I couldn’t believe it! I was returning to Clovis to live. Clovis has always had a special place in my heart, and now I’m remembering why. Is the secret out?

Clovis still has that “small town” atmosphere I left 33 years ago, with its friendly people, great schools, and many churches in which to worship. Once again, I can enjoy the mild climate, the clear sunny skies, and the wide open spaces. Unlike other parts of the country, Eastern New Mexico has no smog, floods, forest fires, landslides, earthquakes, or hurricanes. What a great place to call home!

People always want to know where I lived before moving to Clovis. When I tell them I lived in Colorado, they ask, “Why, would you want to leave?” Although Colorado was a great place for me to live with my husband and two daughters for 24 years, my husband and I had an opportunity to return to my hometown and once again be with family. I was excited to be offered a teaching position with Clovis Municipal Schools at Yucca Junior High; therefore, I decided to continue both my teaching and real estate careers that I had enjoyed in Colorado. I have a deep passion for teaching children and, also, helping people with their real estate needs.

As a new teacher in Clovis, it didn’t take me long to recognize that the “old-fashion” values are still taught and good behavior is expected. The district’s mission statement sums up what I personally witnessed this past year:

The mission of the Clovis Municipal Schools, an enthusiastic network of highly committed learners in a community of unique spiritual depth, is to equip each student for a productive life of creative thinking, continuous learning, and exemplary character through challenging and engaging learning experiences led by a dedicated team committed to a cause beyond themselves in vital partnership with family, church, and community.

Yes, Clovis students are expected to demonstrate the character traits of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Character truly counts, and each student’s “Mind, Body, and Spirit” are considered in the district’s educational strategies. It is wonderful to teach where I can display the poster “In God We Trust” in my classroom!

My teaching position is great, but what about two of my favorite things to do in my free time--shopping and dining? Could Clovis compare to what I had left in Colorado? Clovis has North Plains Mall with its four department stores and many other retailers and service centers. Newer additions to Clovis include the super Wal-Mart, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, Hastings, Chili’s, I-Hop, the new China Star, and Applebee’s as well as several new hotels; and, how could I ever forget the delicious Mexican food in Clovis and Portales? Also, there are several locally-owned furniture stores, and I was happy to see the Ashley Home Store recently open in Portales. If I can’t find what I want in Clovis or Portales, both Amarillo and Lubbock are only 100 miles away. These larger cities provide additional shopping and dining opportunities for the residents of Eastern New Mexico.

Perhaps, one of the best kept secrets I discovered in Clovis was the affordable housing costs. As a Colorado real estate agent, I was aware that in many parts of the country, new construction costs average as much as $200 to $300 per square foot, and these costs continue to rise. In Clovis, a new home can still be purchased for $100 to $115 per square foot. This price even includes a fence, lawn, and sprinkler system. Wow! What a deal--more house for less money! The chance to have a new home at these prices made my move back to Clovis even better.

Since I’ve been back, I have met many of my neighbors who have also recently moved to Clovis--doctors, hotel owners, retirees, dairy owners, cheese plant executives, and civil service workers. Is the secret out? Are other people discovering that my hometown, Clovis, New Mexico, is truly a gateway to the Land of Enchantment?