Tips for relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico | SantaFe.com

Moving Tips and Santa Fe Business Directory Insights

Moving to Santa Fe isn’t just a change of address; it’s a transition into a lifestyle steeped in culture, heritage, and the high desert’s awe-inspiring beauty. 

Use this comprehensive guide for a smooth and fulfilling transition. Contact the Ricky Allen Tara Earley Real Estate Group, one of Sotheby’s Top 10 Brokerage Teams nationwide, for unparalleled support in finding a home in Santa Fe. Ricky Allen and Tara Earley are your partners in navigating Santa Fe real estate.

Before You Move: Research and Planning

Santa Fe, with its population just over 89,000, and a metro area of around 159,000, offers a brilliant blend of community and amenities. 

Residents enjoy a thriving cultural scene, including independent cinemas like Violet Crown, Jean Cocteau, the Center for Contemporary Arts, and world-class performances at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, the Santa Fe Opera, and the Center for Contemporary Arts

Cost of Living

Santa Fe’s cost of living is elevated compared to other New Mexico areas, largely due to its desirable location and amenities. As of early 2025, the median home sale price typically fell between $500,000 and $750,000.

Job Market

Santa Fe’s economy is a blend of traditional and innovative sectors:

  • Key Industries: Tourism, healthcare, education, and state government.
  • STEM Opportunities: Stable employment opportunities in and around Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories.
  • Research & Innovation: The Santa Fe Institute attracts scientific talent.
  • Creative Economy: Strong presence in visual arts, design, and film production.
  • Film Industry Growth: Significant job creation and business support due to New Mexico’s booming film sector.

Education

Primary and Secondary Education

Santa Fe’s education system offers a wide range of choices for families:

  • Diverse School Options: Public, private, and charter schools, including Waldorf and Montessori philosophies.
  • Arts & Sciences Focus: The highly regarded Santa Fe School for the Arts and Sciences.
  • Public Secondary Education: Santa Fe High and Capital High, with extensive extracurriculars.
  • Native Education: The Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) with strong graduation rates.

Higher Education

Santa Fe’s higher education landscape includes:

  • St. John’s College: A renowned liberal arts college.
  • Santa Fe Community College (SFCC): Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a prominent sustainable agriculture program.
  • Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA): Focuses on Indigenous arts and culture.
  • University of New Mexico (UNM): Partners with local institutions to promote innovation.

Healthcare

Santa Fe’s healthcare system offers a wide range of services:

  • General Healthcare: General and family practice options.
  • Hospitals: Top-tier care at CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center (affiliated with Mayo Clinic Care Network) and Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center.
  • Urgent Care: Accessible immediate care at providers like Railyard Urgent Care and ultiMED.
  • Specialized Care: A variety of dental and related specialists.

Health & Wellness

Santa Fe is a haven for holistic well-being, featuring:

  • Alternative Healthcare: Acupuncture, naturopathy, and herbal medicine.
  • Senior Care: Specialized services promoting independence.
  • Diverse Practices: Yoga, tai chi, and sound therapy.
  • Wellness Programs: Spas, yoga, and sound therapy.
  • Natural Hot Springs: Nearby Jemez Springs, Ojo Caliente, and San Antonio Springs for relaxation.

Safety: Living in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is generally safe, but understanding neighborhood profiles is essential. Areas like the Eastside and South Capitol are known for their community atmosphere and walkability. Gated communities like La Tierra Nueva and Las Campanas offer added security. 

The Ricky Allen Tara Earley Real Estate Group’s expertise can help you assess neighborhood safety and suitability.

Check out all Santa Fe neighborhoods.

Transportation

Santa Fe’s transportation network facilitates easy movement. 

  • The Santa Fe Regional Airport connects to major hubs for a global experience. 
  • The New Mexico Rail Runner regional train provides commuter rail service between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
  • Sky Railway offers unique tourist experiences. 
  • The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) ensures efficient road travel. 
  • Santa Fe Trails provides public bus service.
  • The North Central RTD “Blue Bus” serves ski areas. 
  • Commuting options to Los Alamos include bus, train, and carpooling, with the NMDOT Park & Ride Purple Route providing a direct connection.

Find Your New Home in Santa Fe

Santa Fe isn’t a monolith; it’s a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, each whispering a different story. To truly land in a place that resonates, you need more than a map. You need local eyes. That’s where the Ricky Allen Tara Earley Real Estate Group comes in.

They don’t just show properties; they reveal the essence of each locale. Stroll with them through the historic Eastside, where adobe walls hold centuries of secrets, or envision the sweeping vistas from a modern retreat in the foothills. 

Their intimate knowledge of Santa Fe’s luxury real estate scene means you’ll discover a home that doesn’t just meet your needs, but amplifies your lifestyle. They’ll help you discern which neighborhood echoes your rhythm, ensuring your Santa Fe chapter begins in a place that truly feels like yours.

Essential Resources for a Smooth Move to Santa Fe

From green builders and landscapers to solar energy providers, Santa Fe’s housing market offers eco-friendly solutions. 

Here we’ll reveal the services that make relocating to Santa Fe easier.

