Roswell Tower (ROW)

📍 About ROW & Roswell

Roswell Air Center (ROW) is located just south of the city of Roswell, New Mexico. Known for its aviation history, aerospace industry, and quirky UFO culture, Roswell offers a small-town lifestyle with low cost of living, wide open skies, and close-knit community vibes. It’s ideal for controllers looking for a quiet and affordable location.

🏡 Where to Live

Best for Singles & Couples

• Downtown Roswell – Historic, walkable, close to shops and restaurants.
• Midtown Roswell – Affordable apartments, near businesses and amenities.

Best for Families

• South Roswell – Larger homes, quiet neighborhoods.
• Enchanted Hills – Suburban feel, near schools and parks.
• West Roswell – Family-oriented, established neighborhoods.

🚗 Commute Times to ROW

• 5–15 min: Downtown Roswell, Midtown, South Roswell
• 15–25 min: Enchanted Hills, West Roswell, outskirts

🎓 Top School Districts

• Roswell Independent School District
• Goddard High School – Strong community involvement
• Valley Christian Academy – Private K-12

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours

• International UFO Museum: Roswell's most famous attraction
• Bottomless Lakes State Park: Swimming, kayaking, hiking
• Spring River Zoo: Local zoo and amusement area
• Downtown Main Street: Local shops, art galleries, dining
• Carlsbad Caverns: ~1.75 hours south – epic underground experience

✈️ Nearby Airports

• ROW: On-site – commercial flights via American Airlines to DFW & PHX
• ABQ (Albuquerque): ~3 hours – major airport for national connections
• ELP (El Paso): ~3.5 hours – another large airport option

💰 Cost of Living

• Median Home Price (Roswell): ~$160,000
• 1-Bedroom Rent: ~$750–$950/month
• Utilities: ~$140–$190/month
• New Mexico Income Tax: ~1.7%–5.9%
• Groceries & Gas: Below national average

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Mild, dry, light snow occasionally
• Spring: Breezy and dry with warm days
• Summer: Hot and dry, 90s–100°F common
• Fall: Warm days, cool nights, low humidity

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Roswell Transit: Small local bus network
• Car needed: Essential for nearly all travel
• Traffic: Very light — commutes are short and simple

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• Eastern New Mexico Medical Center: Full-service hospital
• Lovelace Regional Hospital: Emergency, surgical, and specialty care
• Urgent Care Clinics: Multiple options around town

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Events: UFO Festival, Jazz Festival, Roswell Film Fest
• Community: Tight-knit, friendly, very welcoming
• Faith & Volunteer: Many active local churches and nonprofits

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Local favorites: Big D’s Downtown Dive, Peppers Grill, Martin’s Capitol Café
• Southwest cuisine: Try authentic New Mexican enchiladas and green chile
• Casual eats: Food trucks, diners, and bakeries throughout the city

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Short commutes make South Roswell and Midtown very convenient
• Seasonal operations may include military and storage aircraft traffic
• Low activity = great place for new controllers to refine foundational skills

📦 Moving Tips

• Move-in dates are flexible — housing is usually available year-round
• Consider shade and evaporative cooling for summer months
• Local movers: U-Haul, Roswell Movers, or hire help from nearby Albuquerque

❓ FAQs

• Is Roswell safe?
  Generally yes — especially south and west sides of the city. Use basic precautions downtown after dark.
• Is AWD or snow gear needed?
  Not really. Light snow a few days/year, but roads are usually dry.
• What’s the overall vibe?
  Relaxed, quirky, quiet town with a space/aviation twist.