New Mexico is one of America’s most mythologized states, a land from which countless legends of the Wild West and even the massively popular “Breaking Bad” franchise sprung. No place better captures New Mexico’s timeless charm and eternal sense of mystery than the city of Roswell. Known across the world for its association with extraterrestrial visitation, Roswell is a city both frozen in time and embracing the future. In the heart of the city, a Main Street lined with old storefronts hosts a thriving local economy embracing this city’s status as a ufologist pilgrimage site. This city also prides itself as the aviation hub of New Mexico, with manufacturing and aviation industries powering Roswell’s economy. For those looking for jobs in cutting-edge industries or simply looking to move to a cultural hub exuding midcentury American culture, Roswell has an appeal that may reach beyond the stars.
In the heart of the city, a Main Street lined with old storefronts hosts a thriving local economy embracing this city’s status as a ufologist pilgrimage site.
Known across the world for its association with extraterrestrial visitation, Roswell is a city both frozen in time and embracing the future.
1/2
An "out-of-this-world" retail scene in downtown Roswell
The 1947 “Roswell incident,” which ufologists believe involved the crashing of an alien spacecraft near the city, has become deeply interwoven with its folk culture. Main Street’s midcentury, Pueblo-style storefronts host dozens of gift shops selling alien-themed merchandise from T-shirts to “Abducted Cow” beef jerky. Even some of the streetlights are alien themed. This unique, local retail industry, as well as pop culture venues like the International UFO Museum, provide the city with a strong, tourism-oriented economy. Restaurant options include around a dozen Mexican-Southwestern eateries, brand-name restaurants and fast-food outlets and steakhouses serving locally raised beef. Grocery and big box stores sit all along Main Street and Highway 285.
The 1947 “Roswell incident,” which ufologists believe involved the crashing of an alien spacecraft near the city, has become deeply interwoven with its folk culture.
Main Street’s midcentury, Pueblo-style storefronts host dozens of gift shops selling alien-themed merchandise from T-shirts to “Abducted Cow” beef jerky and alien stuffed characters.
1/2
A rising (human) aerospace industry
In addition to a vibrant downtown retail sector, Roswell is a center of more grounded industries like glassmaking and ballistics manufacturing. Roswell also prides itself as the aviation hub of New Mexico, with the Roswell Air Center having experienced a major expansion. The air center’s industrial park was designated an opportunity zone to create tax benefits for relocating companies, while the addition of a new hangar has added 365 new jobs to this industry alone. Roswell is also surrounded by irrigated farmland, contributing to a strong agribusiness sector.
Roswell prides itself as the aviation hub of New Mexico, with the Roswell Air Center having experienced a major expansion.
Roswell is surrounded by irrigated farmland, contributing to a strong agribusiness sector.
1/2
Midcentury ranch-styles mix with brand-new properties
Serving nearly 50,000 residents, Roswell’s housing market varies from midcentury ranch-style homes in the heart of the city to sprawling, 21st-century-built properties sitting on vast, grassy lots in the outskirts. Ranch-style houses built from the 1940s to 1980s have sold for between $30,000 to $580,000, with the north side of the city being more expensive than the south. Properties built from the 2000s to 2020s tend to ring the city or occupy newly developed zones within Roswell. These residences have sold for between $280,000 and $1.5 million, with homes in brand-new subdivisions fetching the highest prices.
Serving nearly 50,000 residents, Roswell’s housing market varies from brick and stone cottage homes, like the one pictured here, in the heart of the city to sprawling, 21st-century-built properties sitting on vast, grassy lots in the outskirts.
Ranch-style houses built from the 1940s to 1980s have sold for between $30,000 to $580,000, with the north side of the city being more expensive than the south
1/2
Pieces of history and nature in every Roswell park
Roswell is full of venues for outdoor recreation, with each neighborhood having at least one pocket park and proximity to a larger one. Cahoon Park is known for its quaint stone bridge and its waterfall; the Spring River Parkway trail runs through this park and connects it with several other green spaces. One of these is the MIA-POW Park, which is the site of an engraved “Iron Cross” made by German World War II prisoners of war, as well as a piece of the Berlin Wall gifted to the United States by Germany decades later. The 34-acre Spring River Zoo in the northeast section of the city includes lemurs and buffalo, and is free to visit. The New Mexico Military Institute Golf Course is also open to the public, offering fast greens and wide fairways.
