What Is It Really Like Living in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is a great place to live if you value outdoor access, four distinct seasons, excellent food, arts and culture, and a slower pace of life.
The tradeoffs are real, though: housing is expensive, the local job market is relatively small, nightlife is limited, and living at roughly 7,000 feet takes some adjustment.
I moved to Santa Fe several years ago and still live here today.
This guide covers what I wish I’d known before relocating, including the cost of living, neighborhoods, weather, jobs, traffic, healthcare, outdoor recreation, and the everyday realities of calling Santa Fe home.
Written by Eric, Santa Fe resident
I moved to Santa Fe in 2023 and have lived here for 4 years. This guide is based on my experience living, working, eating, hiking, driving and exploring around Santa Fe — not a one-week press trip.
Is Santa Fe a good place to live?
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, remote workers, artists, food lovers and people who prefer smaller cities.
Biggest advantages: Weather, outdoor recreation, food, scenery, culture and relatively easy traffic.
Biggest drawbacks: Expensive housing, limited local job market, high altitude, smaller airport and limited nightlife.
My take: Santa Fe is an excellent place to live for the right person, but the housing market and small-city lifestyle are the two things I’d consider most carefully before moving.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent outdoor access | Housing is expensive |
| Four distinct seasons | Smaller job market |
| Excellent food | Limited nightlife |
| Arts and culture | High altitude |
| Relatively manageable traffic | Limited nonstop flights |
| Beautiful scenery | Dry climate/allergies |
| Skiing close to town | Specialist healthcare can require ABQ |
| Strong local identity | Some shopping/services require ABQ |
A Locals Living Review of Santa Fe, NM after 3 Years
Don’t get overwhelmed this is going to be comprehensive, and for good reason, I want you to have the most accurate sense of what it’s like relocating to the City Different, Santa Fe.
- Outdoor Adventure City
- City of Endless Art
- Highest State Capital City
- Weather in The City Different
- Housing Costs in Santa Fe
- Santa Fe Neighborhoods & Areas
- Walkability, Transit, & Airport
- Demographics | Who lives here?
- Living in Santa Fe as a Young Professional
- Nightlife Activity
- History Everywhere You Go
- An Amazing Food Destination
- Actual Safety & Homelessness
- Job Market in Santa Fe, NM
- Santa Fe vs Albuquerque
Abundance of Outdoor Opportunities
For many others including myself, one of the main things that drew me to Santa Fe was the plethora of outdoor adventures.
If you enjoy being outside at all, moving to Santa Fe is a damn good reason to do it!
I chose to relocate here with my partner largely for the quick access to Ski Santa Fe, and large amount of MTB trails. The city does not offer as many accessible challenging downhill trails as where we relocated from, but its surely not an apples to apples comparison.
For what you get here, Mountain Bike riders will thoroughly enjoy themselves.
Some of my favorite outdoor activities around Santa Fe:
- Only 30 minutes from Skiing at Ski Santa Fe
- MTB Biking at La Tierra Trails
- Best Hiking Trails in Santa Fe
There are countless other recreational activities, like a Skatepark near the downtown plaza, south on Cerrillos, and much more. These should get you started!
Oh, and how could i forget?! There is an abundance of amazing Gyms in Santa Fe to choose from!
Verdict – SOLID! Forget the crowds of Colorado and UT, NM has open spaces and small crowds.
Art, Art, and More Art Galleries
The city different is an artists paradise or an overwhelming overload of expensive galleries.
Call it what you want, but the reality is, galleries are seemingly everywhere. For better or worse, get used too it if you’re moving here.
Santa Fe is one of the most acclaimed art cities in the world and has an endless supply of studios/galleries.
Starters can explore more than 80 galleries around Canyon Road District to get a quick taste of the talent that makes up the area!
Verdict – You will be at home if art is your calling. If not, might be an overload.
A Dry and High-est State Capital in USA
Elevation acclimation is real in our charming Southwest home.
For those who don’t know, the elevation in Santa Fe, NM sits at about 7,200 ft!
And if you were curious, that means that Santa Fe is the highest state capital in the United States!
Be wary of your physical activity and drinking before your body adapts to the change and be prepped for dry days. Yes, it’s dry, bring lip balm.
