Rural living and local industry define Carlsbad
Established as a Central Texas ranching and farming community in the early 1900s, Carlsbad maintains its rural feel, with large lots in town and on the outskirts of the community. “The majority of the population that has a Carlsbad address is rural,” says Sean Richey, a real estate agent with Assist2Sell, who has sold multiple properties in the area. “Everything is real spread out.” Ranching remains a top local industry, but other big employers include Long Industries, a manufacturer of storage tanks and pressure valves, and the San Angelo State Supported Living Center, a 1,000-acre complex that employs over 500 people and assists individuals with mental illness and physical disabilities.
Competitively priced homes and land where residents can spread out
Carlsbad’s median housing price is $175,000, lower than the state and national medians. Homes include ranch-style houses, bungalows and Craftsmans. Land is also available. Some homes in the center of Carlsbad have sizable lots with little tree cover. Larger ranches and properties with more acreage can be found on the outskirts of town. “They’re not making any more land, and ever since COVID, everybody wants their little piece where they can have their chickens and their little space to run so they're not cooped up on a 60-by-100 lot,” says Richey, who notes that the area’s rural character is a significant draw for buyers.
According to flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there is a risk of flooding in Carlsbad, especially near local creeks. Richey says hail and tornadoes can also be a concern.
Baseball in the community, with state parks and San Angelo nearby
The community has several baseball diamonds and a playground on the corner of Eighth and Houston streets, with the North Concho Little League playing games here. The entrance to San Angelo State Park is 7 miles south, offering over 50 miles of biking, horseback-riding trails and camping spots. Harper Park in Water Valley, about 8 miles northwest of the community, has a playground, fields and RV parking. Carlsbad also has three Christian houses of worship.
San Angelo, 17 miles southeast, holds multiple events throughout the year, including the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo and the Simply Texas Blues Festival.
Water Valley ISD serves Carlsbad students
Students can attend Water Valley School, which has kindergarten through 12th grade and earns a B on Niche. It offers technical-education programs in business, agricultural science and technology.
Limited dining and shopping, with more in San Angelo
The only restaurant in Carlsbad is The Other Place on U.S. Highway 87, which dishes up classic comfort food like burgers, and chicken-fried steak, as well as baked goods. Grape Creek, 6 miles southeast, has more dining options, with MJ Burger serving breakfast items along with burgers and sandwiches and the Barnwood Grill offering barbecue and daily specials. Carlsbad has a Dollar General on the West Carlsbad Loop, but larger grocery stores and big-box retailers are located in San Angelo, along with a wider array of local and chain restaurants.
U.S. 87 provides connections to San Angelo and I-20
U.S. Highway 87 runs on the community's southern edge and connects to San Angelo. The entrance to Interstate 20 is 72 miles north on U.S. 87. Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital is 17 miles southeast, and San Angelo Regional Airport, 26 miles away, has flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International.
