How is living in Santa Fe? (Taos: appointed, real estate, crime)

[ybflady13]

I have always loved New Mexico and I used to travel there a lot and ABQ with my family while growing up. I'm now 24 and I haven't been to New Mexico in 8 years. Is it a place where young people can have fun? I am not too much of a partier but I like to go out once in awhile, are there things to do?
It has been awhile and I'm sure many things have changed so I was wondering how the quality of life is and the people? I remember most of the people from New Mexico being friendly, down to earth people..which is much different from where I live now (South Florida). I recently graduated from college with a major in Anthropology and I immediately thought of New Mexico as a place to use my major, I've been looking into museums etc. So anyway if anyone has any input about Santa Fe I would appreciate it!

[GreatSantaFe]

You ask a question that many young folks do about Santa Fe. The image of our town is often one of well-to-do retirees, woo-woo healers and artists. While we do have our fair share of all those, the fact is that we are a very diverse community. The bar scene is lively, with music to fit all tastes. We're a relatively small city, so you won't find near as many youth-oriented outlets as you would in New York or L.A. or Austin, for instance, but in terms of friendly, down-to-earth types, I don't think you could find much better.
The job market can be tough, but we have the highest minimum wage in the country so you can probably find a job to pay the expenses while you find somewhere to use your education. On the other hand, you might not want to move here until you get a job lined up.
To see what's going on around town one site to check out is Stats about all US cities - real estate, relocation info, crime, house prices, cost of living, races, home value estimator, recent sales, income, photos, schools, maps, weather, neighborhoods, and more

[Disco Inferno]

It can be a good place to live, however, you have to realize there is crime here. (I was a victim just this week) And its not centered in one part of the city. Not to discourage you, just because of what happened to me this week, I may be looking at relocating (yes I know it happens everywhere, but I'm out here without family and may need to go back closer to them), but it is a good place to live and everything the above poster said is true.

There is a variety of things to do here, like shopping, restaurants, entertainment (theaters, etc). Every friday the newspaper has an entertainment section that tells you whats going on during the week.

As far as people being friendly, I have found most people I have met to be very friendly, whether its at church, out and about in the community, or wherever. I have a supportive job, who has been there for me. But like I said above, you have to be very careful.

I hope this post helps you. Don't let me thinking about relocating out here discourage you. This place has been very good to me, except that.

[Towanda]

ybflady13 -

I am not a young person, I am one of Santa Fe's retirees, so I really cannot speak to your questions about what life is like here for a young person, but I can give you a few of my thoughts about life in Santa Fe in general.

We waited and planned for nearly 40 years to retire in Santa Fe, and have never been disappointed with our decision - in fact, the longer I live here the more I love it.

I find the general atmosphere relaxed and laid back and friendly. I think there are a lot of things to do in the city, and a lot of ways to get involved as a resident. For me, the weather is nearly perfect. I like the small city vibes, the various cultures and the history here, the architecture, the outdoor activities, and especially the food(!). And for a retired person, this is important -- I have been pleased with the medical care I have received here.

I have never had an experience like Disco Inferno, and I have never felt unsafe in the areas of the city that I frequent, but I am careful where I go and alert to my surroundings, and I take as many safety precautions as I can, as I would do anyplace that I lived.

Santa Fe is not for everyone though; it is much different than most parts of the country, and only you will be able to decide if it "fits" for you and if you are able to feel at home living here. I would suggest you come to Santa Fe for a visit, and check out the city, the atmosphere and the amenities here. You may find that it may or may not be right for you. In my experience, it just requires some homework to make such an important decision.

Good luck with your decision!

[Gearhound]

Like Towanda said, Santa Fe is NOT for everybody body!?

My two daughters (22 & 32) absolutely LOVE Santa Fe!!
My son (29) couldn't wait to LEAVE Santa Fe??

Different strokes for different folks, I guess............................................. ...........

Steve

[ybflady13]

Hey thank you all for your kind responses. I really do love Santa Fe but it appears to me that there is not much of a night life, I am still young and not ready to settle down yet. I think I will make a trip to NM sometime in the future to see what is going on.

[caphillsea77]

I'm moving to Santa Fe in two weeks. For what its worth I'm 34, not that young but in spirit I am. However I'm totally over the party stage of life and not seeking out a thriving nightlife scene. Because I have so many other varied interests that don't involve getting sauced at the local meat markets, Santa Fe appeals to me a lot. I look forward to buying a new bike there and hitting the trails, hiking the Sangre de Cristos, skiing up in those mountains too, getting involved with creative venues in the city whether it be something artistic, cooking classes, yoga, meditation, or a writers workshop. I'm really interested in learning about the local culture, perhaps do some volunteering, and some badass road trips (Taos, ABQ, T or C, Tent Rocks, Ojo Caliente, Chaco Canyon, Colorado, Arizona - endless options). All this in a perfectly sized little city, so much to offer without the rat race a of big metro area in a drop dead gorgeous and colorful high desert setting. Man I can't wait! I'll get back to you all and let you know how it is .

[Towanda]

caphillsea77 -- I couldn't give you any more reputation points right now, but I want to let you know how much I enjoyed your post.

You are going to love it here!!!

[GreatSantaFe]

Originally Posted by Towanda

caphillsea77 -- I couldn't give you any more reputation points right now, but I want to let you know how much I enjoyed your post.

You are going to love it here!!!

I've got to second Towanda's post. Caphillsea77, it sounds like you've got the right attitude and appreciation for all the things (don't forget about the coffee houses and restaurants) that make Santa Fe such a great place to live.
Indeed, you'll love it here!

[caphillsea77]

Hey thanks Towanda & GSF for the warm welcome. I have a lot to look forward to, this is such an exciting time in my life. God bless and I'll keep y'all posted.