Weather in Santa Fe: Four Seasons, Snow & 300+ Days of Sunshine
One of my favorite things about living in Santa Fe is the weather.
Because the city sits at roughly 7,000 feet in the high desert, you get four distinct seasons, lots of sunshine, relatively low humidity, and cooler temperatures than many people expect from New Mexico.
Santa Fe is generally sunny and comfortable, but there are a few weather quirks worth knowing before you move here:
- Four real seasons: Santa Fe gets warm summers, colorful fall weather, cold winters, and snowy days.
- Dry climate: The low humidity is great for comfort, but your skin, lips, and sinuses may notice it. Sunscreen and staying hydrated become part of daily life.
- Wind: Spring can be especially windy, and strong afternoon winds are fairly common.
- Big temperature swings: Warm sunny afternoons can turn into chilly evenings quickly, especially outside summer.
- Summer monsoons: July and August can bring dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that cool things down fast.
- Snow happens regularly: Santa Fe is not a warm desert city in winter. Snowfall is normal, especially at higher elevations around the city.
What Are Winters Like in Santa Fe?
Winters in Santa Fe are cold and snowy, but the abundant sunshine and dry climate make them feel very different from gray, damp winters in other parts of the country.
Daytime temperatures often rebound quickly when the sun is out, and snow on roads can melt fairly fast after a storm. Nights, however, can get very cold.
If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or simply having a true winter season without months of overcast weather, Santa Fe is a great fit.
What Are Summers Like in Santa Fe?
Summers are warm but usually much more manageable than lower-elevation parts of New Mexico or Arizona. The elevation keeps daytime temperatures relatively moderate, and evenings can cool off considerably.
You will still get intense sun, so sunscreen and hydration matter much more than the temperature alone might suggest.
My take: Santa Fe has some of the best year-round weather of anywhere I’ve lived, especially if you like four seasons, sunshine, cool nights, and occasional snow..
Housing in Santa Fe: Buying and Renting
Santa Fe is a small city with a high demand.
This really causes a hike in living pricing and anything else associated with it.
Don’t be shocked by prices if you are comparing living here vs Albuquerque or living vs your previous location.
Renting in Santa Fe
Rental Rates for a 2 bedroom apartment will typically run around the
- $2,000+ mark closer to the city center
- $1500-$1800 in South Santa Fe
For those relocating, the city has had a number of different apartment projects popping up around the city drastically increasing the supply of options, as when we relocated 3 years ago, there were only a few closer to downtown options on the higher end we considered (Railyard Flats / Capitol Flats).
Investing/Buying a Home in Santa Fe
Home Pricing will vary widely but anything close to the plaza can easily demand close to $1,000,000 and more.
Here’s a quick screenshot of the Zillow homes in the general Santa Fe area. As you can see, prices can stretch significantly to the high end, but there typically is enough supply between the $400-$700k mark especially if Condos /some fixer upper projects are added to the mix.
So a question many of you might be thinking is, “Is Santa Fe a good place to invest in?”
I certainly think so, and growth has continued steady.
Verdict – Expensive but can be manageable especially if your buying options are flexible (cash on hand for renovations/fixer upper/condos).
Santa Fe Neighborhoods Overview
One of the biggest decisions when moving to Santa Fe is choosing which part of the city fits your lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
Santa Fe is relatively compact, but the feel of each area can change quite a bit. Some neighborhoods put you within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the Plaza, while others offer newer homes, larger lots, mountain views, or easier access to trails.
Here’s a quick overview of several popular Santa Fe neighborhoods and areas:
Downtown & Railyard
Downtown and the Railyard are among the best areas if you want to be close to restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, events, and other parts of Santa Fe’s local scene.
Housing tends to include condos, townhomes, apartments, smaller historic homes, and some very expensive single-family properties. The tradeoff for the central location is generally less space and higher prices.
Midtown
Midtown gives you a more central location without being directly in the heart of downtown. You’ll find a broader mix of housing, commercial areas, restaurants, and everyday services.
It can be a good middle ground if you want relatively easy access to both downtown Santa Fe and the south side of the city.
