The City of Portales, with a low cost of living, safe neighborhoods and schools, a major university, a solid and growing economy, and a dry, sunny climate with moderate temperatures was ranked in 2006 by Bizjournals.com as one of the "top 20 small communities in the US" in quality of life among 577 communities surveyed.  Roosevelt County still offers some of the most affordable home and property prices in the Western US, and the overall cost of living in Portales is still just 83% of the US average.

Portales is a friendly and caring community with over 60 active civic and faith-based organizations serving every taste and denomination. The City of Portales is completely served with "Category 6" fiber optic cable to every alley in town, meaning that within the city limits Internet services are available at speeds of up to 20 megabits per second, fast enough to watch high quality web videocasts while processing vast amount of data without delay. Two newer medical centers provide high quality routine and emergency care, and the world-famous Texas Tech Medical Center is a short drive or 34 minute helicopter ride away. ENMU offers a full schedule of entertainment from around the world, as well as traveling exhibits, scientific and cultural speakers, and non-credit and credit classes and recreational facilities open to the public.

From live theater to sports events, rodeo to bird watching, and concert piano to film school, Portales and Roosevelt County offer lifestyle and entertainment opportunities to suit every taste.