Founded in 1889 and famed for the city of Roswell, Chaves County sits in southeastern New Mexico on the edge of the Pecos River Valley. Roswell is widely known for its 1947 UFO legend, but it is also a center for dairy and agricultural production. Smaller towns like Dexter, Hagerman, and Lake Arthur maintain tight-knit farming communities. The county’s landscape is semi-arid plains with rolling hills to the west, and its climate allows for year-round outdoor life. Roswell’s neighborhoods blend mid-century bungalows and modern brick homes with ranch-style layouts common. The area is largely rural-suburban, with Roswell serving as the urban core. Home prices average $220,000 to $280,000, and new builds cost roughly $160–$190 per sq ft. The county’s economy mixes energy extraction, agriculture, and tourism. Roswell International Air Center connects directly to Dallas and Phoenix, keeping the region accessible despite its remote feel.