South Santa Fe
South Santa Fe generally offers more housing choices, newer construction, and better value for the money compared with central Santa Fe.
You’re farther from the Plaza and historic areas, and a car is much more useful here, but properties can offer more space and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, schools, and services nearby.
If getting more house or land for your budget is a priority, this is one of the first areas I would look.
Artist Road & Hyde Park Road
Heading northeast from downtown along Artist Road and Hyde Park Road, homes quickly climb into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
This area can offer incredible views, larger properties, easy access to hiking and skiing, and a more secluded mountain setting while still remaining relatively close to downtown.
The tradeoff is price: homes in this area can become very expensive, particularly as you move higher into the foothills.
Las Campanas
Las Campanas is one of Santa Fe’s best-known luxury residential areas, located on the northwest side of the city.
Expect larger homes, spacious lots, adobe and Southwestern-style architecture, mountain views, and a much more private residential atmosphere. It feels considerably more removed from central Santa Fe than neighborhoods around downtown or Midtown.
Eldorado
Eldorado is a large residential community southeast of Santa Fe, roughly 15–25 minutes from downtown depending on where you live and traffic.
Homes generally offer more space and a quieter, more rural feel than living in the city itself. It appeals to people who want views, open space, and separation from downtown while still being within commuting distance of Santa Fe.
My Take
I personally like the Railyard area because I can get to restaurants, local shops, trails, and other parts of Santa Fe easily.
If space and housing value are bigger priorities, I’d look farther south or outside the city center.
If walkability and being close to Santa Fe’s restaurants, culture, and events matter most, Downtown, the Railyard, and surrounding central neighborhoods become much more appealing.
For a deeper breakdown, see my full guide to Santa Fe neighborhoods
Santa Fe Walkability and Local Transit
Getting to Santa Fe isn’t really that hard but you just need a solid plan of action if it’s your first time.
The Need for a Car in Santa Fe
So you’re probably wondering, “do I need car in Santa Fe?”
Unfortunately, you will most likely need a car if you’re living in Santa Fe, especially if you’re living in South Santa Fe. I wouldn’t say the public transit is terrible because it isn’t, but relying on it is like moving at the cities pace, slow.
Verdict : Car if you’re planning to be exploring the area, no car if you are an artist and no you won’t be exploring much.
Santa Fe’s Walkability
If you live near downtown, walking and biking is convenient and the best way to do things because parking can be a pain and there’s a number of shops to organically discover.
Outside of the downtown area/railyard, Santa Fe is not really walkable.
Once you start making your way down Cerrillos, you are in the land of the strip malls and big box names. This area is more suited towards drive and shop and not organically browsing or stumbling into something unexpected.
Public Transportation around the area
I can’t report much on this as I’ve never used the bus system to get around the city limits of town but I do know many buses are available. The one time I tried taking the bus I got denied because my MTB tires did not fit in the bus rack and could not bring my bike on board.
The best local transportation option in Santa Fe is the Free 255 Blue Bus up to Ski Santa Fe that is equipped with Bike Racks made specifically for MTB Bikes. This is an AMAZING option for outdoor enthusiasts, and this shuttles up into the winter months as well!
Rail Runner Train to ABQ
The Santa Fe Airport is an amazing option if you can find a good fare or are flexible because it’s only about 15 minutes from the heart of town.
Otherwise, you will be flying in and out of Albuquerque, which is about 1 hour away.
Ubers/Lyfts/Taxis
Yes, Uber/Lyft exist here but there are not as abundant as you would expect in major cities.
Flying in and out of Santa Fe Airport
One of the underrated benefits of living in Santa Fe is having a small regional airport close to town.
Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) is only 15–20 minutes from many parts of the city, which makes it extremely convenient when a flight works for your schedule.
The airport is small, easy to navigate, and generally much less stressful than flying out of a major hub.
The tradeoff is limited flight availability.
For many destinations, you’ll still end up using Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), which is about an hour south of Santa Fe.
Santa Fe Airport vs. Albuquerque Airport
For short trips or routes that work with SAF’s schedule, I usually prefer flying directly from Santa Fe because of the convenience.
For better fares, more nonstop destinations, and significantly more departure times, Albuquerque is usually the better option.
