Santa Fe, New Mexico & City Different

Santa Fe is the fourth-largest city in the state of New Mexico and is located in Santa Fe County. As one of the oldest capital cities in the United States, Santa Fe, also known as “Town of the Holy Faith.” It predates the European Settlement and culture of the Native American Pueblos, people dating back at least 12,000 years.
Santa Fe Spanish meaning ‘holy faith' is nestled in the foothills of the “Sangre de Cristo Mountains” 7,000 feet above sea level. It is the highest desert of Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico and is an integral part of Southwest American landscape. It has not always been strictly American. The Native American Pueblo, Spanish, and Anglo cultures interact together connecting the ‘old ways' along with the new, therefore creating a beautiful and mystifying, yet rich statehood that seems appropriate coincides with New Mexico's state motto “The Land of Enchantment”.

The History of Santa Fe

Between the dates of 1050 to 1150, a large number of Pueblo Indian villages originally occupied the city of Santa Fe. The prosperous water flowing from the Santa Fe River helped the Pueblos living there at the time.
During the expedition of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1540, he declared Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico as a province of New Spain. However, in 1608, when New Mexico's third Spanish governor, Don Pedro de Peralta founded a new city at the foothills of the “Sangre de Cristo Mountains, calling it the Royal Town of Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi. By 1610, he pronounced Santa Fe as the state capital, which it has remained to this day. As a result, the natives during the Pueblo Revolt from 1680 through 1692, the Pueblo natives drove the Spaniards out the area known as New Mexico. Later, in 1810, Don Diego de Vargas, reconquered Santa Fe which remained Spain's provincial seat until the outbreak of the Mexican War of Independence. In 1824 Santa Fe's status as the capital city of New Mexico was formalized in the Constitution.
During 1841, a small and poorly prepared United States military trading expeditions from Texas, with a goal of gaining control over the Santa Fe Trail, failed poorly & was easily held back by the Mexican Army. War was declared by the United States on Mexico in 1846, wanting to claim all of New Mexico. They sent more than 1,700 soldiers and in 1848, the United States were successful in gaining New Mexico through the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Finally, in 1912, New Mexico finally became the 47th state of New Mexico, with Santa Fe as the state's capitol.

Life in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a thriving Southwestern city that provides its residents with a cost of living approximately average to the United States average and a median home price comparable with other cultural cities. Median income for a household starts at around $53,000 & can go up considerably. The poverty level is about 9.5%.
With about 73,800 diverse people living in Santa Fe the cultural makeup is quite a unique blend of people. With 70% Caucasian; 2.5% Native American; 1.9% Asian; 0.9% African American; .0.7% Pacific Islander; 45% Latinos or Hispanics; and 16.9% other races. Violent crimes are quite a bit lower than the National average. There are about 28,000 households with 24% of them having children under the age of 18 years old. 37% married couples living together. 12% of Single family raising children alone, 45% of non-families. 36% of households are individuals living alone and 10% of households have someone living alone who is 65 years or older.

Santa Fe Job Market

To name just a few employment opportunities:
Construction: With companies such as: Chapman Company; Wolf Corp-Custom Builders; Builders Specialist Services; McDowell Construction Company; and Mushen Design Remodel Inc,
Accommodation and Food Services: With companies such as: Inn and Spa at Lovetta; Destination Hotel & Resorts; Rosewood Resort; Hilton Brands; along with hundreds of other companies.
Public Administration: With companies such as: New Mexico State Government Santa Fe District 3; Public Utilities; Santa Fe County Government Administrative Service Department; Federal Highway Administration; and Torchmark Corporation.
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: With companies such as: Intel; Interthinx; Innovative Tech Solutions; Deliotte; UBS; Transtech Merchant Group; Kelly Scientific Resources; Biotech Companies.
Educational Services: With companies such as: Santa Fe Public & Private Schools; Santa Fe Community College; Santa Fe University; US Air Force; Apollo Group.
Health Care: With companies such as: Local Hospitals & Clinics; Rotech Healthcare; CRC Health Group; Apria Healthcare; US Air Force; Presbyterian Healthcare Services.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation: With companies such as: Santa Fe University of Art & Design; Institute of American Indian Arts; Mosiac Entertainment; Helms Briscoe Entertainment; Parks and Recreation.
Finance and Insurance: With companies such as: Edward Jones; AT&T; Garber Financial Planner; Local/National Banks and Insurance Companies
In addition, hundreds of Retail and other employment opportunities are always available.

