Living in Santa Fe, NM in 2025: Neighborhoods, Cost of Living and Real Estate
Thinking About Moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico?
Are you thinking about moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, the City Different? If you have ever imagined living in a place surrounded by art, culture and wide open mountain views, Santa Fe may be exactly what you are looking for.
In this guide, we will walk through what makes Santa Fe one of the most unique and inspiring cities in the country. You will learn about the rich history of Santa Fe, what it is like to live here day to day, the cost of living and affordability, the current real estate market, and the different neighborhoods in and around Santa Fe.
I am Craig Cunningham, a local Santa Fe Realtor, and I help people understand what it is really like to live, work and retire here in Northern New Mexico. If you are curious about calling Santa Fe home, this article is for you.
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Where Is Santa Fe Located?
If you are not from New Mexico, your first question might be very simple: where exactly is Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is located about 60 miles northeast of Albuquerque, nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This range is actually the southernmost part of the Rocky Mountains, so you get true mountain scenery with high desert light and big skies.
Interstate 25 runs north and south, connecting Santa Fe to Albuquerque and then about four and a half hours north to Colorado Springs and a little farther to Denver. U.S. 285 runs north toward Los Alamos and Taos and also offers an alternate, very scenic route into Colorado. Highway 599 is the Santa Fe relief route, which helps you move quickly around the city without getting bogged down in local traffic.
To get to the Albuquerque International Sunport, the main regional airport, it is only about an hour from Santa Fe. Los Alamos is roughly 40 minutes away. The average local commute time in Santa Fe is about 20 minutes, which compares very favorably to the national average of around 28 minutes.
Santa Fe also has its own airport. United Airlines and American Airlines serve the Santa Fe Regional Airport with connections to Denver, Dallas, Phoenix and now Los Angeles, making it easier than ever to live here and stay connected.
Santa Fe History and Culture
Santa Fe, located in Santa Fe County, is one of the oldest state capitals in the United States. It was founded in 1610 by Spanish conquistadors and colonists, and that long history still shapes the city today.
With a population of around 90,000 residents, Santa Fe is known for its Pueblo style architecture, thriving art scene, and deep Native American and Hispanic heritage and culture. The earthy adobe tones, wood vigas and courtyards you see throughout the city are not just decorative. They reflect hundreds of years of building traditions that evolved for this climate and landscape.
A few fun facts about Santa Fe:
It is the highest state capital in the United States at 7,199 feet above sea level.
It is home to hundreds of art galleries, including the famous Canyon Road area and the Railyard District.
By sales volume, it is the third largest art market in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles.
It is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its contribution to art and design.
Santa Fe is truly the City Different, and that identity is rooted in its mix of history, art and living traditions.
Rankings and Lifestyle Highlights
According to niche.com, Santa Fe scores an overall A minus rating based on livability, public schools and outdoor activities. It ranks among the top 10 best places to retire in New Mexico and is widely recognized as a top destination for people looking for a lifestyle that blends culture with the outdoors.
Santa Fe has been ranked by major travel publications as one of the top destination cities to visit in the United States. It is also frequently listed as one of the top places to live for outdoor living.
Out of hundreds of reviews, Santa Fe holds an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars on niche.com. The main takeaway is that Santa Fe appeals to a wide range of people, from retirees and second home owners to remote workers and families.
Whether you are into art, hiking, food or cultural festivals, Santa Fe has something for you.
Outdoor Recreation in and Around Santa Fe
One of the biggest draws for people moving to Santa Fe is the outdoor lifestyle.
Outdoor highlights include Hyde Memorial State Park and the Santa Fe National Forest, both just a quick drive up from the plaza area. In the winter, locals love heading up to Ski Santa Fe, a ski basin that is usually not too crowded and is a favorite for families. You can drive up on your own or catch a shuttle bus that runs to the ski area.
Hikers have a lot of options. The Dale Ball Trails and the Atalaya Trail offer magnificent views of the city, surrounding mesas and mountain ranges, along with beautiful greenery and high desert landscapes. There are trails suited for a variety of ability levels, from casual walkers to serious hikers.
Living in Santa Fe means you can be downtown at the plaza in the morning and then up in the forest under tall pines in the afternoon, all without long drives or big city congestion.
Things to Do in Santa Fe
The Santa Fe Plaza is always a favorite for both locals and visitors. There is almost always something happening, whether it is live music in the evening, seasonal festivals or food carts serving local specialties. The plaza is ringed by shops, galleries and historic buildings, so simply wandering around can fill an afternoon.
Under the portal at the Palace of the Governors, you will find juried Native American artists selling jewelry, pottery and other handmade pieces. The quality of the work is outstanding and you are buying directly from the artists themselves, which makes for special, meaningful purchases.
