7 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Santa Fe, NM

Are you considering a move to Santa Fe, NM? Ensure you know these seven things about life in Santa Fe, like the cost of living, weather, and the job market.

As the capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe is a highly desirable place to live, with many unique features. Situated at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and in the northern Rio Grande Valley, the city offers a manifold of special events and recreational activities. 

In 1848, after New Mexico was ceded to the United States, Santa Fe was established as the capital of the New Mexico territory. With both of the oldest public buildings in America, you can visit many stunning historic monuments and buildings. Along with the rich history, you can experience mouthwatering cuisine, cozy cafes, fun events, and so much more. 

Santa Fe is known for its laid-back atmosphere and community, making it one of the best places in the country for retirees. If you are a young professional looking for a place to start fresh, look no further because Santa Fe's job market is increasing. The bottom line is that Santa Fe is an amazing place to live, no matter your age, lifestyle, or budget.

Before moving to any place in New Mexico, ensure you know everything you can. Moving marks the beginning of a new adventure, and you'll want to be completely prepared before you make the move. Keep reading to learn these seven essential factors before moving to Santa Fe. 

Here are seven things to know before you move to Santa Fe.

The Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Santa Fe is about 3.6% higher than the national average. Let's take a closer look at the expense of living categories compared to the national average. Energy is 16.3% lower, food is 11.7% lower, healthcare is 8.3% lower, housing is 6.5% higher, and transportation costs are 5.3% higher. 

Similar to many other state capitals, it is no surprise that housing and transportation costs are a bit higher than the national average. But keep in mind that these averages do not equate to exactly how much you will be paying.

New Mexico itself has a lower-than-average cost of living, which attracts many people from all over the country. 

The cost of living should be one of the first things to research before moving to a new area, as it will change drastically from place to place. The cost of living is an accumulation of typical expenses like housing and groceries. So make sure to compare these expenses to the average costs in your current area. 

The Real Estate

The housing costs are a bit higher than the national average, meaning you'll most likely spend more money on your new home than you would in another city around the country. The housing market is somewhat competitive as most homes stay on the market for about 46 days. Luckily, the average home price has stayed about the same since last year.

The median home price in Santa Fe is about $555,000. There are ample home options to check out, from adorable townhomes to single-family homes to stunning luxury homes. 

On top of the various home styles and sizes, home prices range from $60k to $19.5M, meaning you'll have more than enough options in finding your dream home in Santa Fe. Picking the ideal neighborhood for your family and lifestyle is extremely important, so make sure to look at homes in your desired location. 

Santa Fe offers many amazing neighborhoods, whether you want rural living, access to the outdoors, or city life. All of which offer affordable options and beautiful homes. 

The Food

As a somewhat overlooked expense, food and grocery costs can take up a lot of your overall cost of living. Santa Fe is known for many things, and the cuisine is one of the top factors. Here, you'll find a unique combination of traditional Southwestern dishes and American staples.

On nights when you want to cook at home, don't worry because grocery prices are about 11.7% lower than the national average. You'll be able to find all of your common grocery store items at an affordable price, which is perfect if you want to save a little money on meals.

On nights when you want to get out of the house or enjoy a fun night out on the town, Santa Fe boasts of its many delicious restaurants, from fine dining to casual spots. Check out the local favorite restaurants here in Santa Fe.

• Geronimo: This classic fine dining spot is the best place in Santa Fe for a romantic night out or celebration. You can't miss out on this amazing restaurant offering an integrated menu of American and International dishes. 
• Java Junction: This adorable cafe is known for its homemade pies and coffee outside Santa Fe. It also operates as a bed-and-breakfast, which is the best place to stay if you visit the area. 
• Maria's New Mexican Kitchen: Since 1950, this authentic spot has served Santa Fe all the best New Mexico classic dishes. Check out their tasty red or green chile, one of their 150 margaritas, and more. 

The Job Market

The job market in Santa Fe is evergrowing; it is projected to grow by approximately 32,250, and employment is expected to grow quicker than in any other area in New Mexico. 

With a population of over 88,000, the unemployment rate is at 3.4% in September 2023. Over 20,900 jobs were added in New Mexico over the year in May 2023, according to the Department of Workforce Solutions, many of those being in Santa Fe. 

The hospitality industry is the second largest employer in Santa Fe after the government. There are also many technology-based businesses starting to grow in the area. If you are interested in art, Santa Fe is the third-largest art market in the U.S., with over 250 art galleries and dealers in the area. 

No matter what kind of job you are looking for, Santa Fe boasts more than enough options for you. Depending on your career and experience, you can almost guarantee to find the best job for you in Santa Fe. 

The Schools

Santa Fe is filled with many highly-rated schools for all ages. Many families have recently moved to the city; luckily, there are several great elementary, middle, and high schools in the area. 

