Pros and Cons of Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2025

Is Santa Fe, New Mexico the Right Place for You?

Not every city is perfect, and Santa Fe is no exception. For the right person though, it can be a dream destination. If you are thinking about living in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2025, it is important to understand both the pros and the cons.

In this guide, we are diving into:

• The pros and cons of living in Santa Fe

• The art, culture and climate that define the city

• The quirks that make the City Different truly different

• How cost of living and housing fit into the bigger picture

We will start with the cons, because no place is perfect. Stay through to the end and you will see why Santa Fe still ranks as one of the top places to live, retire and visit in the United States.

Cons of Living in Santa Fe

Let’s get real. Santa Fe has some challenges. What feels like a drawback to one person might be a selling point to someone else, but it helps to go in with your eyes open.

Climate Challenges

Santa Fe sits at over 7,000 feet above sea level. That elevation shapes the entire climate.

You will experience all four seasons:

• Dry, sunny summers

• Cold winters with snow

• Crisp springs and falls

• Very low humidity and that famous desert air

Some people love the sunshine and lack of humidity year round. Others struggle with the dryness, the altitude and the winter snow. It is beautiful, but it is definitely different from coastal or humid climates.

Ask yourself honestly what kind of weather your body and lifestyle do best with. Desert sunshine, mountain snow or something more humid and mild.

Housing Affordability

Santa Fe’s growing popularity has pushed housing prices up steadily over the past few years, especially during the COVID period when prices climbed roughly 30 to 40 percent.

Today, the median home price sits around 675,000 dollars. For many buyers, that can feel high compared to other areas of the country.

However, many people view Santa Fe housing as an investment in lifestyle and culture, not just a roof over their heads. Property taxes are lower than the national average, which helps balance the cost over time. You can also find homes across a range of price points:

• Around 500,000 dollars

• 750,000 dollars

• 1 million dollars and higher

There is a wide variety of homes and neighborhoods to choose from. If you want to see what is currently available, you can explore active listings at citydifferenthomes.com.

Job Market and Pace of Life

Santa Fe is not a big corporate hub. The local economy leans heavily on:

• Art and galleries

• Tourism and hospitality

• History and culture

• Health care and related services

If you are used to a big city with large corporate employers or a fast paced career environment, the slower rhythm here may take some getting used to. There are fewer traditional office jobs and high rise headquarters.

For many people though, that slower pace is exactly the appeal. Less stress, more balance and more time to enjoy life are a big part of the Santa Fe lifestyle.

Altitude and Accessibility

At more than 7,000 feet, the altitude is something you feel, especially at first. You may notice it when:

• Hiking or biking

• Walking around the plaza your first week

• Doing anything aerobic before you are fully acclimated

It can take time for your body to adjust.

Accessibility is another factor. The major airport, Albuquerque International Sunport, is about an hour’s drive from Santa Fe. There are shuttle services and easy highway access, but it is still a drive.

Santa Fe does have its own smaller airport, served by American and United with flights to Dallas, Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles, which helps. Many locals feel that the added effort is a small price to pay for the peace, space and mountain views they enjoy every day.

Pros of Living in Santa Fe

Now that we have covered the less-than-perfect parts, let’s look at why people fall in love with Santa Fe and why so many never leave.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Lifestyle

Pro number one is easy. Santa Fe is surrounded by mountains and dramatic landscapes.

You are near:

• The Sangre de Cristo Mountains

• The Jemez Mountains

• To the south, the Ortiz and the Sandias

This means incredible access to:

• Hiking for all levels

• Skiing in the winter

• Mountain biking and trail running

• Scenic drives with endless views

You can ski in the morning and enjoy a sunset hike that same evening, often within about 20 minutes of downtown. The light here has a special quality that locals and visitors always talk about. That magic light is part of why so many artists, photographers and creative people are drawn to Santa Fe.

Art, Culture and History

Pro number two is Santa Fe’s world famous art and culture.

The city is home to:

• Hundreds of galleries

• Canyon Road, lined with studios and galleries featuring every kind of art and craft

• The Railyard district, with galleries, markets and events

• The Santa Fe Opera

• Cultural festivals all year

Santa Fe is the third largest art market in the United States by sales volume, behind only New York and Los Angeles. It is also one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in 1610, with deep Native American, Spanish and modern Southwestern influences.

The result is a city where history, culture and creativity are part of daily life. It is no surprise that Santa Fe regularly ranks among the top 10 best cities to visit in the United States.

Climate and Clean Living

Remember when the climate was a con for some people? For many others, it is one of the biggest pros.

Santa Fe offers:

• Over 300 days of sunshine a year

• Low humidity

• Clear blue skies and bright starry nights

• Some of the cleanest air quality in the country

If you enjoy being outdoors, staying active and breathing clean high desert air, Santa Fe checks a lot of boxes. People who move here often find themselves walking more, hiking more and spending more time outside than they did before.

