carlsbad (Albuquerque, Hobbs, Los Alamos: lawyer, relocate, real estate)

[6/3]

Originally Posted by smiles48650

What is WIPP?

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Its where low level radioactive waste is buried.....

[LRUA]

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant located east of Carlsbad is where highest temperature ever recorded in New Mexico occurred...122 degrees in the shade ...........housing in Carlsbad is relatively inexpensive (as compared to ABQ , LC, SF) ...most expensive in Carlsbad would be backing on the Pecos River....perhaps try the town of Loving (just south of Carlsbad) ...nice quite town...I think housing might be cheaper there...but for some reason it is hotter than Carlsbad...and it gets even hotter farther south at Red Bluff Reservoir...(lowest point in NM at 2,817') ...there is a weather station at the dam just over the line in Texas and averages there are Tucson-like...I like Carlsbad...but is alittle run down and could be better considering world class attractions nearby ....Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks ....here's some average hi's and Lo's to compare....

CARLSBAD (Cavern City Air Terminal)

M JA FE MR AP MA JU JL AU SE OC NO DE

HI 58 64 72 80 87 95 96 94 89 80 68 59
LO 28 32 38 46 56 64 68 66 59 47 35 29

LOVING

M JA FE MR AP MA JU JL AU SE OC NO DE

HI 60 66 74 82 91 99 99 95 91 82 70 61
LO 30 34 38 47 58 65 68 67 61 50 37 31

CARLSBAD CAVERNS

M JA FE MR AP MA JU JL AU SE OC NO DE

HI 55 60 67 75 83 90 90 88 92 75 64 56
LO 33 37 42 50 58 64 66 65 60 51 41 34

Carlsbad gets hot in summer ... not as bad as southern and western AZ ...and not that humid sticky stuff farther east ...but definitely hot ....the Caverns are approx 25 miles SW ...and 1300' higher ....consequently noticeably cooler with milder lows (good cold air drainage)

[spindoc]

I think, inside the caverns is a constant 56 F all year around.

[smiles48650]

I just received a info packet from the Cralsbad Chamber of Commerce, including a phone book. Looks like there are plenty of businesses in the city.

[spindoc]

I would really make a trip to the city first and look at things first hand. It may look like Carlsbad has a lot going for itself on paper but nothing beats a visit to the city for a few days and taking in the local culture and sights.

[Sarahsez]

You do need to visit the city before deciding. Look at the inside of some houses to see what $60K will buy. Go tour the grocery and other stores. Look at the prices, quality, availability, etc. See if if you think you could stay in Carlsbad and shop or if you'd have to make several trips to other places. Go out and eat in some of the non-chain food places. It'll give you a better idea of how you'll like living there.

[dmderosa2k]

I grew up in Carlsbad and visit often to see family. I am going to be honest. The place is terrible. It was good maybe 20 years ago but is nothing now and getting worse. There will never be growth as long as the same cronies run the town. They run every decent business out of town if it is going to compete with them. Nothing ever changes there trust me and if you like that sort of thing then it is good but other then that it is not worth your time. The mines will close eventually and I would bet WIPP closes someday. Then there will be nothing. Now the drugs and gangs are moving in so it is only a matter of time. I talked about moving back but I realized how stupid I would be. The schools are decent but for some reason anybody with brains moves off.

[dmderosa2k]

By the way, it is the empitomy of trailertrashville. It has every kind of store you can think of with the word dollar in it. You will have no problem finding illegals to go along with the trash either. Additionally, it is well known for its online forums that are full of gossip, rumors and putting each other down. Total redneck heaven if you ask me.

[spindoc]

dmderosa2k - I wasn't expecting someone to be so blunt. However, that is pretty much Carlsbad, as you described it. But I think it is unfortunate that it has such a beautful river running through it. For southwest NM it is a rarity. You are right, the cronies here are the epitomy of corruption and have ruined the city and prevented it from growing. If anything the city is likely going to shrink as both Hobbs and Artesia around Carlsbad are booming even though they are more run down and uglier than Carlsbad.

[Sarahsez]

There are people I wouldn't want to hang out with everywhere I've ever lived. I've always managed to find good people too. I found Carlsbad to be a friendly town; however, it does have with it's own unique set of problems. You absolutely need to visit and learn as much as you can before you move there.

I made several friends during my time in Carlsbad. I wouldn't classify them as trailer trash or redneck. The majority of the people I knew were educated and had come to Carlsbad specifically because Carlsbad needed educated professionals. I also met a few of the locals while I was there. Most were friendly and good, hardworking people. Carlsbad does have its share of problems because of its isolated location and closeness to the border. You can find good in Carlsbad if you look for it and work towards it.


Carlsbad is a small town. Some days it feels like you know everyone and everyone else's business or can at least read about it on the front page of the newspaper. That is small time life everywhere. I always found it amusing.

Yes, the town has Wal-Mart and various $ stores. In other towns, these stores may separate you by class. In Carlsbad, everyone shops there. You have no choice unless you want to leave town. Even if you have the money to leave town for shopping, you may not have the time or desire. Kids tend to own the same basic toys. If you buy a shirt off the rack, you will probably run into at least three other people who own it. I've always considered owning the same items as someone else to be a great equalizer. When you get over material things, you get to meet the people behind them.