What to know when moving to Santa Fe, NM
TL;DR: Santa Fe at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 60.8% hold a bachelor's degree and 33.6% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income of $81,229, making it a financially stable area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median home value sits at $649,100, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 1.7% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,516/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santa Fe is home to a population of 15,409, with a strong educational background where 60.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree. The community is relatively stable, with a median household income of $81,229 and a poverty rate of just 7.2%. However, only 33.6% of residents are renters, indicating a significant number of homeowners. The area sees low public transit use, with just 1.7% of commuters opting for it.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable home prices, as the median home value is $649,100.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,516, which means you should plan your budget accordingly.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $649,100, indicating a higher cost of entry for homebuyers.
- 60.8% of residents have at least a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 7.2%, suggesting a relatively stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
New Mexico has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, with annual property crime rates at 2,369.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 53.2% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9. Violent crime is also concerning at 652 per 100,000, significantly exceeding the national average of 325.3. However, both property and violent crime rates have been declining, with property crime down 25.4% and violent crime down 21.8% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 652 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 21.8% since 2022.
- Property crime: 2,369.4 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 25.4% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 29.7% since 2022, now at 9 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for New Mexico).
Schools & Higher Ed
Santa Fe has access to a total of 7 postsecondary institutions, providing a range of options for higher education.
- Glitz School of Cosmetology - Santa Fe Campus
- Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development
- Santa Fe Community College
- Southwest University of Naprapathic Medicine
- Southwestern College
- St. John's College
- Vogue College of Cosmetology-Santa Fe
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Santa Fe offers plenty of outdoor options for residents. While specific climate data is unavailable, the area features several parks and recreational spots for outdoor activities.
- Loretto Chapel Museum, rated 4.7 with 4,858 reviews
- Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, rated 4.6 with 3,823 reviews
- Museum of International Folk Art, rated 4.7 with 1,301 reviews
- Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, rated 4.7 with 990 reviews
- Frank S Ortiz Dog Park, rated 4.7 with 772 reviews
- Hyde Memorial State Park, rated 4.6 with 623 reviews
Source: Google Places API.