Some other favorite attractions in Santa Fe include:
The Santa Fe Opera, a world renowned summer opera festival in an open air theater with incredible views
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, with high level performances that draw top musicians
The International Folk Art Market, Spanish Market and Indian Market, summer events that bring artists and collectors from all over the world
The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, celebrating the life and work of Georgia O’Keeffe, with rotating exhibits and educational programs
Museum Hill, home to the Museum of International Folk Art and several other institutions
The New Mexico Museum of Art, built in the 1920s, and the New Mexico History Museum
There is always something to do in the City Different, whether you are a full time resident or spending part of the year here.
Best Restaurants and Local Favorites
Santa Fe’s food scene is world class, with a distinctive blend of Native American, Spanish and contemporary flavors. You will find everything from food trucks to white tablecloth restaurants, and the city definitely punches above its weight when it comes to dining.
If you love northern New Mexican food, you will find plenty of green chile, red chile and dishes that blend Native and Hispanic influences. You will also find Native American specialties like fry bread, along with global cuisines including Indian, French, Thai and more.
Some local and visitor favorites include:
The Shed – Located in a historic complex on Palace Avenue that dates back to the early 18th century. The Shed is full of quirky rooms and thick adobe walls, and serves classic northern New Mexican cuisine. Their enchiladas are a standout and the atmosphere is full of character.
Geronimo – One of Santa Fe’s most famous fine dining restaurants, on Canyon Road in a beautiful historic adobe home. The food, service and ambiance are all exceptional.
Tomasita’s – A beloved homegrown favorite in the Railyard area by the old Santa Fe train station. It is classic New Mexican comfort food with great margaritas.
Coyote Cafe – A long time fine dining spot in downtown Santa Fe with inventive cuisine. Adjacent to it is the Coyote Rooftop Cantina, which is more casual, open for lunch and offers a fun outdoor environment with great food and cocktails.
One of the great things about Santa Fe is that you can enjoy everything from fine dining to mom and pop spots and fun, funky dives. No matter what you are in the mood for, you will find something that fits your taste.
And do not forget to try a green chile cheeseburger. Every restaurant claims theirs is the best and they are all pretty convincing. You will also see green chile on just about everything, including La Choza’s green chile clam chowder, which is a local favorite.
Schools and Education in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is served by the Santa Fe Public School District, which has about 30 schools. There are two main public high schools, along with a variety of middle schools and elementary schools.
In addition to traditional schools, there are magnet schools and schools that focus on the arts and technical education, so there is a broad range of options depending on your child’s interests.
Santa Fe also has several strong private schools. Santa Fe Prep is well known and highly regarded. St. Michael’s is another respected school, and there is also a Waldorf school. For younger children, Santa Fe has excellent Montessori programs and other early childhood options.
For more detailed information, families can review reports and school ratings for the Santa Fe Public School District online and compare specific campuses and programs.
Santa Fe Real Estate Market in 2025
Now let us talk about the Santa Fe real estate market in 2025.
Currently, the median price for a home in Santa Fe County is about 675,000 dollars, which is up roughly 6 percent from last year. Homes here range across a wide spectrum.
Townhomes often fall in the 400,000 to 600,000 dollar range, with some dipping into the 300,000s if they need updates or are smaller homes closer to the middle of town
Single family homes in the central areas of the city often run in the 500,000 to 600,000 dollar range
Once you move into the 700,000 to 800,000 dollar range, you are entering what many consider the luxury market in Santa Fe
Luxury properties can run from around 800,000 up to 1.5 million dollars and beyond, especially for homes in the mountain areas, with city views, or in prestigious communities like Las Campanas, where homes can sell for 2 million dollars and higher
One important thing to know is that Santa Fe typically has a relatively small number of homes on the market at any given time. Right now there are roughly 700 listings. That keeps the market competitive, but it is still more inventory than Santa Fe has had in quite a while.
The bottom line is that there is a wide variety of housing stock in Santa Fe, from lock and leave townhomes to view homes on acreage and everything in between. There are also many different neighborhoods and lifestyle choices, which we will look at next.
Top Neighborhoods and Surrounding Areas
Santa Fe itself has a population of about 90,000 people, with Santa Fe County at around 125,000. Within the city and surrounding areas you will find many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own feel, price point and amenities.
Some notable areas include:
Hyde Park – Heading up toward the ski basin, with many beautiful homes in gated communities and properties that overlook both the mountains and the city.
Historic Eastside – Very popular and quite pricey, but you are within walking distance of the plaza. Classic old adobe homes, narrow streets and a lot of charm.
South Capitol – Another sought after in town neighborhood with tree lined streets and a mix of historic and newer homes. Prices vary but are generally strong. As you move farther from the plaza and historic center, prices can drop into the 500,000 dollar range.
Heading a bit further out:
Eldorado – A very popular subdivision in Santa Fe County, south of town. It has its own community center and shopping center, and there are almost 2,000 homes in Eldorado. Prices can range from the high 400,000s up to around 1 million dollars.
Rancho Viejo – A master planned community southwest of town with beautiful hiking trails, parks, playgrounds and a mix of smaller condos, townhomes and single family homes. Properties there often start in the 500,000s and go up toward 1 million dollars.
On the north side of town:
Las Campanas – A gated community with two golf courses, a high end country club and a range of luxury homes with big views.
