Hobbs, NM · The Oil Capital of New Mexico

Moving to or from Hobbs?

Southeast New Mexico's largest city in the Permian Basin oil fields — at the center of one of the most productive oil-and-gas regions in the world, with New Mexico Junior College and the Lea County Event Center as community anchors.

  • 40,000 City population
  • 70,000 Metro area
  • 1907 Founded
  • Southeast New Mexico / Lea County Region
What Hobbs Is Known For

Why people move to Hobbs.

  • Being at the heart of the Permian Basin oil-and-gas fields
  • New Mexico Junior College
  • Lea County Event Center
  • Hobbs Army Airfield historic site (WWII pilot training)
  • Being the closest NM city to the Permian Basin's Texas side
  • Soaring aviation heritage (Hobbs is famous for glider flying)
Fun Fact

The Permian Basin — which extends from southeast New Mexico into west Texas — is one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the world, accounting for about 40% of all US oil production. Hobbs is at the heart of New Mexico's share. The region has experienced multiple boom-and-bust cycles; recent horizontal drilling and fracking technology have sustained production longer than previous booms. Hobbs' economy rises and falls with oil prices.

Neighborhoods

Where people live in Hobbs.

A quick guide to Hobbs's most moved-to neighborhoods.

  • Downtown

    Historic core

  • Central Hobbs

    Established residential

  • North Hobbs

    Newer residential

  • Eunice (nearby)

    Small oil-patch town south

  • Jal (nearby)

    Small oil town further south

  • Lovington (nearby)

    Lea County's second-largest town

Things To Do

Where people spend their time in Hobbs.

  • Lea County Event Center Central Hobbs
  • Western Heritage Museum Central Hobbs
  • Center for the Arts Central Hobbs
  • Soaring Society of America Museum Hobbs
  • Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame Central Hobbs
  • Zia Park Casino Central Hobbs
What To Know

Planning a Hobbs move.

  • Oil-industry cycles drive extreme housing demand swings
  • Summer heat is extreme (100°F+ common June-September)
  • Cost of living rises and falls with oil prices
  • Remote location; Midland TX is 90 miles east, Albuquerque is 4+ hours northwest
Common Questions

Moving in Hobbs: FAQ.

Is Hobbs housing market stable?

Volatile. Oil-industry workers move in and out with boom-bust cycles. During boom periods, housing prices spike and rentals are impossible to find; during busts, many leave and prices fall. Long-term residents understand these cycles; newcomers should factor in the volatility. Workforce housing, man camps, and short-term rentals absorb much of the boom-period demand.

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