If you are thinking about colleges, take a look at the Santa Fe Community College and Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). The graduation rate from the 2022 school year in Santa Fe was 82%, just shy of the national graduation rate of 90%. 

While looking for your next home, it is vital to identify the school districts in the area. Check out the top schools in the Santa Fe area below:

Elementary School	Middle School	High School
Wood-Gormley Elementary	Edward Ortiz Middle	Monte Del Sol Charter
Carlos Gilbert Elementary	Mandela International Magnet	New Mexico School for the Arts
Pinon Elementary	Milagro Middle	Capital High School
Acequia Madre Elementary	Academy for Technology & Classics	Santa Fe High School

The Weather

At 7,000 feet above sea level, the weather can differ significantly from other Southwestern cities. The climate can affect you in more ways than one, and it is vital to consider these considerations when moving. You can truly experience all the seasons here in Santa Fe. New Mexico is known for the constant sunshine and hot summers, but Santa Fe also features a beautiful snow season during the winter months. 

Winter temperatures range from the high 10s to the low 40s. These temperatures are perfect for winter sports; the snowy season brings an average of 32 inches of snow in the town and as high as 300 inches in ski areas. Don't forget your layers, as the wind chill can make it feel even colder. 

On the other hand, temperatures during the summer months range from 55 degrees to the high 80s. Between the two seasons, the weather is the perfect temperature for all outdoor activities if you don't want to be too hot or too cold. Regardless of what you enjoy doing, Santa Fe has an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, no matter the season. 

The Things to Do

In addition to the countless restaurants, parks, and art shows, there is no shortage of opportunities for fun no matter the season. Depending on what you're into, you shouldn't have any problem finding something fun to do with your time in Santa Fe, from the outdoor recreational activities to the incredible festivals.

Winterbrew 2024

On January 26, 2024, Santa Fe hosts the best beer festival at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market. Tickets vary depending on what time you are planning on attending. Stop by to try mouthwatering beers from sixteen breweries from across New Mexico. Try samples of your favorite beers, from Scotch ales to lagers to IPAs. 

2024 Art + Sol Santa Fe

Stop by any day between February 9 through and 19, 2024, to see a world-class performing arts and culture scene. Santa Fe is known as a hub for all things music, opera, and visual arts. This eleven-day festival is the perfect way to spend your time here in Santa Fe.

Ski Santa Fe 2023-2024 Season

Starting on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, Santa Fe is home to one of the best ski and snowboarding spots in all of New Mexico and is a popular destination for all things winter sports. Start at the base elevation of 10,350 feet and enjoy terrain for all levels of experience. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Santa Fe, NM

Pros

• Many fun festivals and events
• Great weather
• Delicious cuisine
• Countless outdoor recreational activities
• Not much traffic
• Rich culture
• Friendly community
• Laid back lifestyle

Cons

• High crime rates
• Rising housing prices
• High taxes
• Dust
• Not much nightlife

FAQ: Moving to Santa Fe, NM

Here are some commonly asked questions about moving to Santa Fe, NM.

Is Santa Fe, New Mexico, a good place to live?

Santa Fe is a unique city offering a dense suburban feel, and residents love the area for the amazing weather, restaurants, cafes, parks, and more. The city is filled with families, young professionals, and retirees, as it is an amazing place to live, no matter your age or lifestyle. 

What are winters like in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

Winters in Santa Fe can be much colder than most people would think. Temperatures can drop into single digits from November through March. Santa Fe is perfect for all ski lovers, as the city experiences an average of 32 inches of snow. You will truly experience all season here in Santa Fe.

Is Santa Fe retirement-friendly?

Santa Fe is filled with many desirable retirement communities, and the dense suburban feel makes the city one of the best places for retirees. 

Is Santa Fe safer than Albuquerque?

On average, Santa Fe is considered to be more safe than Albuquerque. The violent crime rate is higher than the national average, but the overall crime rates are much lower. 

What part of Santa Fe is safest?

Santa Fe has many safe areas, including Las Dos, Spiess, La Bajada, Sunlit Hills, and Valle Vista.

Moving to Santa Fe - Is Living Here For You?

Santa Fe has everything you could want, from the ample outdoor recreational opportunities to the diverse arts scene. Known as one of the best small cities in the country, Santa Fe is the perfect place for anyone to move to. 

Even if you aren't ready to move, don't worry; Santa Fe is one of the top places to vacation, no matter the time of year if you want to enjoy some time in the sun or ski your heart out in the winter. 

New Mexico is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly communities, and fun-filled activities. Santa Fe is just one of the many amazing cities in New Mexico. If you find that Santa Fe is not for you, there are still several other fantastic places to live in New Mexico, like Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Rosewell. 

Don't hesitate 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 beautiful homes for sale in New Mexico.