The Cost of Living Diaries: Roswell, NM

Nathan Lambrecht

Welcome to The Cost of Living Diaries. How much does it cost to live in Roswell, New Mexico? What’s an average mortgage, a cocktail, or ideas for low-cost activities? Keep reading because we asked Roswell residents to tell us all about the cost of living in this thriving city!

Located in the center of southeast New Mexico, Roswell-Chaves County is a region full of surprises. While outsiders know it for its connection to aliens, residents love its gorgeous tree-lined streets and mountain views, not to mention its plethora of outdoor recreation options, vibrant arts community and delicious dining spots. Livability chatted with two residents about how much does it cost to live in Roswell and Chaves County.

Longtime Resident Loves Life in Roswell

Amy McVay Tellez has lived in Roswell all her life and has worked for the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico for nearly 10 years. The Roswell resident shares what she loves most about her hometown.

What has kept you in Roswell?
My family. My parents lived here and my grandmother, so I was kind of the caretaker of the family. As I grew up and got older, I had two children. I just wanted the small-town environment for my kids growing up, and they both have stayed in the area. They don’t live here in Roswell, but they are close in the area.

How would you describe the community and its offerings?
What burdens my heart is I heard this … Roswell is one of the top 10 most identifiable cities in the world – not in the U.S., the world – for one thing (aliens). That has driven me to stay at the historical society. I single-handedly believe people underestimate us. They come in thinking we’re a little community known for the aliens, but they are so surprised with what we have to offer. We’re strong in history. We’re strong in art culture, and we’re just strong in so many things to do for a small community.

What do you love about living in Roswell?
It really is the small-town environment. We’re very close. It’s a very tight community. We’ve gone through a lot of tragedies, and that happens in all communities, but one thing I will say is Roswell shows up. It is a great little town to raise children and let them fly their wings.

What’s the housing market like in the region?
It’s a seller’s market – there’s no doubt about it. I’m not vastly knowledgeable. I live in a family home. Our housing rates have increased, but they’re very, very reasonable compared to national rates.

What kind of free or low-cost activities are available?
We’ve got live entertainment at numerous little eateries or restaurants, and we have a beautiful park (Cahoon Park) and a walking trail that runs right through downtown. We have Bottomless Lakes State Park nearby. There’s paddleboarding, swimming, picnicking. There’s also a farmers market downtown right in front of the courthouse a lot of Saturdays for most of the year.

What’s your favorite restaurant in the region, and about how much would dinner and drinks be for two?
Peppers Grill & Bar – been open for many, many years. They’re in the downtown area. They’re wonderful. You can go outside. They have that patio-feel, very comfortable environment. They’ve got everything, from steak and enchiladas down to good old burgers. (Dinner and drinks for two is) probably $30 or $40.

What’s a fun coffee shop in the area, and how much is your favorite drink?
Stellar Coffee Co. is our local coffee shop, besides Starbucks, but Stellar Coffee is in downtown Roswell, and it’s locally owned. Drinks are in that $3-$5 range, depending on what type of drink you get. They’re a darling little local coffee shop. You can go to the farmers market on a Saturday and absolutely walk down to Stellar Coffee. They’re about a block away.

Newcomer Embraces Roswell Lifestyle

With its attractive way of life, Roswell is appealing to newcomers like Paul Long, senior vice president at James Polk Stone Community Bank. After having spent a year in the area, Long and his wife are loving their new downsized lifestyle.

How long have you lived in Roswell? 
My wife and I moved from Albuquerque to Roswell last year for a great employment opportunity. We’ve adjusted to a smaller city and enjoy the pace of life in Roswell and the friendliness of the community. People actually say hello with a smile and take time to talk to each other. There aren’t as many entertainment venues as in a bigger city, but the quality of entertainment is great! 

How would you describe Roswell? 
Roswell is a nice place to raise families, and the people are genuine. It has great museums and an excellent symphony orchestra. We’re season ticket holders to the Roswell Symphony and are very impressed with the quality of performances and the venue. The weather and climate are pleasant most of the year to enjoy outside activities. 

What’s it like buying a house in the area? 
Housing costs are substantially more affordable in Roswell compared to the state and national averages. (According to Zillow as of October 2023, the average home sales price is $140,700 in Roswell compared to an average home price in New Mexico of $293,000.) 

Where do you typically grocery shop? 
We shop at Farmers Country Market as it is fairly close to home, and they have the most inviting store and staff. The staff is very friendly and helpful! Prices are in line with other stores in the area, so a quart of milk is about $3, and sirloin steak is about $7 a pound. 

What’s your favorite restaurant in Roswell, and how much would it be for dinner for two? 
My wife and I have many favorite local restaurants – Mexican food, Italian food, barbecue and American food. A typical meal for two usually ranges between $30 to $50. It is nice to dine in restaurants where the staff gets to know you by name; it makes you feel at home. 

What’s your favorite coffee shop, and what do you typically order? 
We love to go to Stellar Coffee in downtown Roswell. It’s a local coffee shop with a wide variety of coffees and teas made to order. I usually get the iced mocha coffee, and the 12 oz is $5.99. We always take a stroll through the downtown area after coffee and see what’s new in the stores on Main Street. 

– Lindsey Hyde contributed to this article.