SperlingViews - Santa_Fe, New_mexico

I lived in Santa Fe for almost two years (during 2009-2011) and although I decided to leave I still love that part of the country. The draw for me was and still is the surrounding pueblos and the mix of cultures that live within the city itself. The climate, high elevation and architecture are things I love there too. As mentioned in another post the excessive DUI and DWI's are appalling and real problems in and around Santa Fe. Another issue is that if you're of the 'middle class' you have to be really careful about which neighborhoods to consider buying a house in, so consider yourself forewarned. A couple of people told me when I was new there that Santa Fe either embraces newcomers or throws them back to where they came from and I became a 'throw back'. As a middle class divorced/single woman who works online and knew nobody there when I arrived I found it difficult to develop any sustaining friendships but I don't 'blame' the town, it just wasn't a good fit for me. Within days of my move odd, annoying and sometimes frightening things began happening and this continued throughout the time I lived there. Finally the clincher came and I realized that somehow I just didn't belong there and I left as fast as I could arrange to get out. I want to return as a tourist again, which is what enticed me to move there in the first place and when I do I sure hope it results in fabulous experiences and good memories instead of what I felt when I became a former resident.[read more...]

I've been visiting Santa Fe for years and continue to find it a wonderful place. Touristy a bit? Yes, in spots. Expensive? Yes, in many cases. Is it perfect? No. Personally, I haven't found that perfect place yet. I don't know what some of those writing negative reviews are expecting: no place this livable and attractive and culturally rich is NOT going to expensive real estate and restaurants. You have to decide what you want and what compromises you're willing to make . . . but Santa Fe has a lot to offer.[read more...]

If you are craving a smaller community that offers most of the amenities of a much larger community, then Santa Fe is the place to be. With fewer than 80,000 residents, Santa Fe offers dining, arts, and events comparable to many much larger cities. Recreational opportunities cover the seasons and historic/ cultural richness abounds. [read more...]

It's one of the best parts of living here. It's mild year round with only some snow in the city during the winter. Yet we have 12,000ft peaks nearby so the winter sports are here at the same time.[read more...]

Best education in the region[read more...]

This city is unrealistic of the people that inhabits it. Most of the people here are struggling economically and the rich are on the outskirts striving to keep their idea of the city alive. There is no balance of good living here. The only part of the city that is attractive enough is downtown area and is only maintained for tourists attraction, but the feeling and the vibe of the place is not there. People are what makes the place beautiful not the buildings. When there is an attempt to build exclusivity in a very small space it brings conflict and disenchantment. This place has a withering identity like an old lady who can't accept has lost her beauty and youth and still attempts to retain it by all means and is in denial that is gone. Santa Fe beauty is at the plaza only.[read more...]

I moved to Santa Fe from Springfield, IL back in 2006. I wasn't prepared for the daily expense to simply live here. Sure, those who make less can and do live here, but it is generally living beyond your means, read, "credit cards". Dining out is wonderful, choice-wise, but get ready to pay for it: a simple breakfast burrito can run from $10-$14. If you have wine with dinner, expect to pay an average of $150 for you and your partner. I'm sorry, but it's just not worth it. Yes, I love the mountains. I love being able to drive 20 minutes to the trail head. And I've tried it different ways: don't go out, eat at home, live "cheaper". It doesn't work for me. I feel that in order to truly appreciate all the wonderful things of this place - and there are many - you simply have to have some money. If you do, I highly recommend living here.[read more...]

My wife and I are looking at cities to relocate to because of my asthma. I was told that we should check out Santa Fe as a possibility. Any input?[read more...]

We moved here from Maine 3 years ago. On paper, Santa Fe has it all over Maine. 300 sunny days a year, beautiful mountains, clean air, amazing scenery, bobcats and coyotes in the yard, dark skies with bright stars, great hiking, art, no mosquitoes, etc. Santa Fe is beautiful downtown as well, and we really enjoy the culture here. There are a thousand good reasons to live here. Here are the things to really and truly consider, though, if you are considering a relocation . . . 1. The economy is tight. If you are moving here for a job, make sure to look to see that there are ample back-up plans, because if it doesn't work out, it can be difficult to find a suitable situation. 2. Education here is terrible. The schools are underfunded, and despite the efforts of a great many dedicated people, the system is hamstrung. 3. Healthcare here is abysmal. I cannot tell you how many horror stories I have heard about our local hospital St. Vincents, or as it is know here, St. Victims. 4. This is a small place, and much of the population is transitory. People live here for a few years and then go away. So, we have found it difficult to establish community.[read more...]

Santa Fe has what I consider to be the perfect climate. We have four seasons with no extremes in temperature or other factors. The two drawbacks are a very high altitude (7000+ feet) and very high housing costs.[read more...]

i have lived in Santa Fe my whole life i was born and raised there and i love it!!! but some of the other comments about Santa Fe disturb me a little...people who are just seasonal visitors are making judgements about this little town. I'm sorry or happy to say Santa Fe is nothing like NY. we do however have one of the most unique cultures filled with deep history dating back hundreds of years, art galleries to even old Indian ruins. There's no big skyscrapers or a city that never sleeps. There's a limit on how tall our buildings can be. the cost of living is expensive and there is a poor, MIDDLE, and upper class contrary to what someone posted. And while driving in between cities in NM there is barren land not buildings and buildings. the people there can be rude at times but there are also ones that will bend over backwards to help. it is truly a place all its own.[read more...]

