Moving to Santa Fe, NM
7,000-foot elevation, world-class art galleries, adobe architecture, and a food scene that rivals cities 10x its size. Santa Fe is unlike anywhere else in America.
$540K
Median Home
150K
Metro Population
7,199 ft
Elevation
0.55%
Property Tax
Living in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States and one of the most culturally rich small cities in the world. The art market here is the third-largest in the US — Canyon Road alone has over 100 galleries. The city's adobe architecture, turquoise jewelry, and green chile cuisine create an atmosphere found nowhere else. Ski Santa Fe is 16 miles from the historic plaza. The economy is driven by state government, tourism, art, healthcare (Christus St. Vincent), and a growing remote worker population drawn by the quality of life. Los Alamos National Laboratory is just 35 miles away with high-paying STEM jobs. Housing is premium compared to ABQ but still affordable vs. comparable mountain/art towns like Aspen or Sedona.
Top Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Eastside | Adobe, walkable, galleries | $500K-$1.2M | Art lovers, retirees |
| South Capitol | Dining, nightlife, walkable | $400K-$700K | Professionals |
| Tesuque | Rural, horse country, views | $600K-$1.5M | Privacy seekers |
| Las Campanas | Golf, luxury, gated | $800K-$3M+ | Luxury buyers |
| Agua Fría | Artsy, affordable, local | $350K-$550K | Budget-conscious creatives |
| Aldea | Planned community, trails | $450K-$650K | Families, active adults |
Pros & Cons of Santa Fe
✅ Pros
- ✓ World-class art & culture scene
- ✓ Stunning mountain landscape at 7,200 ft
- ✓ Ski Santa Fe 16 min from plaza
- ✓ Incredible food scene (James Beard winners)
- ✓ Low property taxes (0.55%)
- ✓ Remote worker paradise (fiber internet)
- ✓ No mosquitoes (arid climate)
⚠️ Cons
- ✗ Higher home prices vs. rest of NM
- ✗ Limited job market (government-dependent)
- ✗ Small-town amenities (no major retailers)
- ✗ Altitude adjustment (7,200 ft)
- ✗ Water scarcity concerns
- ✗ Tourist congestion in summer/fall
Financing in Santa Fe
- Jumbo loans may be needed for historic/premium properties ($540K+ median)
- Adobe and historic homes require specialized inspections
- NM MFA assistance programs available for first-time buyers
- Property taxes among lowest in US at ~0.55%
- Second-home/vacation buyers: 10-20% down required for investment properties