Picturesque scenery and spectacular rock formations dot the landscape of New Mexico. But underneath those landscapes lies a large amount of crude oil that makes New Mexico one of the nation's largest producers of oil and natural gas. The state's natural gas production is nearly 10% percent of the United States' total production and the state is responsible for almost 3% of the U.S.' total crude oil output.

In eastern New Mexico, the 75,000 square-mile Permian Basin constitutes a large portion of that production. Located just five miles from Texas and directly within the Permian Basin is Hobbs, New Mexico: a close-knit community considered to be the "Oil Capitol of New Mexico." Sitting with an elevation of 3621 feet, this leader within New Mexico's petroleum industry has attracted companies such as Chesapeake Energy Corp., Bass Enterprises and Arena Resources. Having its first oil field discovered in 1928, Hobbs' oil industry today employs over 10,000 people, which helps contribute to the city's annual average mean income of $21,000. Incorporated as a city in 1929, Hobb's population of 28,657 (2000) makes up more than half of Lea County's total of 55,511. Within the 18.9 square mile city lies 10,040 households with over 7,369 families who have discovered Hobb's affordable housing: a 1700 square foot, three-bedroom house, for example, is priced for under $90,000.

The town also has many opportunities for recreation including gliding and soaring. Hobbs is the home for the Hobbs Soaring Society, Soaring Society of America, Inc and the National Soaring Foundation which will provide any adventure seeker with ample opportunity to soar. The city has a mild climate with dry, windy springs and warm summers and is only two hours southeast of Roswell, the site of the famous UFO controversy.

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