Roswell's unique history is retold through several museums and local institutions. “The UFO Museum is a really big museum that everybody loves to go see; you can see the history of the 1947 crash that happened outside of Roswell,” says Roswell’s Guest Services Lead Dorothy Ramirez. “The New Mexico Military Institute also has a lot of history, and they have a great museum that tells you about their story. The Historical Society tells you a different part of Roswell’s history, like how it started, the first homes and what people had to go through.”
Roswell is full of venues for outdoor recreation, with each neighborhood having at least one pocket park and proximity to a larger one like Cahoon Park which is known for its quaint stone bridge and its waterfall.
The 34-acre Spring River Zoo in the northeast section of the city includes lemurs and buffalo, and is free to visit.
1/2
Strong athletics at Roswell High
Roswell’s students attend the Roswell Independent School District, which receives a B-minus rating from Niche. Roswell High School’s athletics program is ranked among the top ten in the state by Niche. Roswell is also home to the New Mexico Military Institute, a starting point for aspiring cadets of West Point and the other military academics, as well as a campus of Eastern New Mexico University.
Roswell High School’s athletics program is ranked among the top ten in the state by Niche.
Roswell is also home to the New Mexico Military Institute, a starting point for aspiring cadets of West Point and the other military academics.
1/2
Public safety in Roswell
According to an October 2023 FBI report, Roswell's crime rate is slightly above the state average and well above the national mark. Roswell’s police department is incredibly active and visible in community efforts from neighborhood watch programs to local festivals.
Daily flights to DFW
Due to its location deep within the New Mexico desert, Roswell serves as an urban hub of its own; Albuquerque is a 200-mile and 3-hour drive up Highway 285. However, the Roswell Air Center offers two daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Nate Myers
Video By
Emma Hadley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karen S Miller,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Step into this wonderful, move-in ready home featuring fresh paint, new flooring, and new windows throughout. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers 1,440 sq. ft. of comfortable living space in a highly desirable location. The property includes a nice workshop complete with its own bathroom-perfect for hobbies, storage, or a home-based business. A single-wide manufactured home on the property
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, showcasing a perfect blend of modern updates and charming original features. The spacious layout features refinished, rustic original hardwood floors throughout, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. This home has fresh interior and exterior paint, including new light fixtures and plumbing fixtures. Beautifully upgraded kitchen
5 acres of country living, large 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with a mother in law apartment. Apartment has it's own kitchen, bathroom, and laundry hook-ups. Beautiful home for a growing family. The large kitchen, eating area and family room with a fireplace insert open onto a 1,100 sq ft patio that is perfect for entertaining. The patio comes with its own outdoor kitchen and ample ceiling fans.
Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath South Springs home with 3 living areas plus an office/guest house with bedroom, 1/2 bath, small kitchenette and living area on 2.34 acres. The enormous kitchen is a cook's dream with 2 range/ovens, large center island with prep sink, walls of cabinetry with pull out shelves, and solid top countertops. Cozy den has a vaulted ceiling and fireplace with antique mantel.
