lNeighborhoods Outside the City
The
Northwest
The Northwest is a land of rolling hills and sweeping vistas. It is bordered on the east by NM 285 North and on the west by the Rio Grande River. The region contains some of the most lavish and exclusive real estate in the area. Lots start at one acre and go up to 20 plus acres. The two primary subdivisions are La Tierra and Las Campanas. La Tierra is made up of several smaller subdivisions, two of which are gated. Price range: $300,000 to $2,000,000
North of Santa Fe
Traditional Spanish settlements grew up along the fertile streams that run from the mountains to the Rio Grande. Indian pueblos (reservations) straddle the Rio Grande and adjoin the villages to the north of Santa Fe. Tesuque (a Hispanic village named after the adjacent Indian pueblo) is just north of Santa Fe. Because it was affordable it became a home to artists. Later it became popular, offering a "back to nature" lifestyle for the affluent. Los Caminitos and Vista Redondo are new subdivisions (5 acres, expensive) near Tesuque on the way to the tiny villages of Chupadero and Rio En Medio. Casas de San Juan is a superb gated community adjacent to the Santa Fe Opera. Price range: $200,000 - $1,000,000
The
Nambe - Pojoaque River lies north on US 285 about 15 minutes. The traditional
farming villages here retain their agrarian charm, in spite of an influx of scientists
from Los Alamos in the 50's and some continuing gentrification. The schools are
good and it's a strong mixed community. Humble, but charming adobe farm houses
adjoin verdant large estates, new family homes and trailers. Price range: $175,000
- $1,000,000
North Hills
The North Hills rise from Paseo de Peralta and are bordered by Old Taos Highway on the west, the Santa Fe River on the east and Tesuque (a quaint, but pricey village) on the north. Terrain is rolling with small piñons and juniper as one starts uphill, culminating in mountains with spruce and ponderosa pines as one approaches the ski valley. Tesuque is an area of riverbed and meadows - pastoral and picturesque. The Gonzales and Cerro Gordo Road areas are reminiscent of the Eastside dirt roads with houses ranging from humble to expansive. The Old Taos Highway corridor includes condos and family homes on one-plus acre lots. Like the countryside, the real estate becomes more impressive (and expensive) as the elevation increases. Primary subdivisions on Hyde Park Road (the road up to the ski valley) are: Cerros Colorados, Hyde Park Estates, and Sierra del Norte. Price range: $200,000 to $2,000,000
Old
Las Vegas Corridor
This area extends outside the city to the southeast along both sides of I-25, and out as far as Eldorado and the US 285 junction. Most of the subdivision lies in the foothills at the southern end of the Sangre de Cristos. The setting is rural and quiet. Via Old Santa Fe Trail or Old Las Vegas Highway, you are still just a few minutes to town. Of course driving to the more secluded sites on winding hilly side roads will take longer. Lot sizes may vary but may average five acres. Home prices vary considerably depending on views, terrain, and the quality of the neighborhood. In Double Arrow (hilly to mountainous) and Arroyo Hondo (gently rolling and horsy) values go from $250,000 to over $1,000,000. Overlook (mountainous), Sunlit Hills and La Barberia (hilly), Seton Village (gentle roll), San Sebastian (gentle roll, artsy) are less consistent and cost less on the average. $200,000 - $500,000
Eldorado
The Eldorado area lies about fifteen miles (or 20 minutes) southeast of the Plaza on gently rolling terrain. The Eldorado subdivision now includes about 2,200 homes. It includes a small and pleasant shopping and office complex, a community recreation center, stables and good covenants, which feature a one acre minimum lot. Many lots have lovely views and native piñon and juniper vegetation.
The result is a homogeneous community that attracts active retirees, young families and everyone in-between. The homes include all modern conveniences and a variety of pleasing styles. A number of builders are active here and values have increased steadily for existing properties.
The Eldorado area includes many other subdivisions (Alteza, Dos Griegos, Los Vaqueros, Old Road Ranch, and The Ridges), with larger lots and generally more expensive homes. Other subdivisions may offer more interesting terrain or allow horse stables. The villages of Lamy and Galisteo lie further to the south, each with its own charm.
La Cienega
The La Cienega/Highway 14 area, which is south of town on either side of I-25 (La Cienega on the west, Highway 14 on the east), is typically less chic than areas the same distance north of Santa Fe. The terrain is high mesa and lots tend to be one-plus acres. Views are generally long and lovely, and housing varies from mobile homes, to alternative (e.g. bermed-in or strawbale) to traditional Santa Fe style. Further south along Highway 14 (45 minutes to an hour from Santa Fe) are Cerrillos and Madrid, two funky old mining towns offering affordable homes and lots of atmosphere. Price range: $100,000 - $350,000
Southwest
The Southwest is bordered on the east by St. Francis Drive and on the west by Cerrillos Road and extends south out Airport Road. It is an area of condos, townhomes and single-family dwellings that is, perhaps, more like most other U.S. cities than any other area of Santa Fe. Roads on the southwest side are paved, streets have sidewalks and houses have garages. Prices here tend to be somewhat lower than the rest of Santa Fe. Most homes are still "Santa Fe Style." Many homes are new and well-built, although some are older and somewhat dated. This can translate into a good buy for a person who doesn't mind doing some cosmetic work. Major subdivisions in this area are: Villa Caballero I, II and III, Las Estancias, Pueblos del Sol, Los Milagros, Las Acequias, Vista Primera and Park Plazas. Price range: $100,000 - $350,000
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