Living in Santa Fe, NM
Nestled in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe, New Mexico, celebrates its 400th year and its reign as the oldest capital city in the U.S. But the rich history of Santa Fe dates back beyond than the Spanish colonists who founded “the City Different” in the late 1500s. For centuries, the ancient Puebloans lived and farmed along the banks of the Rio Grande, and their rich heritage still influences the city today.
The vibrant legacy of Santa Fe continued throughout the expansion and growth of the American West, with Spanish Colonial churches and settlements making way for historic mining camps and villages and evidence that still exists of the Wild West.
The distinctive architecture – a blending of Pueblo design with Spanish Colonial and Territorial flavor – gives Santa Fe her Old World Charm, while still leaving room to embrace the new. From the Santa Fe Opera to the beautiful luxury homes throughout the city and surrounding area, Santa Fe has embraced the contemporary and cosmopolitan ambiance of a world-class city.
Today, a revitalized Railyard district crowns a lively downtown commercial and residential hub, with restaurants, shops and a thriving farmer’s market. No city can match Santa Fe for its deep cultural roots, with over 300 world-class galleries, the opera, ballet, a philharmonic, world class museums and restaurants. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the renowned Indian Market and Spanish market, and Santa Fe is home to world-class skiing and outdoor activities.
With almost 70,000 people calling it home, Santa Fe became the official state capitol in 1912 and is now the fourth largest city in New Mexico. In 2005, Santa Fe was honored as the first city in the United States to be chosen by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Creative Organization (UNESCO) to join a select group of 8 other international cities in its Creative Cities network. Santa Fe has also become the premier destination for big budget and independent film makers, who find it a perfect setting for their productions.
Santa Fe enjoys an average of 300 sunny days per year, with four true seasons and a year-round temperate climate. With its clean air and commitment to a green lifestyle, Santa Fe is the place to call home.