Santa Fe Dining

The diverse of traditions earns Santa Fe quite a name for all types of wonderful dining experiences. Types of local cuisine range from: Basic New Mexican food, Creative & Authentic Southwestern, Authentic Italian, French bistro, Asian, Middle Eastern, and American foods to satisfy any palette. With more than over 200 choices of dining establishments, Santa Fe is a culinary delight along with annual festivals devoted to wine tasting and chile' cook offs.
Some of the more notable local favorites include:
Geronimo - Southwestern and American cuisine, featuring elegant, evening dining at an affordable cost. Their food is a unique culinary combination of original and creative New Mexican, Native American and American cuisine. Geronimo has won several local awards for their best overall cuisine. Located in a Historical building that dates back to the mid-1700s only enhances the ambience.
Shohko Café – Asian and Japanese cuisine. Family friendly, open for lunch & dinner, they have a wonderful sushi bar with more than 30 different varieties. In addition, they specialize in delicious Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Voted top in this category!
Il Piatto – Italian and European cuisine. Live music, along with a well-priced lunch and dinner. Takeout is available. Traditional Italian dishes and noteworthy European cuisine with fresh locally grown farmers market vegetables and other wonderful spices.
Coyote Café – Authentic Southwest and American cuisine. Bar/Lounge along with large group sitting and take out. Their food is sophisticated, with emphasis on using locally grown produce, chiles, and spices add that extra touch.
French Pastry Shop – French, European & American. A real French patisserie and café, in an intimate setting, in the heart of Santa Fe. Takeout is also available.
The Shed – Latin, Southwestern, and American cuisine. One of the local's favorites, The Shed occupies a 17th Century Hacienda since 1954. Along with lunch and supper, they also have a bar/lounge and are a family friendly well-priced restaurant.

Santa Fe Attractions

With more than 1 million visitors and 4 magnificent seasons, Santa Fe has about 300 sunny days per year and an annual snowfall of approximately 25 inches. Santa Fe is a gem for such diverse activities as: hiking, bike, and horseback riding, fishing, swimming, ice skating, snow skiing or snowboarding to watching hot air balloons or relaxing at an array of top rated delightful spa's located throughout the city. The arts and museums located all through the city are historical, cultural, something for everyone. There are also an array of historical missions and houses as well as some major art galleries and dealers. Santa Fe has been a hub for arts and culture, thanks to high interest and sales. Santa Fe now ranks as one of the largest areas for art galleries and major museums as well as a World Class Opera. In addition, there are a number of Parks & Monuments to visit. Including Bandelier National Monument, Santa Fe River Park, and some Native Pueblo Sites.

Santa Fe Nightlife

Santa Fe and the surrounding area provide a variety of clubs, bars, restaurants, and casino's that are sure to satisfy anyone's style. Some of the favorites are: Vanessie of Santa Fe – Offering free live entertainment, a piano bar, a Bar/Lounge, Romantic dining, Great food, drinks as well as parties and private rooms. Wonderful ambience at a fantastic value. La Cantina at Casa Sena – Live music and entertainment, along with great food and drinks. La Cantina at Casa Sena has been compared to Broadway, as the wait staff double as performers of musical comedy. Dragon Room – Rated as one of the world's best bars by International Newsweek. With the finest bar, wine, cocktails, and fine food, this is a truly appetizing place to visit. San Felipe's Casino Hollywood – First class entertainment, casino, comedy shows, bar/lounge, fine food, stage shows, and live music. El Farol – Full size restaurant and cantina with nightly live music and entertainment provided by some of Santa Fe's best Blues and Latin performers. The Flamenco show is highly rated and is quite a popular show. A must see!

Santa Fe Shopping

As a Mecca for shoppers, Santa Fe is a delight for all kinds of shopping. Whether it is Southwest Décor or looking for a unique piece of Native Indian jewelry, to anything a shopper's heart desires. Ortega's on the Plaza – Best selection of jewelry, not only by Native American artisans but also has a wonderful assortment of pottery, rugs, and Native American masks and art. Rainbow Man - For a unique and historic collection of photography, art, and eclectic gifts, this is definitely the place to shop. Delgado Street Galleries – A shopper's haven for some very interesting galleries and unique shops. Located in some historical vintage adobes, a truly unique shopping experience not to be missed. Santa Fe Indian Market – Every year about 1,200 artists from 100 different tribes come to display their beautiful handmade work. A huge event that attracts approximately 100,000 visitors from all over the world. Rare and a one of a kind opportunity to meet and buy directly from the Native artists. Authentic jewelry, art, furniture, pottery, and rugs are some of the items for sale. Also, are the various Malls and shops that are located all around the city to satisfy everyone's taste and style.

