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It is hard to describe Santa Fe, New Mexico if you
have never visited this southwestern city of 62,000 people.
It exudes a charm not found in many other areas of the United
States and is a sophisticated city in a very laid-back, Western
way. A mixture of Anglo, Mexican and Indian cultures,
Catholicism and paganism, evoke a somewhat mystical
feeling.
Pink adobe houses sit nestled behind garden
walls. Brilliant red chili peppers hang for sale along the
roadside. Art galleries with brightly painted doors beckon
from nearly every street. World-class restaurants with
well-worn floors and tiled porticos offer everything from northern Italian
cuisine to some of the hottest southwestern food found
anywhere. This is definitely the West but with a
foreign flavor and a mellow attitude toward life.
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Founded in 1610, Santa Fe has a rich cultural heritage (it is the
oldest capital city in the United States) and attracts artists,
historians, musicians, the affluent, the not-so-affluent, writers,
chefs, opera lovers and the occasional celebrity, as well as
retirees. It
is a somewhat remote place, located in the high desert in the
middle of a fairly remote state, and lies near the foot of the
gorgeous Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the southern tip of the
Rocky Mountains. Once outside of the city
limits, there really isn't much but scrub brush, cacti and coyotes
(until you reach the mountains). Inside, though, there is a wonderful world of art,
music, cuisine and culture.
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Cost-of-Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Living in Santa Fe is not cheap, with housing and
utilities taking the biggest chunk of the budget.
Based on a national average of 100, the town rates a 120, so
retiring here really is for those who have a significant nest
egg.
Real Estate in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Buying a bit of heaven is always expensive, and
real estate in Santa Fe is no exception. As in most other
parts of the United States, property prices have increased quite
dramatically in recent years. That some celebrities have
moved in has not helped. The majority of homes, even
new ones, are adobe or adobe-style (Spanish Pueblo) with tile
roofs and courtyards. Two bath, two bedroom
single family homes start at around $250,000 and go up. The
median home price is $342,000. It is very easy to spend
$400,000 or more. The median price of a two bedroom
town home is about $195,000. Properties toward the
north end of town tend to be more expensive than those on the
southern end. Strict building codes are in place to
protect the historical and architectural integrity of the city.
One bedroom apartments start at about $750 a
month, and two bedrooms begin at roughly $850 a month, and
availability is good.
Most retirees live in single family homes.
The historic district on the east side of town is a place popular
with seniors. Some live in the beautiful
Las
Campanas retirement
community.
Santa Fe, New Mexico Climate
Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet above sea level, which
helps moderate the summer heat. The sun shines, on average,
300 days a year. It rarely rains, and there is very
little humidity. January temperatures can dip into the
30s, but the average day temperature is 45 degrees. In
July, it can reach the 90s or higher during the day.
Fall is generally the best season, with temperatures in the upper
60s and low 70s.
Recreation and Leisure Activities in Santa
Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the world's third largest art market
with more than 150 art galleries. The Santa Fe Opera is
world famous and has a vibrant summer season. The Santa Fe
Chamber Music Festival brings in renowned musicians from around
the globe. There are several theater and dance companies, a
number of museums, including the Museum of International Folk Art,
and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra makes regular
appearances.
New Mexico's warm climate allows for year-round
outdoor recreation in addition to the abundant cultural
opportunities. National and state parks are not far
off in the Sangre de Cristos and provide hiking, camping,
bicycling and fishing opportunities. The Santa Fe Ski
Area has a 12,000 foot summit and 40 runs. Golf
is available year-round at several local golf courses. Do
not miss visiting the Loretto Chapel, home of the Miraculous
Staircase, which was built by a mysterious stranger and has no visible
means of support.
Health Care in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Health care in Santa Fe is excellent, particularly
for a city of its size. St. Vincent Hospital is a a
state-of-the-art regional medical center and a Level II trauma
center, providing cardiac care, comprehensive cancer treatments,
MRI and CAT scans, radiology and ultrasound services, a same-day
surgery center, a pain management center and intensive care units.
Retirees will find a number of assisted living
facilities, including Casa Pacifica, Casa Real Health Care Center
and Ponce de Leon Retirement Home. El Castillo
Retirement is Santa Fe's leading life-care facility and offers
independent living, assisted living and nursing care. It has
recently undergone a large renovation.
Senior Services in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Santa Fe Senior Citizens Program is a
county-wide agency that administers more than 25 programs for
retirees. These include recreation classes, health
screenings, a foster grandparent program, transportation, a
volunteer program, Senior Olympics and more. Tel: 505 955-4741.
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Transportation in Santa Fe, New Mexico There
is a bus system and transportation services through the
city for the elderly. Albuquerque International
Airport an hour away and has jet service. I-25 is an
interstate highway that runs north to Denver, Colorado
(6-7 hours) and south to Albuquerque (1 hour).
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Will You Retire in Santa Fe, New Mexico?
If you are a lover of world-famous opera, art and
fine dining, enjoy a desert climate and have substantial financial
resources, then you may indeed choose this sophisticated,
laid-back, small city for your retirement. You will only
know if you come visit. Chances are, Santa Fe will enchant
you and entice you to stay. And even if you can not afford
to retire here, it is a wonderful place for a vacation and a step
into very different kind of world.
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