Discover this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located less than 2 miles south of downtown Roswell. With its warm character, flexible layout, and great outdoor space, this property is ideal for those seeking comfort and convenience. Inside, youll find a generous living room featuring a cozy wood-burning fireplaceideal for relaxing evenings or casual gatherings. The well-designed kitchen offers
A rare opportunity to own a lovingly preserved original-owner home! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is ready for its next chapter. Featuring beautiful landscaping, mature peach and apricot trees in the backyard, and abundant storage throughout, this property offers both charm and functionality. Per seller, new windows were installed throughout by Renewal by Andersen just two years
Welcome to this lovingly well-maintained home offering space, comfort, and flexibility. Featuring 3 good sized bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an extra room complete with a stunning tray ceiling that could easily serve as a 4th bedroom or extra living area, this home may be exactly what you have been looking for! The inviting floor plan includes a gorgeous kitchen, dining area full of natural light,
Beautifully maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath home located in the quiet and desirable Quail Village community. Step inside to a spacious living room featuring floating wood floors, wood burning fireplace, and skylights that fill the home with natural light. Interior shutters add both style and privacy. The stunning kitchen offers granite countertops, abundant cabinetry, an island, and a separate
As per Owner all listed almost new well that pumps 40 GPM, Pens, Corrals and Roads.Shop. Well is appx 300' feet deep. Views of mountains to west. Antelope Creek runs through property. Nice property for Subdivision
5.703 acres close to town in McPherson Subdivision on Browning Place. Located in a very private and secure subdivision at the end of a road. The property has restrictive covenants with a Berrendo Water meter installed. Also, a city water meter is in place if additional water is needed. Underground electricity is in place and just needs to be stubbed out. Mesquite has been cleared as of last
PRICE REDUCED!!!!! Close to town at the corner of McPherson and Berrendo Roads, located in private subdivision with restrictive covenants on a paved road. The property has access to both Berrendo Water and City water. Underground electricity is also available.
Spring River Phase II-Now Leasing!Be the first to experience Spring River Luxury Apartment Homes located in the most mysterious city in New Mexico- Roswell. Apartments include a modern kitchen package, wood plank flooring throughout, granite countertops and washer and dryers in home! Our community is just blocks from acclaimed schools, sophisticated shopping, fantastic dining, and
The 1 bedroom has a $300 Security Deposit a 2 Bedroom has a $400 security Deposit and a 3 Bedroom has a $500 Security Deposit. We are still showing apartments by appointment only during normal business hours. Call us today for more details or to set an appointment!
A fantastic community in Roswell, New Mexico, is the Villas of Briar Ridge Apartments. Our lushly landscaped community, situated with easy access to Highway 285, makes nearby golf courses, parks, and zoos within reach. Museums, shopping malls, delicious dining, and entertainment options are just a few miles away. Our location is next to everything that makes your life complete.We have
This is a beautiful, quiet, senior property conveniently located near shopping, restaurants and medical offices.We offer spacious 1 and 2 bedroom units. All units are on the ground floor with a back patio. We hope you will come see what our community has to offer!This is an Affordable Housing project, applicants must be within income limits and meet the age restriction to qualify
Here at the Mirador Apartments, we provide furnished efficiencies, unfurnished one- and two-bedroom units. We are a 2-story apartment building located in the downtown area of Roswell, NM! We have a laundry room on sight.The efficiencies are furnished, the water, gas and electric are paid. The deposit matches the monthly rent. These units have a 3-month lease and are popular with our
The Christa Lee Manor Apartments are located on the north side of town. Conveniently located close to the hospital, business district, shopping, and restaurants. The city bus stop is only a block from the apartments.Our apartment homes are equipped with refrigerators, electric ranges, mini-blinds, carpets, and vinyl flooring. Some apartment homes have hardwood flooring. Some apartments
Saddlecreek is an apartment community in Roswell, New Mexico where you are surrounded by a beautiful Southeastern New Mexico landscape. We are conveniently located minutes away from retail stores and restaurants, such as Albertson's, Dion's Pizza, Ashley Home Furniture, and Planet Fitness, to name a few. Here at Saddlecreek Apartments, we offer studio, one, and two-bedroom apartment homes. You'll
Property Id: 1850672 Welcome to this move-in ready 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in Roswell, NM. This cozy home features a stove and refrigerator in the kitchen, making meal prep a breeze. Water is included in the rent. This property is HUD approved, offering a hassle-free rental process. Don't miss out on this opportunity to call this charming house your new home. Contact us today to schedule
Property Id: 2762913 Stunning Brick Home in Serene Setting! Beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Roswell's desirable Pecan Orchards neighborhood! This move-in-ready home features new granite countertops, brand-new stainless steel appliances, stunning metallic epoxy floors, refrigerated A/C, a dedicated office, a wood-burning fireplace, and an attached 2-car garage—all just
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