Real Estate & Housing Services

Santa Fe’s appeal as a relocation and retirement destination is supported by a robust network of specialized services:

  • Sustainable Living:
    • Eco-friendly real estate and housing options.
    • Green builders and solar energy providers.
  • Home Maintenance & Construction:
    • Comprehensive services, including audio-visual technicians.
  • Senior Living:
    • Group homes, assisted living, and nursing homes focused on quality of life.
  • Landscaping:
    • Drought-resistant gardens and sustainable outdoor spaces using native plants.
  • General:
    • A large variety of professionals to maintain and improve your home.

Utilities & Government Services

Relocating to Santa Fe requires organizing essential services like utilities, transportation, and other city-related needs.

Car Registration & Driver’s License

Upon moving to Santa Fe, remember to update your car registration and driver’s license address with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Conveniently, you can utilize either the traditional MVD or the expedited MVD Express services available in the city.

Electricity & Gas 

In Santa Fe city and county, electric energy is supplied by Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), while natural gas services are provided by New Mexico Gas Company.

Federal Accounts

Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico’s state capital, provides convenient access to numerous federal government agencies. Specifically, Santa Fe is home to the largest branches of Veterans Services and the Social Security Administration in the state, streamlining processes for those needing in-person assistance with federal accounts.

Internet Service

Santa Fe residents have a variety of internet service providers to choose from, encompassing both national and local options.

Residential and Commercial Waste Disposal Services

Waste disposal in Santa Fe is handled differently within the city and county. The City of Santa Fe’s Environmental Services Division (ESD) manages waste disposal within city limits, while privately owned Waste Management provides residential and commercial trash and recycling services throughout Santa Fe County.

For waste management in Santa Fe, various options are available. Waste Management offers comprehensive services, including roll-off dumpster rentals and disposal of bulk, construction, medical, and eWaste. Santa Fe County also provides solid waste convenience centers, recycling, and transfer stations for residents.

Water Services

Santa Fe’s water services are managed by the city’s Water and Wastewater Management Divisions, focusing on quality and conservation. While the city benefits from these centralized services, Santa Fe County relies primarily on private, shared, and community wells, serving areas like Glorieta, Galisteo, Eldorado, and the villages of Cerrillos and Madrid, among others.

Business & Professional Services

Find Santa Fe’s best local services on SantaFe.com! Our comprehensive business directory connects you with top-tier professionals in law, finance, healthcare, and more. Find accountants, attorneys, marketing experts, or any other specialized service, and discover the city’s experienced professionals ready to assist you.

Family & Community Services

Santa Fe provides a rich environment for families, blending outdoor fun, educational opportunities, and cultural experiences:

Outdoor Recreation 

Santa Fe offers outdoor adventures year-round, framed by the majestic Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Manzano mountain ranges:

  • Hiking & Biking:
    • Explore trails within city limits or venture off road into the Santa Fe National Forest.
    • Enjoy scenic views at Atalaya Mountain Trail and Aspen Vista Trail.
  • Winter Sports:
    • Ski Santa Fe provides excellent slopes and stunning winter vistas.
  • Water Activities:

Where to Eat in Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional and modern flavors. Here’s a quick guide:

Breweries and Cocktails

Santa Fe boasts a diverse and vibrant drink scene, offering something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of some key spots:

Pet Services

Your pets deserve the best, and Santa Fe delivers. Uncover the local services that will pamper and protect your animal family.

Santa Fe Dog Parks

Santa Fe dog owners love their dogs, supporting a variety of dog parks that cater to canines of all sizes and needs. 

Veterinary Services

Santa Fe offers diverse choices for veterinary services to meet the needs of pets in the community. 

  • Claire Eddy Thaw Animal Hospital: Comprehensive care, located near the Santa Fe Animal Shelter.
  • Mosaic Animal Emergency & Specialty: 24/7 emergency care.
  • Smith Veterinary Hospital: Primary and emergency care, weekday extended hours.
  • Eldorado Animal Clinic and Chamisa Veterinary Service: Comprehensive care, with Chamisa offering mobile services.
  • Turquoise Trail Veterinary Urgent Care and VCA Arrighetti Animal Hospital: Urgent pet care options.
  • Roadrunner Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (Algodones): 24/7 emergency care.

Large Animal Veterinarian Care and Equine Services

Santa Fe and its surrounding areas offer comprehensive veterinary care and specialized services for large animals, particularly equines. 

Pet Food and Pet Supplies

  • The Critters & Me and Tullivers Pet Food Emporium: Natural, high-quality pet food and supplies.
  • Shine Pet Food Co. (Marty’s Meals): Sustainably sourced, human-grade pet meals.
  • Teca Tu: Pet emporium and deli with curated selections.
  • Tractor Supply and Big R: Pet and large animal feed/supplies (national chains).

Community Resources in our Santa Fe Business Directory

Santa Fe (translation: “City of Faith”) offers numerous opportunities to engage with its vibrant community through various nonprofit organizations and charities:

What Are You Waiting For?

Your Santa Fe adventure starts now. Santa Fe beckons with a life infused with culture, natural splendor, and unique comforts. Why delay? Let the Ricky Allen Tara Earley Real Estate Group unlock your perfect Santa Fe home. 

Looking for Santa Fe luxury real estate? Check out these great listings! 

 

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This article was posted by Jesse Williams

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