Top 10 Reasons to Move to Santa Fe, New Mexico | Santa Fe Living

A Complete Guide to Life in the City Different

Thinking of relocating, perhaps even moving to beautiful and historic Santa Fe? Affectionately known as “The City Different,” Santa Fe, New Mexico, has become an increasingly popular destination for new residents. From breathtaking sunsets to a rich history and cultural scene, Santa Fe offers a blend of outdoor adventures, culinary experiences, and artistic inspiration. 

Here, we delve into 10 compelling reasons why a move to Santa Fe might just be the best decision one could ever make.

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What to Expect

Moving to Santa Fe is a lifestyle shift toward outdoor living, creative pursuits, and community. Whether one is captivated by Santa Fe’s unique architecture, scenic trails, or world-renowned cuisine, there’s something here for everyone. Santa Fe residents embrace a culture that prioritizes balance.

Days can begin with coffee on an adobe terrace, be filled with art gallery visits, and end with scenic mountain hikes or live music events featuring local bands. Santa Fe’s lifestyle is both vibrant and restorative, providing a unique living experience that stands apart from traditional urban environments.

Getting to Know Santa Fe

Combine the beautiful weather with unmatched open spaces, and Santa Fe offers stellar opportunities to hike, bike, ski, golf, or enjoy any other outdoor activity. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico are nearby, calling discerned explorers, as are world-class golf courses!

1. The Climate and Weather: The Sunny Skies of Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s climate is a standout, offering an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Its high-desert environment and altitude of 7,000 feet provide four distinct seasons that allow residents to enjoy the best of every type of weather –– mild winters, hot summers, and a monsoon season in June and July, with occasional heavy rainfall.

Seasonal Diversity

Santa Fe’s winters are mild compared to many other regions, with snowfall that transforms the landscape without overwhelming daily life. Summer days are warm and dry, while spring and fall bring perfect, comfortable weather for outdoor activities. In winter, temperatures rarely plunge below freezing for extended periods, and residents experience “snow days” with breathtaking white landscapes without the challenging road conditions seen in other regions. Spring is mild, filled with blooming desert plants, and fall brings strikingly colorful foliage, especially in the surrounding mountains.

Embracing the Altitude

Newcomers might need time to adjust to Santa Fe’s elevation of 7,199 feet, which can initially cause shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue. Over time, though, most residents find they come to appreciate the health benefits of life at higher altitudes. Many report feeling more energized and even find strenuous activities easier at lower elevations after living in Santa Fe for a time.

Proximity to Nature

The sunny climate makes Santa Fe a prime spot for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. Residents often say they can enjoy a new outdoor adventure every day, from sunlit trails to nearby skiing resorts. Explore the Randall Davey Audubon Center and take a guided bird walk with local experts, hiking the trails from wetlands along the river bed to higher vistas through piñon and aspen groves.

2. A Foodie’s Paradise: Exploring Santa Fe’s Culinary Scene

Santa Fe is known for its incredible food, with culinary influences from Native American, Spanish, and Southwestern traditions. With world-class chefs creating memorable meals, visitors find Santa Fe a destination for contemporary and global cuisine. It is a celebrated hub for innovative chefs and lovers of delicious food.

Move to Santa Fe to enjoy sashimi and kakiage vegetable fritters
Move to Santa Fe to enjoy delicious meals like sashimi and kakiage vegetable fritters at Izanami. Photo by Cheryl Alters Jamison.

Santa Fe has a diverse range of restaurants, serving everything from New Mexican cuisine to Asian and Italian food. The city is famous for its green chile, which is used in many dishes.

New Mexican Cuisine

Green chile is a local specialty that’s incorporated into a variety of dishes, from enchiladas to cheeseburgers. Both red and green chiles are staples of New Mexican cuisine, with many restaurants giving diners the choice of one or the other, or both, which locals call “Christmas” style.

The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market provides the opportunity to buy locally-grown produce and food products right from the farmers and producers. In addition, food lovers can visit the Santa Fe School of Cooking to take classes to perfect their Southwestern cooking techniques.

The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market

This year-round Santa Fe Farmers’ Market provides fresh, local produce, meats, and handmade goods. Residents come weekly to stock up on fresh ingredients and support local farmers. The market is an essential gathering spot for the community, where residents chat, learn about sustainable farming practices, and taste seasonal delicacies.

Santa Fe School of Cooking

This cooking school offers classes for residents and visitors who want to hone their Southwestern cooking skills and learn about local ingredients and recipes. Cooking enthusiasts can explore a variety of courses, from traditional recipes like chile rellenos to contemporary Southwestern dishes, gaining a deeper appreciation for the culinary heritage of Santa Fe.

