What's To Love About Santa Fe? What's NOT To Love?!

Many people have some funny, preconceived notions about Santa Fe, New Mexico even though lots of them have never even been here. I often hear the most amazing (not-quite-true) things about my adopted home town, and as a proud Santa Fean, I feel it's my duty -- and also my pleasure -- to educate people about Santa Fe, one of the world's most magical places.

Here are some common "myths" about Santa Fe which I've hopefully dispelled.

"It's a desert."
"It's so hot there."
False. Named the #3 City for Best Weather by Travel + Leisure, Santa Fe is simply gorgeous year-round. With its high-desert climate, Santa Fe is comfortable, dry and provides four distinct and beautiful seasons. It rarely gets above 90 degrees even in the hottest month, June.

"It's too expensive."
False. Santa Fe can be amazingly affordable, especially considering it's a top tourist destination (Conde Nast Traveler #2 Top Destination in the U.S., Travel+Leisure #3 Top City) and has so much to offer it's residents and visitors. Rent in Santa Fe averages $921 per month (the U.S. median is $905). You can typically find a 3-Star hotel room for well under $100 per night during low season (the same room may run you closer to $250 during peak season which is still quite affordable). As far as real estate is concerned, the average home price in the City of Santa Fe hovers about $250,000. Santa Fe's real estate is some of the most unique and sought-after in the county, and options ranging from $119,000. Of course for those who are seeking luxury, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in Santa Fe which is synonymous with relaxed Western high-end real estate. Homes here runs the gammet from cute condos and live-work lofts to sprawling ranches and luxurious contemporary or traditionally "Santa Fe" style adobe compounds, with just about everything in between. One thing all real estate in Santa Fe has in common is its distinctive Pueblo style. Around here, some locals even call their homes "mud huts" because they've been designed to replicate the millennia-old Native American pueblo villages that still exist in the immediate area here. Visitors and locals can even visit the pueblos to observe their spiritual ceremonies, dances and feasts. There's nothing like it anywhere!

"It's such a small town."
"There's nothing to do."
False. Santa Fe's population is around 70,000. Along with our world-class museums and galleries, we also have Wal-Mart (two of them!), Target, Best Buy and almost every other big box convenience large cities offer. You'll be amazed by the array of things to do and see in Santa Fe throughout the year. From the myriad outdoor adventure options including skiing, hiking, fishing, rafting, geocaching, New Mexico culinary delights, world-renowned spas, unique shopping venues, cultural outings, award-wnning wineries and day-trips galore, Santa Fe literally offers something for everyone. Bonus: Santa fe has little to no traffic, and our air and water are some of the cleanest anywhere! It's one of healthiest places in the country, and we're all very pet-friendly here. Even Santa Fe's top luxury hotels allow dogs.

"It's hard to get there."
False. Located right on I-25 and old Route 66, Santa Fe's actually an easy -- and fun -- drive for road-trippers. It's usually quicker to get here by air though. If you decide to fly into Albuquerque, the pleasant and picturesque drive up to Santa Fe will take you exactly one hour -- many major international metropolitan areas can't boast that. Plus, if you prefer to fly directly into Santa Fe, you've got your choice of major jet service carriers including American, United and Frontier with direct service through Los Angeles, Dallas and Denver. Also, getting around town and the immediate (stunningly beautiful!) area is a breeze. Santa Fe's historic downtown and railyard districts are walkable, and the community offers lots of low-cost transportation options including reliable shuttle services, metro buses, rental cars, private car services, taxis, scooters, bicycles and more.

"I don't know Spanish."
"Are U.S. dollars accepted there?"
"Do I need my passport?"
"I'm leery about traveling in Mexico."
Needless to say, all false. Santa Fe is the United States' oldest capital city, established in 1610. It's located in New Mexico which became the 47th state of the U.S. in 1912. No passports are required, and while some inhabitants do speak Spanish, just like every other state in the Union, most all of us speak English. Dollars are happily accepted here. Bring plenty of them when you come! There are so many treasures you'll want to bring home with, and you may even decide to stay and making Santa Fe your home (or at least your second one). In fact, it's quite common for people who visit here to become SO enamoured that they never leave. That's what happen to me. I was passing through for a visit in 2003, and I never left...and I hope I never have to. They don't call it the Land of Enchantment for nothing!

If you get the hankering to visit -- or relocate to -- Santa Fe, I'd be delighted to help YOU find a great place to stay, eat, go, or live. If you even just have a question about Santa Fe, don't hesitate to get in touch. As you can tell, I love my city and enjoy spreading the Santa Fe gospel! You can always reach me at GWhite@SantaFeRealEstate.com or 505-231-5709.

PS - If I happen to be away from my phone or computer, you can rest assured I'll get back to you promptly. It's what I'm known for. Just ask anyone in Santa Fe. :-)