Living in Santa Fe essentially gives you access to both:
- Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): Smaller, closer, and easier
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): More flights, destinations, and airline options
What Is Santa Fe Regional Airport Like?
SAF is very small compared with a typical commercial airport. Parking, check-in, security, and getting to your gate are all relatively straightforward.
Because the airport is so compact, though, security and boarding can occasionally feel crowded when several flights are operating around the same time.
My Take
Having a commercial airport this close to home is a major convenience. I wouldn’t move to Santa Fe expecting extensive nonstop service, but I love having SAF as an option and ABQ close enough for everything else.
Santa Fe Retiree Demographic
Before relocating to Santa Fe, there’s a very important thing to note about the community you will be interacting with daily.
The retiree club will find Santa Fe as an excellent place to retire in 2024 and beyond! Picture this:
- Pickleball
- Excellent Gyms with Community Events
- Walkable (downtown area)
Verdict – Doesn’t bother me at all, but would love to see more younger folks.
Living in Santa Fe as a young person
For the younger demographic (like myself) living in Santa Fe as a young person comes with it’s ranges of variables.
Although there has been a growing number of younger professionals moving to Santa Fe (including myself) the largest population that makes up the community is still older retirees.
Albeit the age thing, there are tons of amazing things to do in Santa Fe that cater perfectly for the younger crowds.
So if you’re thinking to yourself, ” how does a young person moving to Santa Fe make friends?”, don’t get too concerned.
Join the frequent and welcoming, local bike club rides, visit Santa Fe’s Top Coffee Shops for monthly events, or just stumble into dumb luck.
Verdict – If you have a partner and are younger, it’s a very solid place to live. I would live in a bigger city if I was single and trying to find “the one”.
Nightlife in Santa Fe: What to Expect
Santa Fe has nightlife, but it is much quieter than what you’ll find in a larger city like Albuquerque, Denver, or Phoenix.
There are plenty of places to grab cocktails, listen to live music, visit breweries, or have a late dinner, but Santa Fe is not really a city built around large clubs, all-night bars, or a dense late-night entertainment district.
If you already have a good social circle, it’s easy to have a fun night out here.
The bigger limitation is variety: there simply aren’t as many late-night options as you’d find in a major metro.
How Late Does Santa Fe Stay Open?
A lot of Santa Fe starts winding down earlier than newcomers may expect, especially outside weekends and special events.
Downtown and the Railyard have some evening activity, but truly late-night options are limited.
If nightlife is a major priority for you, Albuquerque offers considerably more variety.
My Take
Santa Fe is a great fit if you prefer dinners, cocktails, breweries, live music, house gatherings, and quieter evenings.
If you want clubs, packed late-night bars, or somewhere to dance until 2 a.m. every weekend, Santa Fe may feel pretty limited.
Santa Fe history is on daily display
Anytime you are exploring this city it feels like you’re transported back in time or as if you are apart of a history book.
Like it or not, Santa Fe is a history book.
What comes with the culture of this city? Festivals and events!
Food and Dining in Santa Fe
Santa Fe has an excellent food scene for a city its size, especially if you enjoy New Mexican cuisine, breakfast burritos, chile, tacos, and Southwestern flavors.
New Mexican food is a major part of the local dining scene, but you’ll also find upscale restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, breweries, and a growing number of international options around town.
One thing worth knowing before moving here is that the variety is still more limited than what you would find in a much larger city. There are plenty of great places to eat, but the number of strong mid-priced, casual options can sometimes feel smaller than expected.
What Kind of Food Is Santa Fe Known For?
Santa Fe is especially known for red and green chile, enchiladas, breakfast burritos, posole, tamales, and other New Mexican dishes. If you move here, “red or green?” quickly becomes part of everyday life.
Breakfast burritos deserve their own mention. They are one of my favorite parts of living here, and I have a full guide to the best breakfast burritos in Santa Fe.
Is Santa Fe Expensive for Dining Out?
Dining out can get expensive quickly, particularly around downtown and at many of Santa Fe’s better-known restaurants. There are still affordable local spots, food trucks, and casual New Mexican restaurants, but you can easily spend considerably more at higher-end establishments.
