7 Best Neighborhoods in Santa Fe, NM

Are you moving to Santa Fe, NM, and are you looking for the best neighborhoods? Check out the best neighborhoods, including Sunlit Hills, Aleda, and Las Campanas.

As the capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe is home to a majestic art scene, a thriving job market, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Residents and visitors have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the extraordinary museums, parks, a low cost of living, and festivals - including Winterbrew 2024 and the 2024 Art + Sol Santa Fe. 

Since it was founded in 1610 as the capital of Nuevo México, Santa Fe has grown to become a magnificent city with a deep and interesting history. With the easily recognizable architecture of Pueblo-Spanish Revival and Territorial Revival, you'll find that all the homes in Santa Fe are absolutely beautiful. 

As one of the best places to live in New Mexico, Santa Fe homes are more than just beautiful. Before moving to Santa Fe, make sure you find the best location for your lifestyle and preferences.

Many families, young professionals, and retirees are joining the other 90,000 residents who call Santa Fe home. Make sure to check out the prime real estate in Santa Fe and continue reading to learn all about the top seven neighborhoods. 

Keep reading to learn all about the best neighborhoods in Santa Fe, NM.

Sunlit Hills

Sunlit Hills is a beautiful community located just a short drive from central Santa Fe. If you're looking for a home that seems like a vacation from the real world, then this neighborhood is perfect for you. 

While you are just 10 minutes from the heart of Santa Fe, you will find a quiet lifestyle. This neighborhood is perfect for retirees and families who enjoy hiking the nearby trails and exploring the historic district.  

Offering an assortment of home styles, these luxury homes range in size from approximately 1,900 square feet to over 4,100 square feet. Homes range in price from about $207,000 to over $2M. Homes are mostly modern and Pueblo-Spanish Revival styles. 

There are several great schools in the area, which is vital if you have children. If you don't have children or need a night out in town, there are several nightlife and food options in the area. 

Local Favorites:

• The Santa Fe Plaza: This local plaza offers many unique shops and fun activities. 
• Santa Fe Botanical Garden: This small botanical garden is the perfect place to visit to see and learn all about the amazing plants in the area. 

Aldea

Since 2002, Aldea has been known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Santa Fe. Based on traditional Spanish Colonial towns, the homes surround the Village Plaza. The amenities include a playground, tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, parks, and walking trails. Essentially, this neighborhood has everything you could possibly need, and there are many restaurants, shops, and things to do in the community.

This 345-acre community is home to 479 residential lots with several housing options. You can pick from family homes, townhomes, and patio homes. There are many benefits to buying a luxury home, so make sure you act fast. 

The New Urbanism home style combines new and modern luxuries with timeless styles. This home style typically includes a spacious front porch, backyard garages, and unique styles. Homes range in price from about $112K to over $1.5M. 

Local Favorites:

• Santa Fe Opera: This world-renowned opera is a must-see if you are in the area. 
• Canyon Road Art Galleries: With over 80 galleries, this art gallery is home to a variety of art styles, including contemporary, abstract, modern, and expressionistic. 

Las Campanas

Since 1992, Las Campanas has been known as the primary destination to move to in Santa Fe. As a gated community, the neighborhood boasts many unique amenities for residents to enjoy. In addition, if you value a safe community, then a gated community might be the best option. 

Santa Fe is known for its sunshine, and what's a better way to enjoy the sunshine than at your neighborhood's golf course? Situated at the bottom of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, not only will you have a view of the beautiful Jemez Mountains, but you'll also have access to all the fun-filled outdoor activities. 

You can choose from multi-family homes, Ranch style, Pueblo-Spanish Revival, or a custom design. Home prices range from about $75K to over $5M. Overall, this neighborhood offers a resort lifestyle while integrating the great outdoors. 

Local Favorites:

• Santa Fe Mountain Adventures: This private guided tour offers a mountain biking adventure through Santa Fe. 
• Nedra Matteucci Galleries: This specialized gallery focuses on historical Western and Southwestern works of art. 

Eldorado

Eldorado is a truly special community that is primarily for families, as it is a family-friendly community and has many amenities. This neighborhood features hiking trails, swimming, tennis, basketball, stables, soccer fields, a dog park, playgrounds, and a 4,000-acre nature preserve. Just down the road are the Agora and La Tienda shopping centers, which have dining, shopping, yoga, and mail services.

Located just 20 minutes away from central Santa Fe, residents live in each of the 2,700 homes. Here, you'll find a safe escape from the busy city while still having access to all the city has to offer.

The homes are mainly pueblo-revival style, Territorial style, or Northern New Mexico, which has pitched metal roofs. The neighborhood is mainly families or retirees, but many young adults are moving to the area as job opportunities grow in Santa Fe. This neighborhood is a bit more affordable than the other communities, with a median home price of approximately $770K.

Local Favorites:

• La Tienda at Eldorado: This shopping mall has everything you could possibly need and is very close to Eldorado. 
• La Mama: This adorable cafe will be your new favorite place to grab a coffee; it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Las Soleras

Las Soleras is a relaxing senior community that has many interactive activities, programs, and food for residents to enjoy. With a mix of Southwestern charm and modern features, Las Soleras has many home styles and floor plans. From single-story to townhomes, you can guarantee to find the perfect home style for your preferences and needs.

