South Capitol | Great Santa Fe Neighborhoods

Welcome to the South Capitol neighborhood of Santa Fe, New Mexico, an architecturally eclectic suburb great for families.

Named after its location just south of the New Mexico State Capitol Building in Santa Fe, the idyllic neighborhood of South Capitol is a small community just a short walk away from Downtown’s commercial districts and the Santa Fe Plaza.

Here, the broad sidewalks are likely to house chalk drawings and serve as a serene walkway for the many families who reside in architecturally diverse homes.

While there are plenty of adobes with low-lying, terracotta-colored exterior walls and lush green conifers for privacy, there is an equal number of suburban-feeling, open-front porches.

South Capitol began its significant growth in the 1920s, as Santa Fe experienced a surge in its middle-class population and an expansion of its railways. Due to the rising housing need, single-family homes in a mix of architectural styles — including Craftsman, Territorial, adobe, and Pueblos — sprang up across the neighborhood to rest in harmony with the historic houses already present.

The city’s continued development has meant that this variety carries well into modernity, and the current-day South Capitol is a hip blend of cultures and styles. The unique juxtaposition of bungalows and historic adobes ensures that every home feels personal and one-of-a-kind. Along with magnificent million-dollar residences, you’ll find one-bedroom condos and apartments and more modest single-family dwellings.

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What to Love ABOUT THE SOUTH CAPITOL AREA

Architectural and residential-style variety
Rising property values
Desirable location within walking distance of Santa Fe’s best entertainment areas

People & Lifestyle

Extremely family-friendly, South Capitol boasts one of the best public elementary schools in the entire county and state. The neighborhood once housed primarily young families but now has a good mix of professionals, artists, retirees, and second-home owners. All of them enjoy the neighborhood’s many close amenities and conveniences.

Things to Do

While many residents might choose to spend their time exploring the shopping and dining in the city or simply strolling around the verdant streets of the neighborhood, South Capitol is within walking distance of several parks, green spaces, and community gathering spots, and art districts within Santa Fe. Great for a romantic stroll, a relaxing picnic, or a round of frisbee on the lawn, the Harvey Cornell Rose Park is a popular neighborhood location with a spectacular rose garden maintained by the city’s park.

One of the most recognizable parks in the area, the Santa Fe Railyard Park, harbors 10-acres that house gardens, an outdoor performance stage, and a playground for the kids, all renovated out of a former rail yard. This award-winning urban park is adjacent to the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District, known as Santa Fe’s premier spot for regional and international contemporary art galleries. The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is right next door to this district and provides a bevy of fresh, locally-produced goods and foods on Saturday mornings.

Schools

South Capitol is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

Wood Gormley Elementary School, K-6, #2 public elementary in Santa Fe County
The May Center for Learning, PK-8, highly-rated school for children with learning differences
Santa Fe Preparatory School, 7-12, #1 rated private high school in Santa Fe

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