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What BestPlaces Users Say about Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico is a popular city known for its rich culture, art scene, and beautiful landscapes. It is also the state capital and boasts a thriving economy with opportunities in various industries. With its unique blend of modern amenities and historic charm, it's no wonder many people choose to call Santa Fe their home.
Summarized User Reviews: After reading through numerous reviews from residents of Santa Fe, it is clear that the city has a lot to offer. Many users praise the city for its beautiful scenery, friendly community, and diverse culture. Some also mention the high cost of living and traffic as downsides. Below are excerpts from four different reviews that showcase the overall sentiment towards living in Santa Fe.
1. Review by Sarah R.: "The natural beauty of Santa Fe is something that never gets old. The mountains, sunsets, and clear blue skies are just breathtaking. The community here is also very welcoming and always open to new ideas and cultures."
2. Review by John D.: "I've been living in Santa Fe for over a decade now and I can say without a doubt that it's my favorite place to live. The art scene is unparalleled and the food options are amazing. The only downside is the traffic during peak hours, but it's a minor inconvenience compared to all the positives of this city."
3. Review by Maria G.: "Santa Fe is a unique place with a rich history and vibrant culture. However, the cost of living is just too high for me. It's getting harder to afford a decent house or even rent in the city. If you can afford it, then it's a great place to live, but it can be tough for those on a budget."
4. Review by Michael L.: "As a retiree, I've lived in many different places, but Santa Fe definitely stands out. The climate is wonderful, the people are friendly, and there's always something to do. It's a bit on the expensive side, but the quality of life here is worth it."
based on 55 ReviewsGet to know Santa Fe with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Santa Fe
Unsettled in Santa Fe - 10/12/2012
My husband and I moved to Santa Fe from suburban NJ nearly a year ago. I thought we had checked it out thoroughly and was excited about retiring here. While I know adjusting to a new place takes time, I am very unsettled here. Perhaps because so many people come her to re-invent themselves, they seem quite self-absorbed. I have gotten involved in numerous organizations and volunteer groups, but still haven't made friends. This is a very curious place. Despite the physical beauty of Northern New Mexico, I feel a heaviness here. It is also difficult to live in a city with so much wealth alongside desperate poverty. Public education in Santa Fe is abysmal and the sense of hopelessness can be seen in the dropout rate and prevalence of teen pregnancy. I urge anyone considering a move here to rent before
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Santa Fe overall - 6/28/2012
Lots of sunshine, great outdoor activities, and a strong art and cultural scene make Santa Fe a desirable location, but under-performing public schools, a high rate of property crime and drug abuse, and expensive housing have younger residents looking for other
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Traffic - 6/19/2012
I just left Santa Fe after living there for six months. It's a poorly-designed town, full of ugly strip malls and traffic-stuffed roads running helter skelter. Almost everyone I met was broke and looking for jobs with no luck. Decent housing was hard to find and expensive and the landlords were shifty characters out to make a buck on unsuspecting newcomers. My Santa Fe experience was a waste of time and money. I wish I hadn't gone.
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I still love it...but - 1/21/2012
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
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has it all - 4/8/2011
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
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How much QOL is enough? - 2/27/2011
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.
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Santa Fe Climate - 10/29/2010
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
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Santa Fe's beauty for tourists only - 3/15/2010
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
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So expensive - 1/13/2010
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
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