Situated between the lively downtown and stunning mountains, this community will help make your transition as stress-free as possible. Most homes are the classic Pueblo-Spanish revival style with updated features. 

Not only are you offered meals and activities, but the neighborhood handles housekeeping and cooking to make your life as easy as they can. You can spend your time enjoying the beautiful outdoors, cooking classes, wine tastings, and more. 

Los Soleras deeply values transparent pricing so you can focus on your needs. Each home also comes with a full kitchen and a private balcony. The median home price is right around $625K. 

Local Favorites:

• Las Soleras Park: This peaceful park is one the best places to spend the day in the beautiful outdoors. 
• Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe Golf Course: This gold course is the premier golfing destination that many Las Soleras residents enjoy. 

Rancho Viejo

Rancho Viejo is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Santa Fe, mainly for its no-street-light policy. This policy means you will have an almost perfect view of every starry night from your house. 

The median home prices range from $200K to $600K, making it a relatively affordable community. During the daytime, you'll have views of the scenic Southwestern landscape. This neighborhood values a sense of living integrated into the surrounding nature with amenities and beautiful homes. 

Across its 11,000 acres, Rancho Viejo emphasizes a sense of community while preserving New Mexico's special heritage. You'll have access to walking and biking paths as 50 percent of the community is maintained for natural open space and parks. 

Homes showcase the traditional New Mexican style and surround a central plaza for community members to join together. Rancho Viejo may be the perfect fit if you are looking for a beautiful, welcoming, and peaceful community. 

Local Favorites:

• El Parasol: This cozy restaurant features Mexican staples with homemade tortilla chips. 
• Museum of International Folk Art: This large museum features global folk art and culture with artifacts and artwork from over 100 countries. 

Tierra Preciosa

Situated in the northwestern region of Santa Fe, Tierra Preciosa features homes on large land, magnificent views, and beautiful styles. You'll have views of the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, Ortiz, and Sanida mountains from your doorstep. 

Depending on your preferences, you can have a home with privacy or one that is more integrated into the community. The median home prices sit between $99,000 and $2.5M, meaning you'll have lots of options for affordable housing. Home and land sizes also range from 2.5 acres to 8.3 acres. 

Home styles are mostly traditional New Mexican with modern finishes. Along the tree-lined neighborhood, many offer privacy and peacefulness, perfect for families or retirees. This is one of the most desirable communities in Santa Fe. 

With just a 15-minute drive to central Santa Fe, you'll have easy access to all the fun activities, restaurants, shops, cafes, and museums that this amazing city has to offer. 

Local Favorites:

• Cerrillos Hills State Park: Just a short drive from Santa Fe, this park acts as an escape from reality and allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning nature. 
• Loretto Chapel: This stunning Gothic-Revival style chapel was built in 1878 and still stands today. You can visit yourself to learn all about the interesting history and enjoy the beauty this chapel has to offer. 

FAQ: Best Neighborhoods in Santa Fe, NM

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best neighborhoods in Santa Fe, NM.

What is the safest area in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

Santa Fe is known as a relatively safe area, but the safest areas include La Tierra, Spiess, Sunlit Hills, and Eldorado at Santa Fe. 

What are the rich neighborhoods in Santa Fe?

The most wealthy neighborhood in Santa Fe is Las Campanas, where residents can peacefully enjoy the beautiful outdoors and an affluent life. 

Is it expensive to live in Santa Fe, NM?

Overall, Santa Fe is known as a relatively affordable area to live in. Most expenses are below the national average, except housing, which is 6.5% higher than the national average. Housing in Santa Fe and other New Mexico communities is known to be a bit higher than the national average, but you'll see why once you move to the beautiful state. 

Is it cheaper to live in Albuquerque or Santa Fe?

Albuquerque is a less expensive place to live overall, but both cities offer a fun and beautiful community. The cost of living in Albuquerque is 7% lower than the national average, while Santa Fe is slightly higher. 

Is Santa Fe retirement friendly?

Santa Fe is an excellent place to retire due to its kind and easy-going community. The city offers more than enough amenities and communities for retirees. 

Best Neighborhoods in Santa Fe - The Bottom Line 

In addition to the beautiful neighborhoods, Santa Fe is a hub of culture, art, history, and more. The city boasts world-renowned restaurants, shopping, museums, fantastic outdoor activities, and relaxation, making it perfect for people of all ages.

As a major tourist destination, Santa Fe might be perfect for you if you are looking for a job in hospitality, which is the biggest employer. There are also many technology-based, art, and governmental employers in the area offering limitless opportunities for growth and prosperity. 

If you find that New Mexico may not be for you, make sure to check out the surrounding states, like Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, which have beautiful neighborhoods and communities. 

There are many things to look for when buying a house. To ease the transition, be sure to contact one of our highly qualified Real Estate Specialists to help you along the process. Our team at UpHomes is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams. Don't forget to check out the amazing homes for sale in New Mexico.