Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the price of property so high in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is a top destination as not only a place to visit, but also a place to call home. We have many clients who have retired here, young and old. Most clients enjoy the beautiful, mild, four season climate. Also, Santa Fe is known for the arts and a tremendous culinary array. Although the prices may seem high for folks coming in from other parts of the country, as a resort community our prices are still very fair.

What are the distinct areas of Santa Fe and what are prices like within those areas?
Within the city limits, Santa Fe is divided into four quadrants with the Santa Fe River and St. Francis being the axis. The Northeast sector is generally snuggled up against the mountain in the foothills. Prices range from approximately $500,000 to the millions and most lots are minimum one acre, with an average of 2 acres.
   The Southeast sector encompasses the downtown, Eastside area which includes the Plaza area and Canyon Road with many historic and estate type properties. You will also find South Capitol here, named for its proximity to our state Capitol. In the Southeast quadrant the average price range is between $600,000 and into the millions. The lots downtown, of course are smaller, many being as little as 5,000 square feet. The Southwest sector includes many of the larger, newer developments including Pueblos del Sol and Nava Adé. The average price point here is between $400,000-$500,000. The Northwest city quadrant has many older, but nice neighborhoods with smaller, older homes ranging between $200,000-$500,000.
   The county houses an array of properties including many equestrian and small ranches with properties ranging between $200,000 and the millions depending upon acreage and water rights, etc. One of the more favorite areas in the county are Tesuque just North of town and Las Campanas, in the Northwest County quadrant. Tesuque is loved for its huge Cottonwoods along the Santa Fe River with prices typically ranging from the $600,000 to the millions. Las Campanas attracts a more country club buyer looking for a gated community with all the amenities of a club, including golf, tennis, spa and equestrian. Here the prices range from $900,000 to the millions.

How are the schools?
Although New Mexico is not known for a plethora of high-ranking, academic, public schools, I have found the public schools to be good. Like everywhere else, it really comes down to the teachers. Santa Fe has many, many excellent private schools including Rio Grande (elementary); St. Michaels, Santa Fe Prep and Desert Academy (middle and high school); St. John's College, College of Santa Fe and Institute of American Indian Arts.

What is the climate like year round?
One of the reasons that I moved to Santa Fe was the fabulous, mild four season climate. We have 300 days of sunshine and a semi-arid continental climate. Due to the 7,000 foot elevation, the summers are mild with warm and sunny days and cool nights. Air conditioning is seldom necessary. Because of the southern location and protection by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east, the winters are also mild. The low humidity and skies free of smoke and fog make the climate one of the most healthful in the US. The average summer temperature is low 80's during the day and mid 50's at night. The winter average day temperature is mid 40's and mid 20's at night. Again, with so little humidity, winter weather does not feel as cold as it would elsewhere!

Is Santa Fe a four-season community?
Many people enjoy Santa Fe year round. We enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking, water sports on our many lakes, and golf and tennis. Often we can do many of these sports year round due to the mild climate.

What is the crime like in Santa Fe?
Although we have little crime, Santa Fe, like all other areas can experience petty theft and buglary. Most of the more serious crimes involve domestic disputes within families.