Carlsbad, NM Reviews


16 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Carlsbad

Carlsbad, New Mexico is a small city located in the southeastern part of the state. With a population of around 28,000, it is known for its beautiful landscape and close proximity to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. However, like any place, it has its pros and cons. Looking at various user reviews on BestPlaces.net, it is evident that there are mixed opinions about living in Carlsbad. Some praise its affordability and friendly community, while others mention issues with crime and limited job opportunities. Let's take a closer look at four different user reviews to get a better understanding of what it's like to live in this particular place.

According to a review by John, who has been living in Carlsbad for over 20 years, the city has a "small town charm" and is a great place to raise a family. He mentions that the cost of living is reasonable and the people are welcoming and helpful. He says, "I have never felt unsafe in this city and I am proud to call it my home."

On the other hand, Maria shares a different perspective. She moved to Carlsbad from a larger city and found it to be "very boring" with limited activities and entertainment options. She also mentions that the job market is not very diverse, making it difficult for her to find a job in her field. She says, "If you enjoy a quiet and slow-paced life, then Carlsbad may be the place for you. But for me, it was not a good fit."

A review by David highlights the natural beauty of Carlsbad and its surrounding areas. He loves the nearby national park and enjoys exploring the various hiking trails in the region. However, he does mention some concerns about the air and water quality, stating, "The oil and gas industry has a strong presence here and it does have an impact on the environment. It's something to consider before moving here."

Lastly, Stephanie talks about the sense of community and strong family values in Carlsbad. She appreciates the small town feel and the fact that everyone knows each other. However, like many others, she also expresses concerns about crime in the city, especially drug-related crimes. She says, "Unfortunately, there are some areas with high crime rates, but as long as you stay aware of your surroundings, you should be fine."

In conclusion, the reviews about living in Carlsbad, New Mexico are varied. Some love the small town atmosphere and affordable cost of living, while others find it lacking in terms of job opportunities and entertainment. However, most agree that the natural beauty of the area is a major plus, though there are some concerns about environmental issues. Ultimately, whether or not Carlsbad is the right place to live depends on individual preferences and priorities.

 based on 16 Reviews
Get to know Carlsbad with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Carlsbad

Yeah, it's out there - 1/18/2011
Carlsbad is home to a major Dept of Energy site. The result is a large contingent of highly educated, relatively sophisticated and well off people living among much poorer and less educated locals. There is no real antagonism - the two worlds just don't mix much.

Carlsbad is isolated - the closest major city and airport is El Paso, a three hour drive west. Perhaps because of its isolation, an outgoing person can stay surprisingly busy here. There are clubs for everything, a fine community theater, a wonderful community chorus, and plenty of volunteer opportunities. We were here four years and were far more active here than in any other place we've lived. There are a 3 screen indoor theater and a 3 screen drive-in open year round. The Community Concert folks bring in some wonderful shows at very reasonable prices. The rodeo comes to town every fall. If you're sitting home twiddling your thumbs, it's your own fault.

Carlsbad has some beautiful Read More

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Carlsbad, NM, a love-hate kinda place - 12/15/2009
We have lived in Carlsbad for nine years and find that we have a love hate realationship with the place. In talking to many people it seems to be a common theme of conversation the love hate realtionship.

The weather here is generally pretty good. The summers can get very hot (average 100-110 degress) and the climeate is very dry. Spring is called the windy season and winter is variable and though generally mild we do get some snow and temps down into the teens at night sometimes.

The landcape is rolling flat desert basin with a lot of Cholla, Mesquite, creosote brush and grasses. Real Mountains are a good two hour drive away. This area is extensively mined for pot ash and drilled for gas and oil so is dotted with oil jack pumps and tank batteries which makes it look and feel rural/industrial.

I have met some of the best people I have ever met while living here. They are can be well educated and diverse. Many work in government resarch and Read More

Costs of Carlsbad - 11/15/2009
The cost of Living in this town are completely outrageous! I looked in the paper recently & it's $700 a month for a 1 bedroom house & $850 a month or more for 2 bedrooms and up. I paid $900 a month for a 3 bedroom house here that was literally falling apart. Was only there for a month. It had bad wiring and was definately a fire hazard. Plus (what turned out to be) the "mother-in-law-house" in the backyard, we thought was an old shed when we moved in, was RED TAGGED by the city! My opinion is that the cost of living is too ridiculous. If you can even find cheaper rent, the houses are even Read More

Family Oriented - 7/11/2008
Carlsbad, New Mexico is a wonderful place to raise your Read More

Pros and Cons of life in Carlsbad - 3/26/2008
Pro: It is a friendly small town.
Con: It is somewhat isolated. The closest city is El Paso, Tx which is 2 ½ hours away.

Pro: There is no rush hour. It takes fifteen minutes to drive from one end of town to the other.
Con: Not much to see in those fifteen minutes.

Pro: The Pecos River runs through part of town with a park and two golf courses on it.
Con: Part of the river is lined with unkept businesses. The city takes very little advantage of the river. There are no businesses that would draw people to such a scenic part of town.

Pro: Housing is pretty inexpensive. My husband and I purchased our first 3bd/1bth home for $38,000 in 2003.
Con: There’s not much to choose from in the way of housing. Very little new development. What is considered a nice neighborhood in Carlsbad wouldn’t be considered nice elsewhere.

Pro: Job growth has taken place since renewed oilfield work in recent years. Even young Read More

Pros and Cons of life in Carlsbad - 3/26/2008
Pro: It is a friendly small town.
Con: It is somewhat isolated. The closest city is El Paso, Tx which is 2½ hours away.

Pro: There is no rush hour. It takes fifteen minutes to drive from one end of town to the other.
Con: Not much to see in those fifteen minutes.

Pro: The Pecos River runs through part of town with a park and two golf courses on it.
Con: Part of the river is lined with unkept businesses. The city takes very little advantage of the river. There are no businesses that would draw people to such a scenic part of town.

Pro: Housing is pretty inexpensive. My husband and I purchased our first 3bd/1bth home for $38,000 in 2003.
Con: There’s not much to choose from in the way of housing. Very little new development. What is considered a nice neighborhood in Carlsbad wouldn’t be considered nice elsewhere.

Pro: Job growth has taken place since renewed oilfield work in recent years. Even young Read More

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