Quality of Life

MONEY magazine surveyed the Best Places to Live in 2008 and included Santa Fe in its top 100 locations.  Why? The answers are clear to all of the citizens of Santa Fe, and to the tens of thousands who visit annually – the environment, the history, the food, the cultural activities…  Here are some highlights from MONEY’s list:

  • Air Quality Index 99.7%
  • Percentage of Clear Days 46%
  • Median Commute Time 14 minutes
  • State Income Tax Rate 1.7% – 5.3%

The Great Outdoors

Minutes away from thousands of pristine wilderness acres, Santa Fe is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. Hiking, skiing, snow-boarding, ice-skating, swimming, mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and more are all within a short drive from the City Center. Whether you’re a golf pro seeking a challenging game or just starting to learn the sport, the Santa Fe area offers six different courses to choose from.
Archaeological enthusiasts love exploring the areas abundant pre-historic ruins and delving into the area’s fascinating past.  Spectacular views are commonplace in Santa Fe, whether from a hilltop or simply driving through town.

Its climate encourages  year-round outdoor activity, whether it’s skiing in winter (our ski basin is less than an hour from downtown) or hiking, golfing and fishing in summer.  Relaxing on the Plaza, at Museum Hill or in many other locations is a fine year-round pastime too.

Arts and Culture

Santa Fe has always been a place that attracts artists and fine craftsmakers.  With its beautiful sunsets, clean air and mountainous surroundings the natural landscape provides endless inspiration.

The historic Santa Fe plaza with its Native American artisans, museums, performances and world-class shopping has always been an artistic center.  There’s also the celebrated Canyon Road, recently named one of the ten best streets in America, which has a huge variety of galleries displaying traditional, historical and contemporary art as well as fine crafts made both locally and internationally.

With sixteen museums in Santa Fe there’s something here for everyone.  Local museums cover everything from the area’s rich Native American and Spanish history, to cutting edge contemporary art, the famous paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe and the world’s largest collection of international folk art.  Popular with families are the Children’s Museum and a living museum called El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, which preserves the Spanish Colonial way of life.

This world-renowned venue is an amphitheater in the rolling hills just outside of Santa Fe with views of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains.  The Santa Fe Opera has drawn devoted fans from around the globe since it first opened on the grounds of an old ranch in 1957. Each year, the repertoire features world-renowned singers and directors.  So, not only is the setting spectacular but the performers, musicians, set design and productions are of the highest caliber.

World-class artists call Santa Fe home, adding to the cultural mix of the town and making it the US’ third largest art market.  Although this is celebrated all year round in areas such as those around Canyon Road and the Railyard, the summer months see the International Folk Art market and Spanish Market (July), and the Indian Market in August.

Restaurants

Santa Fe takes its cuisine seriously.  Not only do locals train in culinary arts, but many award-winning chefs from across the country make their homes here. Southwestern cuisine is a staple, with the State question, ‘red or green?’ frequently asked of anyone ordering enchiladas, burritos, chile rellenos or other local favorites.

Other contemporary or traditional cuisines like, French and Italian are plentiful as are ethnic eateries serving Asian, Greek and other global fare.  But many residents might say their favorite restaurants throw out the rules and apply a creative and innovative approach to their menu.  Many aren’t afraid to fuse Southwestern flavors with simple American favorites, international influences or to create a whole new combination.

Nightlife

After your perfect day – of business or pleasure – in Santa Fe, kick back, relax and unwind as the city’s eclectic nightlife gets underway. You’ll find many inviting places where you can spend a memorable evening, from a unique spot for dinner to a lively venue with music and merriment.

Dance to live blues, jazz, pop or folk music in one of Santa Fe’s clubs and bars. In some hot spots, if the weather’s right, you can twirl beneath the stars. Be serenaded by world-class guitarists, flamenco dancers and mariachi players. Sing your heart out at a popular piano bar or request Broadway show tunes at a cosmopolitan cabaret.

There’s always something fun brewing to keep you entertained during the evening hours.

For gourmands, Santa Fe is a delight, as you would expect from the capital of a state whose state question is ‘red or green’?  Superb Northern New Mexico cuisine abounds, and for variety there are excellent French, Italian and Asian restaurants.  As well as some of the nation’s finest and most eclectic burger joints.