Noteworthy Restaurants

From casual cafés and an abundance of unique upscale and home-grown food trucks to fine dining establishments, Santa Fe has it all. Many top-rated restaurants are located throughout Santa Fe, offering both traditional dishes and inventive culinary creations. Renowned dining spots include The Compound, Geronimo, Escondido, and Café Pasqual’s, where chefs celebrate locally sourced ingredients and bold Southwestern flavors.

3. Outdoor Adventures Await in Santa Fe National Forest

Nature lovers will find their paradise within minutes of Santa Fe. With access to mountains, rivers, and scenic trails within minutes of Santa Fe, hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities are always close. The Rio Grande runs full tilt after winter mountain runoffs, passing from Taos to Santa Fe and down to Albuquerque and Las Cruces, offering opportunities for rafting and kayaking trips throughout the region. Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with many opportunities for exploration.

Hiking and Biking Trails

The Santa Fe National Forest offers trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly paths to challenging mountain treks. Popular spots include the Dale Ball Trail System, which provides a network of over 20 miles of paths where hikers and bikers can immerse themselves in the stunning desert landscape.

Ski Santa Fe

Just 16 miles from downtown, Ski Santa Fe is a winter wonderland with skiing and snowboarding options for all skill levels. Residents can enjoy the snow without having to travel far. The resort is known for its deep powder, scenic views, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite winter destination for locals.

Water Sports, Fishing, and Stunning Landscapes

The Rio Grande, which runs nearby, provides opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. In summer, many locals take advantage of these water activities for fun and relaxation. Fly fishing enthusiasts often frequent the nearby Pecos River, where trout streams are abundant, and anglers can enjoy a peaceful day in nature.

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer unmatched views and are a favorite for photographers and painters drawn to the natural beauty. In fall, the mountainsides turn golden with aspens, offering picturesque backdrops for hikes and scenic drives.

4. Santa Fe: A Rich Arts and Cultural Scene in the Heart of the Southwest

Long celebrated by the attention of modern artists as diverse as Georgia O’Keeffe and Milton Avery, contemporary artists have long celebrated the unique light that casts across the high, clear air of Northern New Mexico. 

Thanks to its thriving art scene and strong sense of cultural identity, Santa Fe is home to many world-class artists. In 2005, it was the first city in the United States to be honored as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City. It continues to be active in this network with larger and other major cities such as San Antonio and Austin in Texas, Seattle on the West Coast, and Detroit in the Midwest.

Santa Fe Opera

The renowned Santa Fe Opera in Santa Fe, New Mexico, attracts top talent from around the world and stages both classic and contemporary performances in a spectacular setting, set in an outdoor amphitheater with views of the desert and mountains, providing a one-of-a-kind, unique and intimate Santa Fe opera experience.

Canyon Road

The historic Canyon Road is lined with over 100 galleries, showcasing everything from contemporary sculpture, visual art, and Native American pottery, to multimedia, bespoke jewelry, and digital arts. Residents and visitors can enjoy art walks, exhibitions, and seasonal events here, with opportunities to meet artists and even watch them at work.

Annual Art Markets

Santa Fe hosts several notable art markets each year, including the International Folk Art Market and the Spanish Market, which bring in artists from around the world to display and sell their work. These events celebrate traditional crafts and provide unique shopping experiences, where buyers can purchase one-of-a-kind pieces and support the work of global artisans. Enjoy exciting galleries and museums, the Santa Fe Symphony, and other performing arts. Don’t miss the International Folk Art Market, Spanish Market, Indian Market, and the other big major annual events.

Indian Market Santa Fe New Mexico

Local Museums

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the New Mexico History Museum, and the Museum of International Folk Art are just a couple of the must-see in Santa Fe, New Mexico. These institutions offer a glimpse into the region’s history and artistic legacy. 

For those interested in Pueblo history, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, as well as the Institute of American Indian Arts and Culture Museum, located across the street from the St. Francis Cathedral in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, is a vital resource that offers in-depth exhibits on Native American culture and traditions.

As the first U.S. city recognized by UNESCO, as a City of Craft and Folk Art, Santa Fe belongs to a select group of renowned international cities, chosen for innovation, investment, and prosperity in arts and creativity. Moving to Santa Fe brings one into a rich cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, live music venues, and festivals, fostering arts, crafts, and creation.

5. The People: A Warm and Inclusive Community

Santa Fe is an inclusive and diverse community made up of people from all over, from young folks to older residents, celebrities, interesting people, and regular Joes down the block. It is often said that “Santa Fe picks you!” Not all visitors are drawn to be part of this strong, unique, and welcoming community, but those who do come back time and time again, or choose to stay. The local community is strong and supportive, with many opportunities to get involved.

