Santa Fe ?'s (Espanola, Tesuque: hair salon, sublets, rentals)

[phf919]

Can anyone give me the pros & cons about SF? I am seriously considering a move there this fall. DH & I both love the west (and SF, NM) and are excited about finally getting out of the southeast.....I appreciate your friendly input!! Thx!!

[Crackerjack]

Pros
Unique small city with an easy care lifestyle
Beautiful art, music, culture
Chilis, some say chiles, both are correct in the dictionary, but the best anywhere else on the planet
Sunshine most of the year
Not too hot and not too cold
Awesome sunsets
A great way of life

Cons
Expensive
Getting crowded, too many people trying to get in on a great way of living
Crime is increasing but still not too bad in Santa Fe

[phf919]

This is what Ive heard about SF, as well. When you say crime...that has me concerned (even tho I am aware "crime" is pretty much anywhere). I would be living there and checking the area out, while DH is deployed. Im nervous about that aspect (which is why "crime" alarms me b/c SF looked so "quaint").

In any case, does anyone else have any specific areas to stay away from renting there? I appreciate your thoughts.

[Crackerjack]

Phf919, Santa Fe is pretty safe. America in general has more crime, in most cities, it is just a fact of our times; you shouldn't be concerned. You do practical things like don't leave your keys in your car, lock your doors, and stuff like that. Just common sense. Most of the people there, moved there to get away from crime. Most of the crime is opportunistic criminals on unsuspecting tourists, that kind of thing. Don't worry about Santa Fe. The only thing I'd be thinking about is the great food in Santa Fe!

[phf919]

Thx, cracker....any advice about good & bad neighborhoods? Im doing a rental search online and the homes I see are pricey. I figured they would be but I dont know which is best....south, west, east, north....you get the picture! Anymore thoughts?

[Crackerjack]

Phf919, Santa Fe has many upscale areas around Santa Fe like Tesuque and Las Campanas, among others, which are pricey to say the least. Generally though, any nice suburb around there is fine. I would get an alarm because burglaries are more common then any personal injury kind of thing. A lot of rich people usually draws that kind of thing; they go where the money is and Santa Fe is where the money is located. CNN Money on their website lists Santa Fe 72 in the top 100 places to live with additional info on Santa Fe. You might want to check it out. I would avoid up far north toward Espanola. You don't want anywhere near Espanola. My relatives live in the southeast area of Santa Fe and haven't had any trouble there.

What I would do is, don't listen to the realtors, they will tell you anything good to make a sell, but after you look at a house, go back to the neighborhood and go to the nearest stores and ask the clerks. They don't have anything to hide so will tell you the truth about what they know. That way you get the truth about the neighborhood. I actually went to an area hair salon for a haircut just to get the scoop about a town I was looking at and they have all the info on a city. Anyway, that is what I'd do. Good luck on your search for a house. It is a pricey city, which we at the forum have told people just that, but it is a nice city. If you can afford it, it is a great place to live.

[phf919]

Thx again, crackerjack! Your input is appreciated! Ppl have been saying its pricey in SF. Ive gotten used to living in NC, where everything is lower (except tax). However, before the last 2 + yrs., I lived in NYC & CA. Both places are awfully expensive as well. I know Id need to adjust. I am concerned about the expense of living in SF but want to check it out asap. I am planning a trip there SOON and will do just what you suggested. To be honest, the realtors Ive contacted about online rentals, havent been exactly friendly or informative to me. That has turned me off.

But, I was looking at Tesuque actually and the east of SF, near the Plaza, just so I could get my feet wet, a little on the lifestyle. I wanted to try this for one year, while DH is deployed, so that we would know whether this is where we want to settle, OR NOT. I may have to travel there a bit at a time, and move there in the spring......but it would be nice to have even a studio apt. for a year.....and move the rest of my house, later on.

I will check out the CNN website you mentioned.

[CarolynW53]

Crackerjack, You said to avoid Espanola, north of SF, is that due to increased crime? Just wanted to quickly mention how helpful I find your post regarding the areas we are looking at to be extremely helpful! thank you.
Carolyn

[Crackerjack]

Thank you Carolyn. Yes, Espanola has always been a rough city. Most native NMs know it a town to avoid. I have heard for years and years that about everyone in that town owns a gun and for good reason.

[maude]

try craigslist.org for sublets and temp housing in santa fe........and read the santa fe "new mexican" on line..........just do a search for it to find the website. go to the archives of house and garden magazine and search for joan juliet buck's articles on santa fe (maybe 3 years ago).......her observations are right on the mark, and hilarious. she talked about going to the opening of an albertsons grocery store because she was SO bored. the museums are gorgeous; visit ALLA, a spanish language bookstore; find banana republic downtown,and cross the street..........upstairs. i've never made it to the flea market, but i've heard great things about it. i hated santa fe as a kid; wish i could move back now! my only caution is this: everyone in my family has had a vehicle stolen in ABQ. craigslist is the place to start..........