Small Town Feel, Big Experiences

Santa Fe has a population under 100,000, yet it delivers the food, culture and art scene of a much larger city.

It is the kind of place where you can:

• Know your neighbors

• Support local shops and galleries

• Sit at an outdoor coffee shop and people watch

• Still enjoy world class dining, music, galleries and luxury real estate

Recently, Santa Fe was named the number one destination to visit in the United States by Travel and Leisure. That recognition reflects what residents already know. You get the benefits of a major cultural center wrapped in a small, friendly community.

Community and Lifestyle

Pro number five is the sense of community and the lifestyle that comes with it.

People move to Santa Fe for a way of life, not just a house. You will find:

• Artists and creative professionals

• Entrepreneurs and small business owners

• Retirees from across the country

• Long time locals who deeply care about the city

There is a strong focus on diversity, inclusivity and creative energy. Santa Fe has a unique mix of people who choose to be here and who care about preserving what makes the city special.

It is worth asking yourself what kind of community you want in your next move. If you value culture, creativity, slower pace and real connection, Santa Fe may fit you very well.

Cost of Living in Santa Fe: Context That Matters

The cost of living in Santa Fe is roughly 15 percent above the national average. Most of that increase is driven by housing costs.

However, cost of living is more than just home prices. Santa Fe offers:

• Lower property taxes than the national average

• Strong resale value in many neighborhoods

• Daily access to arts, nature and wellness

• A lifestyle people specifically seek out

For many residents, the combination of financial stability, lower property taxes, cultural richness and everyday quality of life makes living in Santa Fe one of the most rewarding investments they can make, both financially and personally.

Summary: Pros and Cons of Living in Santa Fe in 2025

Here is a quick recap of what we have covered:

Cons of living in Santa Fe:

• High elevation and a climate that does not suit everyone

• Higher home prices compared to many parts of the country

• A smaller, more niche job market with a slower pace

• Some extra effort to access major airports and travel hubs

Pros of living in Santa Fe:

• Stunning natural beauty and easy access to outdoor recreation

• A rich art, culture and history scene that rivals larger cities

• Sunny, low humidity climate with clean air

• Small town feel with big city level experiences

• Strong sense of community and lifestyle driven living

Whether you are drawn by the art, the weather or the mountain views, one thing is consistent. Santa Fe is a place that stays with you.

Is Santa Fe Right for You?

If you are seriously considering a move, the next step is to see how these pros and cons line up with your own priorities, budget and lifestyle.

You do not have to figure that out on your own.

Ready to Explore Living in Santa Fe?

Here are a few easy ways to move forward:

1. Schedule a free consultation
   Talk through your situation, your timeline and your questions about living in Santa Fe. You will get local, straightforward insight on neighborhoods, housing options and what day to day life is really like.
   ➤ Start here: citydifferenthomes.com/schedule

2. Explore homes for sale online
   Visit citydifferenthomes.com to browse current listings, see different price points and get a feel for Santa Fe neighborhoods and lifestyle.

3. Reach out with your biggest questions
   Whether it is climate, cost of living, specific neighborhoods or retirement plans, you can get answers tailored to your situation.

If Santa Fe is on your radar, this is a great time to find out whether it is the right next chapter for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico

1. Is Santa Fe a good place to retire?
Yes. Santa Fe is very popular with retirees who value art, culture, outdoor activities and cleaner air. The slower pace, strong sense of community and lower property taxes are attractive, and there are plenty of lock and leave properties and smaller homes that work well for retirement living.

2. Is Santa Fe too expensive for the average homebuyer?
Santa Fe’s median home price around 675,000 dollars is higher than many markets, so it can feel expensive. The key is to look at the full picture. Lower property taxes, strong resale values and the lifestyle benefits matter. Many buyers adjust their expectations on size or location to get into the market and then move up over time.

3. What kinds of jobs are available in Santa Fe?
The largest opportunities tend to be in tourism, hospitality, health care, education, government, art and design. It is not a major corporate headquarters city, so traditional big-company career paths are less common. The market works well for remote workers, creatives, professionals in health care and people who are self employed.

4. How long does it take to adjust to the altitude in Santa Fe?
Most people start to feel better after a few days to a week, but it can take a couple of weeks to fully adjust, especially if you are very active. Staying hydrated, taking it easy the first few days and listening to your body all help. Visitors often notice the altitude most when hiking or doing cardio.

5. Is the climate in Santa Fe harsh in winter or summer?
Winters bring cold temperatures and snow, especially in the higher elevations, but many days are sunny and clear. Summers are warm and dry rather than hot and humid. Even when daytime temperatures climb, evenings usually cool off. If you like sunshine, open skies and four seasons without extreme humidity, Santa Fe’s climate feels great to many people.

If you are weighing the pros and cons of living in Santa Fe and want help matching your goals to the right neighborhood and price range, reach out and start the conversation.