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Roswell, NM

Frequently asked questions

Roswell, NM

Roswell is a city in and the seat of Chaves County, New Mexico, United States. It is home to the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI), founded in 1891. The city is also the location of an Eastern New Mexico University campus. Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located a few miles northeast of the city on the Pecos River. Bottomless Lakes State Park is located 12 miles (19 km) east of Roswell on US 380. Chaves County forms the entirety of the Roswell micropolitan area.

The Roswell incident was named after the town, though the crash site of the alleged UFO was some 75 miles (121 km) from Roswell and closer to Corona. The investigation and debris recovery was handled by the local Roswell Army Air Field. On the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident, an annual UFO Festival was started. In the 1930s, Roswell was a site for much of Robert H. Goddard's early rocketry work. The Roswell Museum and Art Center maintains an exhibit that includes a recreation of Goddard's rocket engine development workshop, and Goddard High School is named after him.

Roswell's tourism industry is based on ufology museums and businesses, as well as alien-themed and spacecraft-themed iconography. The city also relies on New Mexico and Americana-related tourism. including the International UFO Museum and Research Center. Local American folk and New Mexico music performances occur near Pioneer Plaza and in parks around the city. It is a center for acequia-like irrigated farming, dairying, and ranching; it is also the location of several manufacturing, distribution, and petroleum-related facilities. Roswell has a history of minor-league baseball. This regional pride has resulted in Roswell receiving the All-America City Award multiple times, in 1978–79 and 2002.

Roswell is located in the High Great Plains of southeastern New Mexico, approximately 7 mi (11 km) west of the Pecos River and some 40 mi (64 km) east of highlands that rise to the Sierra Blanca range. U.S. Routes 70, 285, and 380 intersect in the city. US 70 leads northeast 111 mi (179 km) to Clovis and 117 mi (188 km) west to Alamogordo; US 285 leads north 192 mi (309 km) to Santa Fe and south 76 mi (122 km) to Carlsbad; and US 380 leads east 134 mi (216 km) to Brownfield, Texas, and west 164 mi (264 km) to Socorro.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.776 square miles (77.12 km²), of which, 29.716 square miles (76.96 km²) is land and 0.060 square miles (0.16 km²), or 0.18%, is water.

Roswell places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The city is served by healthcare providers such as Eastern New Mexico Medical Center and Lovelace Regional Hospital, offering a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments. For a serene spa experience, visit the Blackstone Hotsprings. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy outdoor activities at the Spring River Zoo Park or take a rejuvenating walk at Cahoon Park. For a holistic approach, check out Yoga Vibrations which offers Full Moon SoundBaths and other unique sessions. The Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center is perfect for swimming and various fitness classes.

Top sites in Roswell, NM are J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center, Roswell Museum, and International UFO Museum and Research Center.

Population: 47,176 (2024). ZIP codes: 88201, 88202, 88203. Area code: 575. Elevation: 3,573 ft (1,089 m). Area: 29.78 sq mi (77.12 km²).

FAQs

Is Roswell, NM a good place to live?

It's a fantastic place for people of all ages. While the median age is 32, this New Mexico city has also been voted the fourth-best in the state for families. This accolade underscores the city's family-friendly environment, which includes excellent schools, recreational opportunities, and community amenities. Whether you're a young professional looking for career opportunities or a family seeking a nurturing environment, Roswell welcomes you with open arms.

Is Roswell, NM expensive?

The cost of living in Roswell, New Mexico, is 71.8 percent of the national average. Much of this savings comes from our low housing prices - a welcome relief in this hot housing market. Residents can also save by benefiting from our reduced utility and transportation costs. Groceries cost less too - in part because of our proximity to local farms and dairies. 

What are the demographics of Roswell, NM?

Roswell, NM is home to a population of 48k people, of which 94.5% are citizens. As of 2022, 11.3% of Roswell, NM residents were born outside of the country (5.43k people). In 2022, there were 1.02 times more White (Hispanic) residents (16.5k people) in Roswell, NM than any other race or ethnicity. There were 16.2k White (Non-Hispanic) and 6.57k Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Roswell

Saddle Creek

Chaves County

Data USA

J Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center

Roswell Museum

International UFO Museum and Research Center

Eastern New Mexico Medical Center

Lovelace Regional Hospital

Blackstone Hotsprings

Cahoon Park

Yoga Vibrations

Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should be kept from being current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.