Santa Fe, New Mexico is situated at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level amidst the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains, with miles of surrounding national forest. With its dry climate, typical of the desert regions, Santa Fe's temperature ranges from a low of thirty degrees during the winter to the high nineties in summer. Santa Fe has a relaxed lifestyle and magnificent scenery. Over the years, these two things have brought a wide range of people to call this region home, including many well-known American artists.

The region's architecture is reminiscent of its Spanish roots, with plenty of adobe and stucco buildings dotted throughout the area. Residents here are a diverse group, a fact that is reflected in the wide array of cultural and artistic offerings throughout Santa Fe. The town has become renowned for its artsy, new-age atmosphere. While the many festivals throughout the year attract thousands of visitors, it is still the breathtaking scenery that brings droves of folks to this area each year.

Santa Fe currently supports a population of approximately 70,000 residents. This represents an increase of nearly ten percent since the year 2000. The average age of a resident here is 40 years old, with an annual household income of around $42,000 per year. The average housing costs in Santa Fe is roughly $300,000. The largest employment sector in the region is the retail trade, employing nearly thirteen percent of the local population. The sector of professional services, the sciences, and technology comes in second, with just over nine percent of local jobs. Manufacturing, finance and insurance tie for third place, each employing three to four percent of locals.

Perhaps the largest boom to both the local economy and Santa Fe's quality of life is its arts scene. Such famous American artists such as painter Georgia O'Keeffe and photographer Alfred Stieglitz made their home in Santa Fe. Some of their most famous works were created here, and pay homage to the beauty of the southwestern desert. Santa Fe continues to attract some of the best and brightest of the nation's artists, who continue to live in this region. The city's numerous art museums include the famed Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the Santa Fe Museum of Fine Arts.

The region's historic culture is also alive in this city. The local Museum of International Folk Art is the largest of its kind in the world. This museum pays tribute to the many peoples that come together to create the American southwest, including the Spanish Colonial, Native American, Southwestern Hispanic, and American cowboy cultures.

Throughout the year, the city sponsors a number of festivals and events that draw thousands of visitors and locals alike. Fall brings the Fiestas de Santa Fe, while winter plays host to the popular Santa Fe Film Festival. Summer is a music lover's delight, with the Jazz and International Music Festival held each July, followed by the Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival in August. The city recently added another, summer-long celebration to its rolls. Called Russian Summer in Santa Fe, this festival brought three months' worth of Russian history, culture and art to the city.

With its spectacular scenery, relaxed lifestyle, and easy access to arts, culture and music, Santa Fe provides a wonderful quality of life for its residents. Rated the Number One Healthy City by Organic Style magazine for its clean skies and waters, Santa Fe is the kind of city where visitors to the region wind up becoming residents.

If you are thinking about moving, consider a move to beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico. To learn more about this area, request our "free relocation packet" today.