carlsbad (Albuquerque: housing, job, schools)

[kahala]

I have been offered a job in Carlsbad so I am trying to get as much info as possible before making the move. I hear it can be very hot in the summer. From looking at the weather info it does not seem bad to me mid 90's. Anyway any information you can offer about living there would be great. I love the outdoors biking and swimming are some of my hobbies. So if it is a bike friendly city that would be great.

Thanks.

[spindoc]

Originally Posted by kahala

I have been offered a job in Carlsbad so I am trying to get as much info as possible before making the move. I hear it can be very hot in the summer. From looking at the weather info it does not seem bad to me mid 90's. Anyway any information you can offer about living there would be great. I love the outdoors biking and swimming are some of my hobbies. So if it is a bike friendly city that would be great.

Thanks.

There is a river that runs through carlsbad. It has a small beach - not much of swimming there. Otherwise there is a pool at the rec. center. I personally have not been there so I can't tell you how it is.

As for biking, there are a few trails around - for mountain biking. As for riding on the road, although I have seen some cyclists around, I personally would not recommend it. The drivers here tend to be careless and the roads do not have too much shoulder room for a bike.

It does get hot here in the summer - as high as 105 F but with very little humidity. It is tolerable and only lasts for about 2 months. For about 8-9 months of the year the weather is very pleasant and moderate. Dec. or Jan. can get a little cold, sometimes even with a little bit of snow.

Otherwise, Carlsbad is a small isolated town. You should pay a visit here first before deciding. First thing you will notice is that the closest national airport is 2 hours away.

[Hedrek]

I live in Albuquerque now, but spent about 5 years in Carlsbad, from about 1995 to 2000. I've thought about going back. It's quiet, not alot to do, but there is great country around there - mountains, deserts, some interesting water spots. I had kids in school there and the schools are OK. The river is OK, nice place to jog. Has a great zoo. Less crime than Albuquerque, probably affordable housing. Not too far from El Paso, and a pretty drive, to shop or see a movie or live music. I think it's probably going to steadily grow, since it has a nuclear energy/waste industry that's growing.

[spindoc]

Carlsbad is unlikely to grow anytime soon - it lacks skilled laborors, education and most importantly, it is run by corrupt politicians.