Considering moving to Santa Fe: Advice? (Dora: eat, vacation, architecture)

[Dancingearth]

Originally Posted by Towanda

Our realtor told us about the Art Walk. We should arrive in Eldorado on Saturday, so if the Art Walk is still happening on Sunday, maybe we can make it.

I am amazed at the number of events Eldorado has.

It is still going on Sunday. Take a break from unpacking and go!

[Devin Bent]

Originally Posted by Vinegaroon

We are experiencing a growth in subdivision style developments, cookie cutter pueblo style they may be, and they are sprawling everywhere. Part of the charm of Santa Fe for me is the Pinyon covered hills, and the lack of urban sprawl. It just feels like all of that is changing too quickly in the name of development. Then again, the contractor's, architects and realtors need to make a living, so maybe I need to just move out into the County.

I am beginning to understand better what the old-timers miss about the Santa Fe and sympathize with their point of view.

BUT -- of the larger cities (towns?) in New Mexico, Santa Fe is actually one of the slowest growing. Not many years back it was the second largest city in New Mexico. Now LC has passed it and is not looking back. RR has passed Santa Fe , or soon will.

So you are right. If you are not happy with Santa Fe because of growth, then no other New Mexico city presents an option.

[Towanda]

Originally Posted by Vinegaroon

Towanda. Yes, we have a bunch of drab pueblo homes. Some are large, others very small mud huts. I did not mean Santa Fe looks like any other town, because it does have that.

What I meant is Santa Fe's character as a town. It has changed much I think from the days of the 60's and 70's when it was more of a free-spirited artist colony. We are experiencing a growth in subdivision style developments, cookie cutter pueblo style they may be, and they are sprawling everywhere. Part of the charm of Santa Fe for me is the Pinyon covered hills, and the lack of urban sprawl. It just feels like all of that is changing too quickly in the name of development. Then again, the contractor's, architects and realtors need to make a living, so maybe I need to just move out into the County.

I'm not sure how you stop progress anywhere.....and really, would you want to? The fact the city is growing seems good for the economy and the future.

I know what you are saying about the character, but I just don't see it changing as much as you do. I have been coming there for almost 40 years, and of course I can see the growth of new homes, stores, development etc. But this is something you cannot stop from happening.

Santa Fe is such a unique and wonderful place, that many people find they want to live there. So the growth will occur, and all we can do is try to work to preserve the charm and the character. It seems to me that the city has been somewhat successful at that despite the growing pains. It is STILL a city loaded with a quaint historic atmosphere and look.

Were you kidding about the drab peublo homes? I find every adobe style house in Santa Fe to be just wonderful and I will never tire of it.

[Towanda]

Originally Posted by Dancingearth

It is still going on Sunday. Take a break from unpacking and go!

Look for me.

I will be the one with the wild--"I just moved here and I haven't relaxed yet"--look in her eyes.

[Vinegaroon]

Well, the problem with growth for us is not only aesthetic, but we don't have the water. I can't remember the last time it rained around here? February? Maybe sometime in early March?

I just think we are reaching our "carrying capacity", and all this growth has to come crashing down around our heads, and pretty soon we won't have enough water to flush the toilet. Maybe we can go back to outhouses.

[Towanda]

Originally Posted by Vinegaroon

Well, the problem with growth for us is not only aesthetic, but we don't have the water. I can't remember the last time it rained around here? February? Maybe sometime in early March?

I just think we are reaching our "carrying capacity", and all this growth has to come crashing down around our heads, and pretty soon we won't have enough water to flush the toilet. Maybe we can go back to outhouses.

Well, I wonder about that too, when I come to NM prepared to exercise extreme caution in my use of water....and yet all the time on this forum I am hearing people say it is okay to water lawns, have swimming pools, etc.

[Vinegaroon]

Good on you Towanda! Problem is people come here and bring their old ways with them. As soon as you can when you move here you should:

Place water barrels under your canales or gutters.
Plant xeric plants, like butterfly bushes, cacti, and russian sage.
Put a drip irrigation system in.
Stop taking long showers.
Save your bath and shower water for plants.
Make sure you have no leaking plumbing.

and other stuff. Anyway you can save water helps out. I am glad you sound like someone that will not be contributing to the problem.

[Towanda]

Goody. Does that make me a part of the solution?

(Thanks for all the tips. I have a list going; several of those suggestions need to be added to it as I hadn't thought of them.)

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by Towanda

The Santa Fe / pueblo / Territorial achitecture and flavor is virtually all over town, isn't it? I really have not seen any other style of home, other than the pseudo-southwestern-Tuscan design of the Airport Rd. homes. All of the rest of the town that I have seen is pretty much Santa Fe in looks.

I almost wish they'd just zone the whole city for Santa Fe / pueblo / Territorial achitecture. That's part of the reason I like SF. That architecture reminds me of Native American building from perhaps 7th-12th century. I really love Native American stuff!

Originally Posted by Cathy4017

Ground lamb isn't easy to find ANYWHERE.....not even in the middle of sheep producing country in West Texas!!!! At least that has been my experience. I tried a few recipes with it, and decided that it was just too gamey for me. I have not seen it here in Alamo at all, but no surprise there.

Here in LA you can buy ground lamb in any supermarket.

I love eating cute animals. Bambi. Thumper. I can't think of any cartoon lamb characters but I'd eat them too. Mmmm good!

Too bad rattlesnakes aren't cute. I'd probably like them too.

[Lovehound]

Oh, I wanted to ask:

Why doesn't CD have a Santa Fe forum?