Want to live and work in Clovis?

The Hispanic presence in eastern New Mexico traces back to migration from northern Mexico and the southern part of the state. Mexican and Mexican-American families make up a significant share of the population. Spanish is widely spoken, particularly in working communities on dairy farms. English dominates in formal settings.

Cannon AFB brings military families from across the United States, with the rotation typical of military installations. This adds racial and ethnic diversity to the city, with African Americans, Asians, and other backgrounds represented. The Anglo community is well established, with farming and business families who have been in the region for generations.

The Mexican Hispanic presence is also driven by meatpacking plants and dairy farms, as the region ranks among the largest milk-producing areas in the country. The Brazilian community is virtually nonexistent. A small Asian community is linked to the military base and local commerce. The median age follows the pattern of a typical mid-sized American city.

For families with children, neighborhoods like Colonial Park, Sandzen Estates, and North Clovis offer single-story homes with yards, garages, and proximity to schools. For a higher standard, areas near the Colonial Park Country Club feature larger houses. Older neighborhoods downtown show considerable variation in upkeep.

Military families can choose to live on base, with rental or purchase options available, or off base, with BAH covering rent at complexes like Cannon Crossing, Heritage Crossing, and Riverwood. Renting an entire house is the common arrangement.

Newly arrived immigrants typically start in apartments or shared houses. Older areas near Main Street have very low prices but vary in condition. Texico, on the Texas border, and Portales (30 minutes away) offer even more affordable alternatives.

Clovis Community College is a well-regarded community college offering associate degrees, technical certifications, and programs in nursing, mechanics, agriculture, and education. It provides ESL English programs for adult immigrants and citizenship courses. Tuition is among the lowest in the country.

Eastern New Mexico University, in Portales (30 minutes away), offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple fields, with strong programs in education and business. It is one of the oldest universities in the state, with a tradition in communications and theater. For students pursuing advanced science or medicine, the typical path leads to Texas Tech, NMSU, or UNM.

Clovis Municipal Schools serves K-12 education, with institutions including Clovis High School, which stands out in athletics, particularly football, alongside several elementary schools. Private Christian schools and charter schools are also available. For military families, the base provides its own school for children of enlisted personnel.

Compared to Hobbs or Roswell, Clovis has a moderate crime profile, with Cannon AFB's military presence contributing to overall stability. Violent crime is concentrated in specific areas. Neighborhoods like Colonial Park, Sandzen Estates, and North Clovis are calm.

The Clovis Police Department patrols the city, complemented by the Curry County Sheriff outside municipal limits. Areas to avoid at night include isolated stretches along Mabry Drive near budget motels, and empty commercial zones. Vehicle break-ins and property theft are the most common incidents.

For immigrants, traffic enforcement warrants particular attention. Fines are frequent, and DWI carries serious consequences, including immigration-related ones. Keeping a valid driver's license and current vehicle insurance is essential. Military families have access to Cannon's support services, which complement civilian law enforcement.

Summers are hot and dry, with highs between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius from June through August and nights around 17 degrees. Low humidity keeps the heat manageable, and afternoon thunderstorms arrive during monsoon season.

Winters are cold and sunny, with highs between 10 and 13 degrees and lows that frequently drop below freezing. Light snowfall occurs but melts quickly under the strong sun.

Residents need air conditioning for summer, heating for winter, and moisturizer for the dry air. Strong winds require attention to dust and lightweight structures.

Norman Petty Recording Studios is a must for rock and roll enthusiasts, with tours of the studio where Buddy Holly recorded hits in the 1950s. The Clovis Depot Model Train Museum celebrates the city's railroad heritage. Whittenberg Park is home to Hillcrest Park and Zoo, a family destination with a small zoo, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Clovis Pioneer Plaza Museum preserves local history. Greene Acres Lake offers modest fishing and camping. The Curry County Fairgrounds hosts rural events throughout the year. Entertainment options include a movie theater and bowling alley, plus occasional public events at Cannon AFB.

For larger attractions, Amarillo (TX), about 90 minutes away, has Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon State Park (the second-largest canyon in the United States), and more shopping and entertainment options. Lubbock (TX), about 1 hour 45 minutes away, has the Buddy Holly Center, a more comprehensive museum dedicated to the rock legend, and Texas Tech University.