Southeast Region, NM Land for Sale

New Mexico's Southeast region encompasses the entire southeastern corner of the state, bordering Texas to the east and south. The largest city in the region is Roswell, with other larger cities being Clovis, Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Portales and Lovington.

Southeast New Mexico also has much of the state's reserves of oil and natural gas, which are the top industries in the region, including extraction, petroleum refineries, and other businesses supporting their operations. Agriculture and food production are also important industries to the region's economy. Eastern New Mexico University has three campuses in the region, in Portales, Ruidoso and Roswell. New Mexico State University has two-year campuses in Alamogordo and Carlsbad. University of the Southwest, relocated to Hobbs in the 1960s, and Clovis Community College are also in the county.

There are more than 10 national and state protected areas in the region. Carlsbad Caverns is a popular tourist attraction, contains more than 100 known caves features caves and a Permian-age fossil reef. Lechuguilla Cave is the deepest limestone cave in the country at 1,567 feet, and the fourth longest. Carlsbad Cavern has one of the world's largest underground chambers. Some other protected area include Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Southern Plains, Bottomless Lakes State Park, which features hiking, swimming, fishing and scuba diving, Brantley Lake State Park, a southern desert park, Carlsbad National Wildlife Refuge, Eastern New Mexico State Park, Grulla National Wildlife Refuge, Lincoln National Forest, Living Desert State Park, an indoor/outdoor living museum, Oasis State Park and White Sand National Monument. Some other attractions in the region include Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, featuring rock carvings of animals, plants and geometric designs dating between 900 and 1400 AD, Hillcrest Park Zoo, two casinos and nearly 10 wineries and breweries throughout the region.

Otero County is located in the southwestern corner of New Mexico's Southeast region, and is bordered by Texas to the south. It is the third largest county by area in the state. Alamogordo is the only city and the county seat and there are more than 20 other villages, census-designated places and other communities. Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation is also located in the county. Alamogordo is a center of the economy of the county and a cultural center. English, Spanish and German are all spoken in the community, and there are many events and festivals, including Oktoberfest, sponsored by the German Air Force, White Sands Balloon Invitational, Cottonwood Festival, Cinco de Mayo and more. Holloman Air Force Base is located in the county, and is one of the top employers. Farm employment also employs many, and also forestry, fisheries and related activities. New Mexico State University has a two-year campus in Otero County, in Alamogordo. Part of Lincoln National Forest, part of White Sands National Monument and the National Solar Observatory are in the county. Some other attractions include New Mexico Museum of Space History and Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.

Lincoln County is located in the western part of New Mexico's Southeast region, just north of Otero County. Ruidoso is the largest and only city, and the county seat is the Town of Carrizozo. There are less than 15 other villages, other communities, and one census-designated place. Eastern New Mexico University has a campus located in Ruidoso. Ruidoso is an alpine-like setting surrounded by over a million acres of wilderness ideal for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Tourism is one of the top industries in the county, including arts, entertainment and recreation. Also, related to tourism, are real estate, rental and leasing, as well as food services. The agricultural sector is also important to the economy, including forestry, fishing and farm employment. Part of Cibola National Forest, Fort Stanton ? Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, Smokey Bear Historical Park and part of Lincoln National Forest are located in the county. Ruidoso's midtown shopping district features unique clothing, art and hand-crafted Native American jewelry, with many restaurants and bars as well. Some other attractions include Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, featuring the richest quarter horse race in the country, Ski Apache, the southern-most ski resort in the U.S., three casinos and mountain golf courses.

Curry County is located in the northeastern corner of New Mexico's Southeast region, and borders Texas to the east. It is the fourth smallest county in the state by area. It is named in honor of George Curry, territorial governor of New Mexico in the early 1900s. Clovis is the largest city is the county and the county seat, and Texico is the other city in the county. There are nearly 10 other villages and unincorporated communities, and one census- designated place, Cannon Air Force Base, which is located in the county and a top employer. Clovis is a hub of activities and events in the county, with a rich history rooted in music, agriculture and community partnerships centered on the continued growth and development of the city. The city features professional and youth rodeo events, firework spectaculars, cultural art series performances, the Clovis Music Festival and Cannon Air Force Base partnership events. Norman and Vi Petty Rock and Roll Museum pays homage to the artists who recorded at the 7th Street Studio, such as Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Waylon Jennings. Some other attractions include Eastern New Mexico State Park, Oasis State Park, Grulla National Wildlife Refuge and the Hillcrest Park Zoo.