SANTA FE NEIGHBORHOODS

Downtown
Understandably, homes within walking distance of the Plaza are highly desirable. Older homes, historic properties, and condominiums are most commonly available.

Eastside
(From the east side of Paseo de Peralta up into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and from the Santa Fe River to Old Pecos Trail)
The homes and gardens of Santa Fe’s historic Eastside, some dating back hundreds of years, recall the city’s early architectural heritage. The homes—whether small and historic or new and expansive—often lie behind high adobe walls at the end of narrow dirt lanes. Historic authenticity and atmosphere make up for the lack of a view.

Eldorado
(Approximately 15 minutes southeast of Santa Fe on Interstate 25)
Eldorado is a covenant-controlled community that began in the 1970s. It encompasses more than 2,000 homes in a variety of styles, each on a minimum of one acre. Almost every home in Eldorado has a spectacular view of the mountains and stars, and the landscape is dotted with juniper and piñon trees. The growing amenities here include a shopping center with a grocery store, an office complex, a community recreation center with a swimming pool and tennis courts, an accredited public elementary school, and stables.

Guadalupe/Railyard
(From Guadalupe Street to St. Francis between Cerrillos Road and the Santa Fe River)
This neighborhood sprouted up because of its location along the Camino Real. Travelers gathered here, unloading supplies after their arrival or praying at the Santuario de Guadalupe before their departure. Later, the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad terminated in this part of town. Many of the houses nestled here—both small, old homes and renovated, expanded ones—retain much of their original character and charm.

North
Known for its lush vegetation, picturesque Tesuque began as an artists’ village, and its ambience is still somewhat rural. Today the village still attracts artists but also draws professionals, retirees, vacationers, and celebrities. Los Caminitos and Vista Redondo are newer communities in the area. Nambé is a traditional farming village with plenty of charm, where small adobe farmhouses adjoin large estates and new family homes. Casas de San Juan is a gated community adjacent to the Santa Fe Opera.

Northeast
(North of Paseo de Peralta and bordered by the Taos Highway to the west, the Santa Fe River to the east, and Tesuque to the north)
As this area winds upward toward the ski basin, its rolling terrain, dotted with piñon and juniper trees, turns to alpine foliage and ponderosa pine, and the views become increasingly breathtaking, extending all the way to Colorado on a clear day. A large range of styles and property prices can be found here, including condominiums. The Summit and Sierra del Norte are two premier developments, featuring some of the city’s most noteworthy newer homes. The older community of Hyde Park Estates also offers wonderful homes with incredible views.

Northwest
(From Highway 285 North to the Rio Grande)
Among rolling hills and incredible vistas, the properties to the northwest of town are some of the most luxurious and highly priced in the area. The two primary communities here are exclusive Las Campanas and La Tierra; Las Campanas offers private golfing, tennis, and equestrian facilities as well as a members-only clubhouse and is a favorite destination of second homers and retirees. Aldea, a newer residential community northwest of the city, is based on traditional Spanish Colonial towns, in which homes are centered around a plaza. Also in this area are large tracts of a gentle, rolling land and a few horse properties with stunning Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountain views.

Old Las Vegas Highway Corridor
(along Old Las Vegas Highway to Highway 285 south)
Lots in this area—nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—average around five acres. Although the area is only a few minutes from town, its feel is slightly rural, and its views are more expansive. Communities here include Arroyo Hondo, Double Arrow, Overlook, Sunlit Hills, La Barberia, and Seton Village.

South Capitol
(From the state capitol complex to the hospital and from Old Santa Fe Trail to the east to St. Francis Drive to the west)
The architecture of the quiet, convenient South Capitol neighborhood—established in the early 20th century to accommodate the growing railroad industry—recalls that of many charming towns across the United States. Its varied styles include Victorian cottages and Arts & Crafts–style bungalows interspersed among classic adobe homes. Small rental complexes and condominiums can be found here as well. Lots range up to an acre or so in size, but the area, characterized by large old trees and broad sidewalks, possesses an inviting “neighborhood” feel.

Southeast Santa Fe
(east of St. Francis and south of Garcia Street)
Spanning the area now known as Museum Hill, Old Santa Fe Trail, and the St. John’s College area, this neighborhood encompasses De Vargas Heights, an established subdivision of moderately priced homes; Sol y Lomas, a community of older homes with more open space; and Quail Run, a gated golf community with exercise, meeting, and restaurant facilities. Wilderness Gate homes are generally large and elegant and enjoy spectacular views. For some houses in this area, hiking trails are just steps away.

Southwest
(from St Francis Drive and Cerrillos Road out to Airport Road)
This is the most rapidly growing area of Santa Fe. New homes as well as condominiums, apartments, and townhouses continue to pop up. Prices are somewhat lower than the rest of Santa Fe, but the style is classic (many of the older homes are the work of renowned builder Allen Stamm), and the area is more family oriented. Affordable family homes; well-planned new subdivisions; and convenient schools, parks, shopping make this area attractive to many. Barrio de la Cañada, Casa Alegre, Kaune, and Tierra Contenta are popular communities. Further out are Rancho Viejo and Nava Ade, which provide extraordinary open views as well as recreational facilities.

Further along Hwy 14 is Cerrillos, a traditional New Mexico village of older adobe homes, and the old mining town of Madrid, now a sleepy village popular with artists where homes are early-20th-century wooden structures painted a variety of colors.

West Alameda
(West of St. Francis Road along Alameda and from Paseo de Vista to the north to the Santa Fe River on the south)
Developed to a large extent in the 1950s and 1960s, this area is recognized for its older, well-built homes, many of them constructed by renowned builder Allen Stamm. This neighborhood has recently seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its neighborhood feel and affordability as well as the convenient Casa Solana shopping center, mature trees, and sidewalks. Casa Solana is one of its established, tightly knit family neighborhoods here, and Puesta del Sol offers homes with a little more land and greater views. Further down West Alameda, horse farms dot the landscape, and many homes enjoy panoramic views.