My Take
The quality of Santa Fe’s best restaurants is impressive for a city this size.
My biggest complaint is variety in the middle: sometimes I want a casual meal that isn’t New Mexican food or a $100 dinner, and the choices can feel thinner than they would in a larger city.
That said, food is absolutely one of the reasons I enjoy living in Santa Fe.
Safety and Homelessness in the City Different
Santa Fe is a relatively safe city but there is definitely a growing homeless problem.
Although the cities homelessness is not as rampant as Albuquerque, it might feel bad at times since the city is small.
Verdict – I’m from San Francisco and lived in the Tenderloin, so homelessness has been prevalent my whole life. The homelessness here is bad and seems to be getting worse although there’s no direct issues I’ve ever had.
Jobs in Santa Fe: What to Know Before Moving
Santa Fe is not a major corporate job market, so it’s worth having a job lined up before relocating unless you already work remotely or have a flexible income source.
The local economy is heavily influenced by state government, tourism and hospitality, healthcare, education, construction, the arts, and film production. There are professional and office jobs here too, but the overall market is much smaller than Albuquerque.
If you work remotely, Santa Fe can be especially appealing because you get the lifestyle benefits of a smaller city without relying entirely on the local job market. There are also several coworking spaces in Santa Fe if you want somewhere outside the house to work.
Is It Hard to Find a Job in Santa Fe?
Finding a job in Santa Fe depends heavily on your industry.
Healthcare, hospitality, government, construction, education, and tourism tend to provide more local opportunities than fields tied to large corporate employers.
If your career requires a larger employer base, Albuquerque generally offers more options and is roughly an hour away by car.
Can You Move to Santa Fe Without a Job?
You can, but I would be cautious unless you have enough savings to cover several months of expenses. Santa Fe’s relatively high housing costs can make a long job search expensive.
Remote workers, retirees, and people transferring into an existing position will generally have an easier transition than someone arriving without employment or a clear income plan.
My take: Santa Fe works especially well if you already have a remote position or work in one of the area’s stronger industries. If you rely on a large corporate job market, Albuquerque offers considerably more options.
Santa Fe vs Albuquerque: Which Is Better to Live In?
| Category | Santa Fe | Albuquerque |
|---|
| Population | Smaller | Much larger |
| Housing | More expensive | Generally cheaper |
| Jobs | Smaller market | Larger market |
| Airport | Small regional | Major airport |
| Nightlife | Limited | More options |
| Outdoor access | Excellent | Excellent |
| Feel | Historic / artsy | Larger metro |
| Traffic | Generally easier | More metro traffic |
Other Things To Know About Living in Santa Fe
- Parking is very difficult in downtown Santa Fe on the weekends with events.
- Reservations are recommended at restaurants (if they take them), especially on weekends.
- Plan your dinner accordingly if no reservations, your must eat at restaurant might have a 2+ hour wait.
- Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico!
- Santa Fe does have an airport in town about 20 minutes away! You can find good deals but most of the time Albuquerque will be the best option.
Other important questions you might have before moving to Santa Fe
Is Santa Fe, Nm a good place to live?
Santa Fe is an excellent place to live for all age brackets. Although it does tend to lean towards retirees, Santa Fe is certainly a great spot for any age.
What is the population of Santa Fe?
The population of Santa Fe is roughly 90,000 people. To put that in context, the population of Albuquerque sits near 900,000.
Is Santa Fe an expensive place to live?
Santa Fe is above the national average in terms of cost of living and is considered an expensive city. The major expense of living in Santa Fe is finding affordable housing.
What are some of Santa Fe’s biggest problems/challenges?
- Lack of affordable housing
- Homelessness
- Downtown parking
What time zone is Santa Fe in?
Santa Fe, New Mexico is in Mountain Time Zone (MT).
What celebrities call Santa Fe home?
Santa Fe is home to many famous people and many in the likes of Hollywood. Largely for the city having amazing weather and being awesome, but it’s also tied to the prominence of the New Mexico Film industry.
More of the Best in Santa Fe
So if you are set on moving to Santa Fe, or just want to dive into some more information about the area, check out some more of our local guides below! If you need any help with your move, please contact us!