Diverse Population

People from all backgrounds call Santa Fe home, contributing to its cultural richness and welcoming atmosphere. Many are drawn to the city’s strong ties to Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, which are visible in the city’s festivals, architecture, and community events.

Community Events

Santa Fe is packed with community-driven events, from the annual Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta to outdoor concerts at the Railyard District. These events bring residents together and foster a strong community spirit. The Railyard, in particular, has become a hotspot for music and food festivals, where residents gather to celebrate local culture. 

Volunteer Opportunities and Supportive Neighborhoods

Many Santa Feans are involved in local organizations and volunteer groups, focusing on everything from environmental conservation to arts education. Residents take pride in their city and work together to preserve its heritage, support local arts, and keep Santa Fe beautiful for generations to come.

Whether it’s through block parties, local farmer markets, or specialty hobby clubs, Santa Fe’s neighborhoods encourage connection and friendship, allowing residents to build close-knit relationships and contribute to their communities.

6. Santa Fe Neighborhoods: A Perfect Fit

Each of Santa Fe’s neighborhoods has its own character, offering unique living experiences for a variety of lifestyles.

Downtown Santa Fe

This historic Downtown district centered around the Santa Fe Plaza is full of charm, with adobe architecture, art galleries, great restaurants, and shops. With sweet single-story homes and businesses, it is ideal for those who enjoy a bustling scene. 

Downtown Santa Fe is easily walkable and is a popular area for couples, singles, and people-watching. Downtown offers quick access to the city’s top attractions, including the Santa Fe Plaza, which hosts live music, markets, and cultural celebrations year-round.

Midtown Santa Fe

A balance between the busy downtown and outlying neighborhoods, Midtown is family-friendly, with celebrated parks such as Frenchy’s Field, shopping centers, and a mix of housing options. 

Plus, it is centered along the Rufina and warehouse district’s wide variety of businesses, from climbing gyms to the interactive immersive art explosion, Meow Wolf. It’s an attractive choice for young families, thanks to its proximity to schools and local amenities and provides easy access to all parts of the city.

Southside

With explosive growth, the Southside of Santa Fe offers more affordable housing options and has become popular with young families and professionals, due to its new developments, schools, shopping, and vicinity to both the Santa Fe Airport and all major thoroughfares of Santa Fe. 

With easy access to both Los Alamos and Albuquerque, it is a popular housing location for commuters. A rapidly developing area, Southside offers modern conveniences while remaining affordable and is close to lovely green mesas and wetlands along the Rio Grande.

The Railyard District

Known as a creative hub, the Railyard is home to art galleries, the famous farmers’ market, and innovative local businesses. This district is a haven for artists, entrepreneurs, and young professionals who value a dynamic, creative environment. 

The historic Santa Fe Railroad depot is here, and today, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express uses the tracks, as does the Sky Railway. This neighborhood also offers access to the city’s open space network of trails and parks.

Learn about some great Santa Fe neighborhoods!

Unique Architectural Styles

In general, Santa Fe has a high cost of living, with prices comparable to larger metropolitan cities in the U.S., such as Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, and New York City. 

Significantly, Santa Fe is known for its Pueblo Revival architecture, with adobe homes and earth-toned buildings that distinctively reflect the city’s desert landscape and history. This style contributes to Santa Fe’s cohesive, picturesque aesthetic, with the Pueblo Revival style as a defining feature of the area. 

However, when exploring Santa Fe neighborhoods, one will find a niche to one’s liking –– each neighborhood has its own character and charm, from pueblo revival to art barn style tin roofs deco and modern to Spanish colonial haciendas.

7. Wellness and Health-Focused Living

Santa Fe, meaning the “City of Faith” in Spanish, is also renowned for its holistic approach to health and wellness, making it a great place for those interested in alternative therapies, traditional medicine, and wellness retreats.

From traditional Western medicine to Eastern philosophy, Santa Fe is home to everything from yoga classes and alternative medicine to top-notch doctors and hospitals, such as Christus St. Vincent or Presbyterian Health Services –– Santa Fe has health needs covered for the young and old, and every stage of life.

Yoga and Meditation Centers

Yoga and meditation are popular activities in Santa Fe, with numerous studios and retreats focused on physical and spiritual well-being. The city’s relaxed pace of life and natural surroundings provide the ideal setting for mindfulness and introspection.

