Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, earning it the nickname “The City Different.”
There are many luxury homes with breathless views and an amazing energy, like the incredible former home of Val Kilmer, "Pecos River Ranch." In a past promotion brochure, Val Kilmer summed it up nicely when he said, “For over a decade, I searched for a property that embodies the alluring natural majesty and splendor of the Southwest. My search finally ended here, at the Pecos River Ranch. It’s impossible to put into words the beauty and power of this land. Come and see first-hand why I’ve come to call this magical place my home.”
It’s that same beauty and power that draw many luxury home buyers to Santa Fe.
Here are five other factors that luxury home buyers enjoy about “The City Different:”
Home Architecture
Tourists and homebuyers from around the world are drawn to the unique architectural style of Santa Fe. The Historical Zoning Ordinance of 1957 promotes and maintains the Spanish-Pueblo Revival and Territorial Revival building styles that make central Santa Fe so special.
Homes built in these traditions can feature low and flat roofs, adobe construction, stucco walls, display niches, vigas, kiva fireplaces, and outdoor living spaces. Homebuyers will enjoy these varied elements that make a Santa Fe home both functional and beautiful.
Incredible Views
Luxury homes in Santa Fe feature some of the most incredible views around. Many homes highlight views of the Sandia, Jemez, the Sangre de Cristo Mountain ranges, and the Rio Grande Valley.
In fact, the sunsets in Santa Fe are so marvelous that Travel + Leisure published an article titled, “Best Sunset Views in Santa Fe.”
The Weather
The U.S. average for sunny days is 205 days a year. However, in Santa Fe, that average is closer to 300 days a year. This makes it a great place to live for people who enjoy the outdoors!
Recreation
One thing residents cherish about Santa Fe is the array of popular outdoor recreational opportunities. Hiking, skiing, and mountain sports are all favorites of locals. Santa Fe and the surrounding area sport some incredible hiking spots, like the Atalaya Mountain Trail, Nambe Lake Trail, Tsankawi Ruins Trail, and Santa Fe Lake trail, to name a few. And when winter rolls around, locals waste no time hitting the slopes at Ski Santa Fe.
Arts and Culture
Santa Fe is recognized as a world-class destination for the arts and culture. Homeowners are attracted to the wonderful arts scene and the Santa Fe Opera. It’s no wonder Santa Fe is known as one of the premiere art destinations in the U.S.
It's easy to see why Santa Fe has earned its reputation as “The City Different,” when looking at the many advantages it has over other cities. With its distinguished honors from travel magazines, including being one the best places to visit, live, and retire in the United States, Santa Fe’s rich history and artistic qualities is a major lure for people wanting to live out life in a splendid environment.
Darlene Streit is the exclusive agent representing the, Santa Fe/Taos, New Mexico real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.
Images courtesy of Darlene Streit
