilities are near the site; buyer to verify for their usage. Zoned residential
2.99 Acres of Residential Land with CID Water Rights! This 2.99-acre property provides ample space for a variety of uses—whether you envision a custom-built residence with expansive outdoor living areas, a hobby farm, or simply a quiet retreat with plenty of room to expand. A well and septic will be needed, and electricity is conveniently located nearby, making development straightforward.
Available NOW!!! Multiple vacant lots zoned Industrial with acreage and easily accessible using access roads off the Hobbs Hwy or the new George Shoup relief route! Each lot offers generous acreage with multiple lot sizes, excellent visibility and easy access. Located just east of the new US Hwy 62/180 and George Shoupe Relief route east of Carlsbad, NM in a bustling oil and gas community. These
Available NOW!!! Multiple vacant lots zoned Industrial with acreage, high traffic exposure and highway frontage! Each lot offers generous acreage with multiple lot sizes, excellent visibility and easy access. Located just east of the new US Hwy 62/180 and George Shoupe Relief route east of Carlsbad, NM in a bustling oil and gas community. These lots are ideal for a wide range of commercial
10 acre land site on National Parks Hwy with access to City water and electric. 207' of highway frontage, west appx 525' located in C-2 zoning district and the remainder is zoned Industrial.
78.5 acres, city water to north on Church Street. Adjacent to city RR Zone. Frontage on Happy Valley Road and on Church Street. Could be residential-rural, residential or commercial development opportunity.
Available for lease is a 5 acre laydown yard fenced and stabilized with access to City water, city sewer and electric. Property does have mobile office hookups available. 2 year minimum NNN lease. Please call for more information
Vista Del Sol is a cute and smaller property close to the center of Carlsbad NM. We have spacious 1/1- and 2/1-bedroom units that include all utilities in the price. Vista Del Sol has a luxurious pool that will provide a nice place to relax and catch some sun in the warmer months. We do applications by appointment only and do a screening on each applicant that is applying for the apartment.
Avalon at Carlsbad Apartments is dedicated to providing the best apartments in the Carlsbad, NM area. We have a variety of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments with washer & dryer connections. Our pet-friendly community has a fitness center, swimming pool, dog park, garages, and more amenities!We believe that our unique combination of quality construction, stylish finishes, numerous amenities, and
Yucca flats has spacious 1/1 and 2/1 units. The units include all utilities paid. Yucca Flats also offers an onsite laundry facility. The complex is close to schools and shopping. Call to schedule an appointment to do an in-person application. No pets allowed, as we are taking Service Animals only.
Nestled in the heart of nature, Riverwood offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Our exquisite properties boast stunning views, modern amenities, and unparalleled comfort. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a vibrant community, Riverwood is the perfect place to call home. Discover the beauty and elegance of Riverwood today!
The apartments homes at Vista Del Rio blend modern, affordable living with top-notch service. Our community offers a peaceful residential setting complete with quality amenities. With floor plans ranging from one to three bedrooms, our homes cater to residents with many different tastes and lifestyles. Relax your cares away in our sparkling pool, or embrace the day out on your private patio – the
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