Integrative Health Centers

In addition to traditional Western medicine, Santa Fe has a range of alternative health practices available. Residents and visitors alike have access to acupuncture, Ayurvedic treatments, shiatsu, and other holistic therapies. Many local clinics combine both conventional and alternative treatments, allowing residents to personalize their wellness routines.

Spa and Wellness Resorts

Santa Fe is home to some of the most luxurious spas in the country, like Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired spa that provides relaxing hot spring soaks, massages, and holistic treatments in a serene mountain setting. Many residents make a habit of visiting these retreats to relax and rejuvenate.

Emphasis on Mental Health

Santa Fe’s culture of wellness goes beyond physical health, with mental well-being at the forefront. Residents often participate in community support groups, workshops, and counseling sessions to cultivate a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

8. A City Rich in History

Santa Fe’s rich history is one of the city’s defining traits. Founded over 400 years ago, Santa Fe holds the title of the oldest capital city in the United States. The Santa Fe Trail brought settlers and merchants from around the world, and today the city still welcomes tourists and new residents from everywhere. Visiting landmarks like the Palace of the Governors and the Loretto Chapel allows residents to explore Santa Fe’s heritage and understand its role in shaping American history.

Pueblo Heritage

Santa Fe’s history begins with Native American communities, particularly the Pueblo people, who inhabited the region long before Spanish settlers arrived. Today, this legacy is celebrated through local museums, art, and the preservation of traditional cultural practices.

Spanish Colonial Influence

When Spanish explorers arrived in the 1600s, they left a lasting impact on Santa Fe’s architecture, culture, and religious traditions. The city’s historic mission churches, such as San Miguel Chapel, offer a glimpse into this period, showcasing Spanish influence in their design and decoration.

The Santa Fe Trail

Santa Fe became an essential stop on the Santa Fe Trail, a trading route that connected Missouri to New Mexico. This brought settlers, traders, and goods from all over the world, laying the groundwork for Santa Fe’s multicultural identity.

9. Santa Fe’s Laid-Back Lifestyle

Santa Fe’s lifestyle is both relaxed and deeply rooted in cultural expression, allowing residents to live at a pace that feels natural and fulfilling. People in this capital city dress to the nines to go to the opera or, they wear boots and jeans, and hop on a motorcycle afterwards! The City of Faith is a city of acceptance.

Casual but Culturally Rich

Santa Fe’s laid-back vibe doesn’t mean it’s lacking in sophistication. Locals enjoy a variety of cultural events, from gallery openings and live music performances to poetry readings and film screenings. Residents embrace Santa Fe’s small-town feel, but they also have access to a rich cultural landscape.

Community-Driven Values

Santa Fe residents value sustainability and community involvement. Many locals participate in church and parish activities, community gardening, recycling initiatives, animal and horse shelter drives, food bank drives, and educational programs to preserve the city’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Work-Life Balance

Santa Fe’s residents often enjoy flexible work arrangements and prioritize time spent outdoors or with loved ones. Los Alamos National Lab is a major employer in the area, with many job opportunities available. Santa Fe is a great place for people young and old, with many opportunities for outdoor adventure, wellness, and cultural exploration. The city’s slower pace of life allows residents to appreciate daily experiences, whether it’s sipping coffee on an adobe terrace or attending a local concert.

10. Big Sunsets, Big Skies

One of Santa Fe’s most beloved attractions is its sunsets, which fill the sky with vibrant colors and create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Santa Fe’s high-desert location provides wide-open skies that produce breathtaking sunsets. These dazzling displays of color are a daily occurrence, offering residents a natural spectacle to end each day.

Santa Fe’s sunsets have inspired artists, photographers, and writers for generations, capturing the essence of the Southwest in shades of red, pink, blue, and glowing amber. Locals often go to The Cross of the Martyrs, Sun or Atalaya Mountain, the Santa Fe Ski Basin, La Fonda’s Bell Tower Bar, or the Drury’s Rooftop at The Plaza to watch the sky change as the sun goes down –– a perfect way to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the Southwest.

Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Santa Fe Right for You?

Santa Fe is a great place to live! For a small city, it has a high cost of living, akin to larger metropolises, but Santa Fe offers a unique and astounding quality of life. With its distinct blend of natural splendor and outdoor adventure, cultural richness, and a strong and welcoming sense of presence, Santa Fe is more than just a beautiful place — it’s a unique lifestyle and outlook. 

For those drawn to a balance of relaxation, inspiration, and innovation, moving to Santa Fe is the start of an exciting new chapter.

Santa Fe dreamin’? Connect with top realtors Ricky Allen, Cathy Griffith, and Tara Earley for unparalleled expertise and guidance to find your dream home.

 

 

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This article was posted by Jesse Williams

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