Santa Fe

A Beautiful Setting

Santa Fe, NM is located at the southern base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Northern New Mexico. It lies 63 miles northeast of Albuquerque. NM at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level. With multiple mountain views and painted desert landscape, it’s picturesque location lends itself to active outdoor activities such as snow skiing (Ski Santa Fe), road/mountain bicycling, running and hiking.

A Growing, Diverse Population

Santa Fe, NM is the county seat of Santa Fe County. It anchors the greater Santa Fe Metropolitan Area which boasts a population of 144,170 (2010) which is an 11.5% population growth over 2000 US Census. Santa Fe (City) has a total population of 67, 947 (2010). Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin make up 50.9% of the population. Persons of Anglo origin make up 43.8%. Native Americans make up 4.0%. African Americans, Asian and other races make up 4.6% of the population.

Creative Industry

Santa Fe has a wide variety of industry. It is the capital of the state of New Mexico and is therefore the center of the state government and court system. Arts and Tourism play a significant role in Santa Fe’s economy. The draw of Santa Fe Opera, numerous renowned art galleries, beautiful historic downtown plaza, year-round outdoor sports, and world-class hotels/resorts/restaurants/spas contribute to a thriving tourist industry. Other industries contributing to the local economy include local government, retail trade, construction and a variety of private industry (scientific, management, professional, administration, etc.).

The City Different

Santa Fe has historically prided itself in it’s diversity in culture, arts and lifestyle. Numerous art galleries and an inviting artistic atmosphere have contributed to a growing community of a variety of artists. Spiritually, Catholicism has a strong influence in Santa Fe. The city is also considered a center for “New Age” mysticism. Many persons of extreme wealth also make their homes in the Santa Fe area.

Education

Santa Fe Public School system has an enrollment of approximately 14,000 students. Included are 20 elementary schools, 3 junior high schools, and two senior high schools as well as two academies and two charter schools. Santa Fe also hosts a large private Catholic High School and the Santa Fe Indian School. Santa Fe is also home to four higher education institutions (Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, Institute of American Indian Arts, St. John’s College).

A Growing Area

Having spent extensive time praying, surveying the community of greater Santa Fe, and seeking wise council, we have determined to plant our family in “South Santa Fe”. This is a growing area of Santa Fe County immediately south of Santa Fe proper (south of I-25). While this area is not in Santa Fe “City-Limits”, it is generally considered part of Santa Fe given it’s immediate proximity to the city.
The largest housing development in this area is Rancho Viejo. Together with several other housing developments, the Rancho Viejo Area (South Santa Fe) has a population of 4629 people (2010 Census). This area of development did not begin until 2000. It has grown to it’s current population in last12 years, and studies show that it is poised to grow by 20-29% in the next ten years.

Prime Education Location

The South Santa Fe area benefits from several educational institutions in it’s immediate area. Rancho Viejo is the location of the Santa Fe Community College (of which offers degree programs through UNM and NMHU) enrolling 14,500 a year in a variety of programs. Also located in Rancho Viejo is Amy Biehl Elementary, Institute for Technology and the Classics (8th-12th grade Charter High School), and the Institute for American Indian Arts.