Community Information

Santa Fe is America’s oldest capital city, resting at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Distinctive mountains - like the Sangre de Cristo, Sandia and Jemez Mountains and distant mesas complement the lush expanses of grasslands and rolling piñon-dotted terrain with colorful wildflower meadows and unique rock formations. "One has to emphasize that the character of the land will determine the nature of the people who settle on it." - New Mexican poet Peggy Pond Church

Just what does “multicultural” mean in Santa Fe? Prior to the arrival of Spanish explorers in the early 1600s, the area was claimed by the Pueblo Peoples. Once a part of Mexico and the Confederacy, it was ceded by Mexico to the United States in 1846. When the Santa Fe Trail opened in 1821, it drew hundreds of hunters, trappers and adventurers “out West” to seek their fortunes, and many stayed on to homestead and add to the Santa Fe tapestry.

Then came the artists. Word of mouth quietly spread the treasure of magical beauty and history, prompting writers and artists to travel from the East Coast and form colonies and retreats in both Taos and Santa Fe.

In a 1920s issue of the Chicago-based Poetry magazine, editor Harriet Monroe declared: “Why go to Greece or China? This Southwest is, which is but one chapter of our rich tradition is our own authentic wonderland – a treasure trove of romance and myth – profoundly beautiful and significant, guarded by ancient races practicing their ancient rites, in a region of incredible color and startling natural grandeur.”

Today Santa Fe is known all over the world for its contemporary and cosmopolitan ambiance. Old World architecture and values blend with an attitude that embraces diversity and creativity to create a “City Different” where every day is a fresh experience, yet grounded in a sense of historic timelessness.



Santa Fe’s culture, art, and multicultural traditions are a continual draw for visitors and soon-to-be residents. It is home to America's third largest art market, the internationally acclaimed Santa Fe, NM Opera and many performing arts organizations, the renowned annual Indian Market and Spanish Market, fantastic restaurants with world-class chefs, hundreds of eclectic shops, and easy access to endless outdoor activities from hiking to skiing. Now the word is out to filmmakers, and a number of directors and photographers are finding the Santa Fe area a perfect setting for their productions.

With an average 283 sunny days per year, four distinct seasons and a year-round temperate climate, Santa Fe is a very environmentally enjoyable city.

Whether you're buying a home, selling your home or relocating to Santa Fe, the following information, resources and tools will help to guide your decision.