Clovis combines country with a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll
Clovis combines country with a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll. Set within the High Plains of eastern New Mexico, the city was settled as a railroad town in 1906 and has birthed musical legends like Norman Petty and become a destination for American Southwestern culture. “At one point we were called the cattle capital of the southwest,” says Margaret Hinchee, Library Director for the Clovis-Carver Public Library. “Cattle were driven through town and kept in stockyards, which we still use for auctions. Our town is very family-oriented with 42 churches, and nearby Cannon Air Force Base is one of three special ops bases in the U.S.” Agriculture, the railroad and military services remain top industries for Clovis’ 38,000 residents.
Set within the High Plains of eastern New Mexico, Clovis was settled as a railroad town in 1906 and has become a destination for American Southwestern culture.
Cannon Air Force Base is located in Clovis and is one of three special ops bases in the U.S.
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Rock music, classic cars and bull riding
Events and attractions here center around music, cars and rodeos. Norman Petty’s collections and vintage recording equipment are on display at the Clovis Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum, and Petty’s recording studio, used by legends such as Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Waylon Jennings, is open for tours. “We hold an annual event downtown called Draggin’ Main,” says Hinchee. “It features retro music, girls wearing poodle skirts, guys with slicked back hair, and so many classic cars that it’s like American Graffiti.” The city’s Pioneer Days PRCA Rodeo features bull riding, team roping, bronco riding and barrel racing.
Norman Petty’s collections and vintage recording equipment are on display at the Clovis Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum, and Petty’s recording studio, used by legends such as Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Waylon Jennings, is open for tours.
Clovis' Pioneer Days PRCA Rodeo features bull riding, team roping, bronco riding and barrel racing.
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Lower than national median home prices
The median sale price for single-family homes here is $227,500, much lower than the national median. Minimal traditional and ranch-style homes built between the 1920s and ‘40s are found in the Liebelt and Clovis Heights neighborhoods closer to Highway 60. Prices range from $70,000 to $265,000. In the city's northern half, ranch-style homes from the 1960s and ‘80s on up to half-acre lots range from around $200,000 to $360,000. New traditional Craftsman-style homes from the 1990s to today sit in the city’s northeastern end and sell for between $250,000 and $475,000. A few northern two-bedroom condos cost between $115,000 and $174,000.
New traditional Craftsman-style homes from the 1990s to today sit in Clovis' northeastern end and sell for between $250,000 and $475,000.
Minimal traditional and ranch-style homes built between the 1920s and ‘40s are found in Clovis neighborhoods near Highway 60.
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Park activities, golf and the state’s second largest zoo
Hillcrest Park is one of the largest in the city, with an aquatic center, sports fields and a dog park. Walking, all-terrain vehicle and horse trails traverse the city, and the 18-hole Colonial Park Golf Course is open to the public. The community center hosts league sports, and has a weight room and boxing gym. Hillcrest Park Zoo houses 63 different species and is the second-largest zoo in New Mexico.
Golfers in Clovis can enjoy the 18-hole Colonial Park Golf Course which is open to the public.
Hillcrest Park Zoo, located on the east side of Clovis, houses 63 different species and is the second-largest zoo in New Mexico.
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Authentic regional cuisine, downtown shopping with brews
Clovis’ dining scene represents traditional southwestern culture. Prince Street is where to find locally owned restaurants offer authentic Mexican and New Mexican fare, heavy on chili and chiles. Drive-ins, chain eateries and fast-food joints are peppered throughout shopping centers. Downtown, bars and craft breweries border antique and specialty shops, and food trucks open on Fridays. North Plains Mall features name-brand stores in the city’s northern end, while Hilltop Plaza North strip mall offers locally owned businesses and gyms. There’s no shortage of grocery and convenience stores here, and big-box stores are found to the north.
Prince Street is where to find locally owned restaurants like Lial's which offer authentic Mexican and New Mexican fare to Clovis residents.
In downtown Clovis, bars and craft breweries like border antique and specialty shops.
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Accessible highways, not far from Texas cities
Clovis sits 106 miles southwest of Amarillo and 101 miles northwest of Lubbock, and Albuquerque is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive. Highway 60 leads roughly 7 miles west to Cannon Air Force Base and about 10 miles east to the Texas border. Highway 70 turns into Prince Street, a main thoroughfare. Interstate 40 is about 65 miles north. Clovis Area Transit buses carry passengers within city limits but don't operate on Sundays. Healthcare facilities, including the Plains Regional Medical Center hospital, are in the west. Clovis Regional Airport, near the Texas border, offers flights to Denver and Dallas, and there’s an international airport in Albuquerque.
Bilingual programs, ROTC at Clovis Municipal Schools
The Clovis Municipal School District earns a B-minus from Niche and serves over 7,600 students. Clovis Community College offers 23 degree and certificate programs, nine online programs and a Commercial Driver’s License program. Wayland Baptist University offers nine academic schools and pre-professional programs. Eastern New Mexico University sits 20 miles southwest.
Clovis Community College offers 23 degree and certificate programs, nine online programs and a Commercial Driver’s License program.
Eastern New Mexico University and its beautiful, brick building campus, sits 20 miles southwest of Clovis.
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Crime rates holding steady, warm summers and cool winters
According to the Clovis Police Department’s 2023 Annual Report, the total violent and property crime rates from 2022 to 2023 have held steady. The city’s police chief is deploying more investigators to assist patrols and hiring more officers. Clovis experiences warm summer months and cool winters. It's on the southwestern edge of Tornado Alley, and the sun shines an average of 355 days per year.
Hi, I’m Erica Essex, and I’ve called Clovis, New Mexico, home for over six years. Originally from Kentucky, I fell in love with the vast skies, wide open fields, and the incredible sense of community that makes Eastern New Mexico so special.
Before diving into real estate, I spent over eight years in corporate America management, honing my skills in leadership, negotiation, and customer service. In 2022, I made the exciting leap into real estate to serve the community I love. Since then, I’ve been honored to be named Rookie of the Year, elected as a Director on the local real estate board, and appointed as a Director for the Clovis Chamber of Commerce.
I’m deeply passionate about showcasing the beauty and opportunity that Eastern New Mexico offers, and I stay actively involved in community events and initiatives. As a Certified Military Relocation Specialist, I’ve had the privilege of helping many military families buy and sell their homes, ensuring a smooth transition for those who serve our country.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or relocating, I’m here to make the process seamless and enjoyable. Let’s find your perfect home in Clovis, Portales, and beyond!
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.
