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Santa Fe, NM

Frequently asked questions

Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico, and the county seat of Santa Fe County. With over 89,000 residents, Santa Fe is the fourth-most populous city in the state, and part of the Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Los Alamos combined statistical area, which had a population of 1,162,523 in 2020. Situated at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the city is at the highest altitude of any U.S. state capital, with an elevation of 7,199 feet (2,194 m).

Founded in 1610 as the capital of Nuevo México, a province of New Spain, Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States and the earliest European settlement west of the Mississippi River. Its name is Spanish for "Holy Faith", and an abbreviation of its formal name, La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís—"the Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi".

Into the early 20th century, Santa Fe remained the largest and wealthiest settlement in western North America. The city prospered as the region's leading commercial and transportation hub for both Europeans and Native Americans, driven by lucrative trade and migration routes such as El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and the Santa Fe Trail. Santa Fe maintained its status as the political and cultural center of New Mexico throughout the Spanish, Mexican, and American periods, which have each impacted the city's development and character.

Blending indigenous, Spanish, and American influences, Santa Fe is considered the cultural capital of the American southwest, and is widely regarded as one of the country's great art cities due to its vibrant art scene. In 2005, it was the first U.S. city inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Santa Fe hosts over 250 art galleries, a large concentration of museums, and three annual art events: the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market; the Traditional Spanish Colonial Market and the Indian Market. One-tenth of all employment is related to artistic and cultural industries, with writers and authors comprising the highest proportion of the labor force of any U.S. city.

Santa Fe's cultural highlights include Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe Historic District, the Palace of the Governors, and Fiesta de Santa Fe; the city is also known for its contributions to New Mexican cuisine and New Mexico music. Among Santa Fe's many artistic institutions are the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the Chuck Jones Gallery, and the art collective Meow Wolf. The cityscape is known for its adobe-style Pueblo Revival and Territorial Revival architecture, much of which is preserved and protected.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.4 sq mi (96.9 km²), of which 37.3 sq mi (96.7 km²) are land and 0.077 sq mi (0.2 km²) (0.21%) is covered by water. Santa Fe is located at 7,199 feet (2,194 m) above sea level, making it the highest state capital in the United States. The Santa Fe River and the arroyos of Santa Fe drain the region to the Rio Grande at Cochiti Dam.

Santa Fe places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Undisputed Fitness, Railyard Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Experience relaxation and rejuvenation at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, known for its thermal pools and holistic treatments. Ten Thousand Waves, inspired by Japanese hot springs, provides a unique wellness retreat with its hot tubs and spa services.

Top sites in Santa Fe, NM are Meow Wolf Santa Fe, the Museum of International Folk Art, and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

Population: 89,167 (2023). ZIP codes: 87501–87509, 87540, 87592, 87594. Area code: 505. Elevation: 7,199 ft (2,194 m). Area: 52.34 sq mi (135.57 km²).

FAQs

What is so special about Santa Fe, New Mexico?

Santa Fe is the site of both the oldest public building in America, the Palace of the Governors and the nation's oldest community celebration, the Santa Fe Fiesta, established in 1712 to commemorate the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico in the summer of 1692. Peralta and his men laid out the plan for Santa Fe at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the site of the ancient Pueblo Indian ruin of Ogha Po’oge (Tewa for White Shell Water Place). The city has been the capital for the Spanish "Kingdom of New Mexico," the Mexican province of Nuevo Mejico, the American territory of New Mexico (which contained what is today Arizona and New Mexico) and since 1912 the state of New Mexico. Santa Fe, in fact, was the first foreign capital over taken by the United States, when in 1846 General Stephen Watts Kearny captured it during the Mexican-American War.

Is Santa Fe, NM better than Albuquerque?

Although in the same state, Albuquerque and Santa Fe have very different vibes, from their landscape, people, and local culture. However, what the two have in common is their Native American influence and history, as well as their love for art, food, and festivities. It's easy to have fun in Albuquerque, as this is a bigger, more populated city. In contrast, if you prefer a laid-back, art-gallery, and food-filled trip, Santa Fe is the place to be. Santa Fe has more of an old-world charm than Albuquerque, often feeling like a step back in time. On top of that, it features more prominent hotels and restaurants, as it is the capital city.

Is it expensive to live in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

The Santa Fe cost of living index is 114. Living in Santa Fe is relatively affordable, yet slightly more expensive than average. Percentage wise, the average cost of living in Santa Fe is 14% higher than the national average. Broken into its various categories, select aspects of living in Santa Fe are less expensive than the U.S. average. This includes health care costs (COLI = 82.2), monthly utilities (COLI = 99.2), and transportation (COLI = 80.2). Above average categories include housing (COLI = 161.1), groceries (COLI = 101), and miscellaneous expenses (COLI = 107.6).

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Santa Fe

Santa Fe

The Travel

Pro-Move Logistics

Meow Wolf Santa Fe

Museum of International Folk Art

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center

Undisputed Fitness

Railyard Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

Ten Thousand Waves

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.