Santa Fe Healthcare

Santa Fe's healthcare facilities are some of the best in America and are recognized as one of the nation's healthiest towns to live in. There are numerous top leading medical facilities located in and around Santa Fe. One of the newest and most advanced facilities is the Cancer Institute of New Mexico.
Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center is the only Level III Trauma Center in Northern New Mexico. Santa Fe Care Center provides such numerous and variety of services as any medical care provider. Including but not limited to, medical, dental, behavioral health, dietary, occupational therapy, pharmacy needs, as well as on site laboratory and x-ray services just to name a few. There are several top name hospitals, private doctors, and specialists to meet any healthcare need you might have. In addition, there are medical clinics, home health care and even nonprofit agencies to meet the needs of those individuals without insurance or low income. No matter what healthcare facility you choose, Santa Fe is one of the leading areas in the field of medicine.

Santa Fe Hospitality

Santa Fe offers visitors a wide variety of accommodations that are equally appealing to just about everyone. Visitors can choose from many national chain hotels that cater to anyone from business travelers to families vacationing and enjoying the wonders of Santa Fe. Among hotels, there are luxurious resorts, bed & breakfast, inns, full service spa's, cabin rentals, RV parks, campgrounds, and even retreat centers. Just to name a few there are Hilton Hotel of Santa Fe. An upscale, smoke free 4 Diamond hotel located downtown 2 blocks from the Plaza, another 4 Diamond Hotel. Hotel St. Francis – Rated top hotel by verified guests. A unique, interesting boutique hotel that is a member of the Historical Hotels of America. Inn & Spa at Loretto Santa Fe is a spacious Historical Southwestern designed adobe resort with a 4 Diamond rating as listed in A Destination Hotels and Resorts Property Guide. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground and RV Resort – Voted most scenic RV & Campground facility nestled among 22 quiet acres of pinyon pine and juniper trees there are open and wooded areas. From full RV hookups to secluded camping sites with soft dry pads for your tent. Cabins are also nestled throughout the serene, clean air of Santa Fe that makes up the beautiful sunsets, star-filled nights, and a wonderful vacation climate. There are numerous of outdoor activities to do for the outdoor, relaxed, and adventurous types.

 

Santa Fe Education

Education is very important to Santa Fe and its citizens. New Mexico's state lottery ensures that every New Mexican who wants a college education has the opportunity to get it at one of the numerous state schools. Even a scholarship is possible. Local private universities build national reputations for excellence in their fields. Among the various private and public schools, there are opportunities from elementary to college level to advance an individual's learning potential. New Mexico School for the Deaf is just another example of what types of education Santa Fe has to offer. Santa Fe has 3 Private Liberal Arts Colleges: St. John's College, Santa Fe University of Art & Design, and The Institute of American Indian Arts. In addition, Santa Fe Community College offers a wide variety of education. There are also 6 private college preparatory High Schools and the Santa Fe Indian School is an off-reservation school for Native Americans. Several Charter Schools, including Monte Del Sol - the Academy for Technology and the Classics and Charter School 37.

Getting Around in Santa Fe

Located on Interstate 25, Santa Fe intersects with US. Routes 84 and 285. In addition, New Mexico State Route 599 forms a bypass expressway around the northwestern part of the city. You may travel by plane through Santa Fe Municipal Airport or Albuquerque International Airport and then connect by other means to Santa Fe. A number of bus routes within the city that also provides connections to regional transit. New Mexico Park & Ride is available for weekly commuter coach or bus service. New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a commuter rail service that operates using the BNSF Railway old transcontinental mainline to the existing right of way that has operated by Santa Fe Southern Railway. “Southwest Chief” is Amtrak's daily train service to such cities as Chicago and Los Angeles with stops at intermediate points. Multi use bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian trails are surprisingly still popular in Santa Fe, not only for recreation, but for commuting as well.

Santa Fe Sports

The clean air and majestic scenery of Santa Fe motivates a healthy lifestyle in its residents and visitors. Pleasant weather conditions also help people stay outdoors more. From adult football, basketball and volleyball leagues to youth sports camp which include volleyball, basketball, and baseball to hiking, biking, yoga, skiing, skating, road biking, to off highway riding, and ATV's. There is also a wide variety of hunting, fishing, swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, explore caves and caverns, and learn about history by discovering such archaeology finds as Native Indian Ruins. Everywhere you go, from Santa Fe's northern majestic mountains to the deserts in the south. There is such a wonderful variety of sports to participate in.