I have lived in Santa Fe my whole life and the city itself is EXTREMELY Unique and Beautiful and Vibrant with Culture. Definitly a reccomend for Visitors, however as far as living here, the truth be told Santa Fe is the kind of place that due to the People who reside in it can really effect you in a Negative way. The People are extremely un-welcoming, NOT looking to spark up new friendships or even new conversations, and can infact be very hateful and condesending (give or take the rare exception). I have spent most my life defending against thos who chose to dislike New Mexico as a whole, but after 24 years of living here I can't really disagree with those general statements, even after a few weeks in town I think most can agree the level of friendly-ness and even general kindness in just something like the hospitality industry is almost non-existent. It is unfortunate. It will always be home for me, but it is cursed with being the kind of place that chews you up and spits you out. Split between a very disgruntled lower waged class of people and a very snobby wealthy class of people... and probably makes for the poor quality of life. BUT HEY THE MARGARITAS ARE GREAT!!! Everybody has their place so give it a try and see if its for you, no matter what a review says lol :)[read more...]

As a business person, my experience has shown that the living wage ordinance actually improves the bottom line, in that employees are more motivated and there's much less problem with folks not showing up to work (e.g. due to problems making rent, cars breaking down and not being able to afford repairs, etc.) and it has reduced turnover / improved employee retention. Moreover, it's just a better business climate when employees are happy; they have a better demeanor and attitude and it shows in their relations with customers. From a business perspective, I can say it's improved things in our city. More cities should consider adopting such ordinances. The Chicken Little "sky is falling" crowd who lobbied so heavily against it and out spent proponents 3 or 4 to 1 (but were still defeated!) can look around and see that the ordinance has, in fact, not "decimated" our economy as they claimed it would; Santa Fe is thriving! It should be noted that Santa Fe's living wage ordinance only applies to employers with at least 25 employees, so very small businesses have a chance to get off the ground when they are just starting out. I believe that is a good compromise.[read more...]

In nearly 20 years of covering the regional art scene for various publications I've rarely, if ever, encountered someone less than intriguing with a compelling story to tell.[read more...]

Santa Fe is at an altitude of 7000 feet and surrounded by mountains. Most folks here don't need AC - a ceiling fan will do. Well, actually, due to some climate change, it is getting warmer here so there are a few uncomfortable days during the summer - mainly July - but adobe houses are designed to keep out summer heat and hold in winter warmth. I've lived here almost 20 years and have seen our mountains get less and less snow. Drought is always a problem and global warming will see it get worse. If you love dry climates, THIS is the place for you! NM averages 300 days of sun a year and there is almost always a breeze. Solar panels are everywhere.[read more...]

A great place to settle down, but not a young town. Plenty of outdoor activities within the town and just outside of it. Great small town for eccentric artists.[read more...]

Pros: 1. Low crime rate 2. Lots of cultural amenities 3. Nice physical setting and climate Cons: 1. Huge graffiti and gang problem 2. Poor school system 3. High cost of living and housing 4. Unaffordable place to live 5. Rapid growth and sprawl[read more...]

My family is relocating soon to Santa Fe, and I was at first shocked to read all the negative posts about rude people and high cost of living, but then I sized it up and realized, most of the people who are so bummed about the "high" cost of living and crime rates are probably born and raised in Santa Fe. While it's unfortunate that people are experiences these less than welcome changes, Santa Fe is still way more affordable than any other city in the US with a comparable population of artists and art venues. And after growing up in Los Angeles I can't imagine that the gang population is going to feel very large or disruptive. One woman commented that she was cursed at by a public employee. If that's shocking or rare, it's a GOOD sign. I've sat on buses in Miami where the drivers would smoke cigarettes, make unscheduled stops at fast food stores or mini markets, and cuss at anyone who didn't like it. I am simpathetic to those who feel they are seeing the city go downhill from where it was, but the "big" problems that have been mentioned still render the city very attractive.[read more...]

I think Santa Fe is cool b/c of it's uniqueness, climate. Many smaller scenic towns lack diversity or culture, Santa Fe has some of both. The main drawback for me is lack of lakes and rivers. The dryness can get depressing. I'm looking for a gorgeous vacation area to live in summers/falls, and come to in winters on occasion to ski. I favor Whitefish Montana, Vermont & Bend Oregon b/c of their access to lakes and rivers. But I like Santa Fe's spicey culture![read more...]

I think santa fe is one of the most uniques cities Ive ever been to. It really is unlike any place in the U.S. The only thing I dont like here are the people. Their are alot of people living here from some of the most wealthiest sections of Americas largest cities which means their are some very uptight and pretenchious people here.[read more...]