Are you thinking of relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico? The beautiful capital city charms with a laidback lifestyle, tons of outdoor recreation, delicious food, a thriving art scene and much more.
Allow Elevated Management Group to assist you with your move with our comprehensive property management services for tenants and property owners. Contact us to get started! Read on to discover all that Santa Fe, New Mexico has to offer.
Benefits of Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Get a glimpse into what it’s like living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. From the beautiful landscape and culture to the people and retirement opportunities, there is something for everyone in Santa Fe.
The Setting
Nestled between the Jemez mountains to the west and the Santa Fe National Forest and Valles Caldera National Preserve to the east, Santa Fe has an elevation of 7,198 feet, the highest of all the United States capital cities. With that vantage point, Santa Fe is a breathtaking place to find yourself in. The city boasts stunning views of the mountains and forests at every turn. Dubbed “the land of enchantment” for its natural beauty, living in Santa Fe will have you wide-eyed each time you step out your front door.
The Architecture
As many as 1,000 years ago, the Pueblo people living in Santa Fe built their homes using sun-dried clay called adobe. When the Spanish migrated to the city from Mexico in the 16th century, they adopted the adobe style because it was easy to construct and kept homes comfortable in the winter and summer.
Fast forward to the artists and architects of the 19th century who wanted the town to have its own distinct identity, and the adobe style of architecture became synonymous with the historic district. The rest of the city largely followed suit, and today you will see an array of brown buildings that make Santa Fe unique. The architecture perfectly complements the natural surroundings, making the city feel like an extension of nature rather than an intrusion.
The Arts Scene
Living in Santa Fe is an art aficionado’s dream. The city has more than 250 art galleries and proudly boasts the third-largest art market in the country. But sheer volume is not the only impressive thing about Santa Fe’s art scene — the way it showcases the city’s history and personality is admirable.
You can witness how Santa Fe’s landscape inspired one of the 20th century’s greatest artists by taking in her work at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
If you’re interested in global art, you’ll be a regular at Museum Hill, where you can explore the following:
- International Folk Art Market
- Museum of Spanish Colonial Art
- Museum of International Folk Art
- Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
- Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
And for a dose of modern art, the city offers rotating exhibits at SITE Santa Fe.
The Food Scene
No city is complete without a mouthwatering food scene, and Santa Fe delivers. You’ll have your choice of New Mexican restaurants and all the green and red chile your heart desires, but the city also offers exciting global cuisine. Try Salvadoran, Italian, African, French and Tibetan restaurants for a taste of culture. As for taco trucks, you’ll find one on nearly every corner. Good luck choosing!
For more on the city’s food scene, explore the Santa Fe dining directory.
The Great Outdoors
Living in Santa Fe offers about a million reasons to get outside. Soak up the sun and fresh mountain air by:
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Fishing
- Skiing
- Kayaking and rafting
- Birding
The city has invested in paved bike paths and marked bike lanes to support cyclists, and on the outskirts of town, you’ll find maintained hiking and biking trails. Rivers, lakes and hot springs are within a short drive. Santa Fe is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise!
The Weather
Thanks to its elevation, Santa Fe is one southwestern city that experiences all four seasons. It also boasts an average of 325 days of sunshine each year, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Summer days can reach temperatures in the 90s, with an average July temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. However, once the sun sets, things get nice and cool as temperatures can drop up to 30 degrees.
Autumn is a magical time in Santa Fe. The days are cooler but still long, and the aspen trees begin to turn their signature bright yellow. Winter brings an average of 26 inches of snow annually, perfect for skiers. And spring, of course, brings the return of warmer days.
If you enjoy each season of the year, you should move to Santa Fe, New Mexico!
The People
Santa Fe is a booming tourist destination for many of the reasons you see here. The influx of visitors provides plenty of opportunities for locals to meet interesting new people with fascinating stories. Many fall in love with the city while temporarily living in Santa Fe and decide to make it their permanent home!
The Retirement Opportunities
Santa Fe is a great place to retire. The same benefits that draw any potential resident are attractive features for retirees, such as nice weather, friendly people and a relaxed way of life. But the city also offers top-notch health care facilities and pleasing retirement communities. Living in Santa Fe is truly an oasis for retirees!
The Environmental Activism
Santa Fe cares deeply about the environment. Below are just a few ways the city works to conserve the earth.
- The city enacted a 25-year plan for carbon neutrality and future sustainability.
- The city has adopted the Night Sky Protection Act to save energy and protect the skies.
- The city encourages recycling with the country’s oldest and largest recycled art festival, the annual Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival.
These measures have proven successful — Santa Fe produces minimal industrial pollution!
The Rich History
Santa Fe has a fascinating history, and many historical sites keep it alive today. History buffs can keep themselves busy with rich historical activities, including:
- At the New Mexico History Museum, you can learn about the early days of the American Southwest, from native tribes and Spanish colonists to cowboys and desperados.
- The Palace of the Governors is one of the country’s oldest buildings, offering authentic Pueblo jewelry and crafts.
- Experience reenactments of life in the 17- and 1800s at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
- Walk through the caves and cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people at the Puye Cliff Dwellings.