Monte Sereno – Known for fantastic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and carefully planned home sites.
Casa de San Juan – Another gated community with outstanding views, often attracting buyers looking for a more private feel.
Beyond Santa Fe proper, you will find:
Los Alamos and White Rock – Home to Los Alamos National Laboratory and their own communities of homes.
Cerrillos and Madrid – Small, quirky and historic communities south of Santa Fe with their own charm and character.
There is no single right neighborhood. Santa Fe offers many different price points, views and lifestyle options, which is why working with a local Realtor who knows the nuances can be very helpful.
Cost of Living in Santa Fe
The cost of living in Santa Fe is about 15 percent higher than the national average, mainly because of housing costs. Santa Fe is a small resort style community with a lot of beautiful homes and a limited amount of housing stock, which keeps prices elevated compared to many other markets.
As mentioned earlier, at any given time there are often only around 700 homes on the market. Many buyers are people coming here to retire, purchase a second home or relocate for lifestyle reasons, especially if they can work from anywhere.
Here are a few cost of living numbers to consider:
Sales tax is around 8.4 percent
Property taxes are about 0.6 percent of assessed value, which is significantly below the national average
New Mexico state income tax ranges from 1.7 to 5.9 percent, depending on your income
Utilities, groceries, health care and other everyday expenses tend to be close to the national average
So while housing can be higher than average, largely due to limited supply and strong demand, many other cost factors are quite reasonable. For many people, Santa Fe ends up being a very livable and affordable place when they look at the full financial picture, especially if they are coming from higher cost cities.
Why People Love Living in Santa Fe
If you think Santa Fe might be the perfect place for you, you are not alone. People fall in love with the combination of art, culture, outdoor access, food and the overall pace of life here.
Santa Fe offers:
A rich sense of history and place
A strong arts and cultural community
Easy access to hiking, skiing and outdoor adventures
A thriving restaurant scene
Distinct neighborhoods with different feels and price points
A community that welcomes retirees, second home buyers, families and remote workers
If you are considering a move, it really helps to have someone on the ground who can walk you through the pros and cons, the neighborhoods and the realities of buying a home in this market.
Ready To Explore Living in Santa Fe?
If you think Santa Fe may be the right fit, I would love to help you find the perfect home and guide you through the entire process.
Here are a few easy ways to get started:
Schedule a free consultation
Book a time for us to talk about your goals, your budget and your timeline. We can discuss neighborhoods, housing options and what daily life here actually feels like.
Schedule here: citydifferenthomes.com/scheduleExplore homes on my website
Visit citydifferenthomes.com to see everything that is currently on the market. You will also find information about different Santa Fe neighborhoods, plus details on restaurants, galleries and local lifestyle.Reach out with questions
If you have specific questions about living in Santa Fe, schools, commutes or anything else, you can contact me directly through the site or by phone. I am happy to walk you through the ins and outs of buying a home here.
If you are ready to start your Santa Fe journey, I am here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico
1. Is Santa Fe a good place to retire?
Yes. Santa Fe is often ranked among the top places to retire in New Mexico and is nationally recognized as a retirement destination. Retirees are drawn to the mild climate, strong arts and cultural scene, good health care options and abundant outdoor activities. Property taxes are relatively low and there are many lock and leave homes and townhomes that work well for part time or full time retirees.
2. Is Santa Fe expensive compared to the rest of the United States?
The cost of living in Santa Fe is about 15 percent higher than the national average, mostly due to housing. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities and health care are close to the national average. Sales tax is around 8.4 percent, and property taxes are lower than in many other states, which helps offset some of the higher home prices.
3. What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Fe for home buyers?
That depends on your budget and lifestyle. The Historic Eastside and South Capitol are popular in town areas close to the plaza, but they tend to be more expensive. Eldorado and Rancho Viejo appeal to buyers who want more of a subdivision feel with trails and community amenities. Las Campanas, Monte Sereno and similar communities on the north side are great for buyers seeking views, golf and gated living. Working with a local Realtor makes it easier to match your goals to the right neighborhood.
4. How is the Santa Fe real estate market in 2025?
In 2025, the median home price in Santa Fe County is around 675,000 dollars, up about 6 percent from the previous year. Inventory is still relatively limited at roughly 700 homes on the market, which keeps competition healthy. There are options ranging from smaller townhomes in the 300,000 to 400,000 dollar range to luxury homes over 2 million dollars in areas like Las Campanas and the foothills.
5. What is the weather like in Santa Fe and how does it affect daily life?
Santa Fe’s high elevation means four distinct seasons with lots of sunny days. Winters bring cooler temperatures and snow in the mountains, which is great for skiing at Ski Santa Fe. Summers are warm but typically not as hot as lower desert cities, and evenings cool off nicely. The climate is ideal for people who enjoy hiking, biking and getting outside year round, and it is a big part of why so many people enjoy living here.
If you are considering a move to Santa Fe and want expert local guidance, reach out and we can start planning your next chapter in the City Different.
