It doesn’t take long to see the allure of Santa Fe, New Mexico. This capital city is known for its Native American culture, arts, beautiful setting, outdoor recreation, and entertainment.
Santa Fe is filled with galleries, festivals, historic sites, museums, and shops. This unique city will have you attending the opera, buying handcrafted jewelry and art, and river rafting. The Santa Fe Margarita Trail, skiing, and delectable cuisine are more of the perks of living here.
As a romantic city, Santa Fe is a tourist’s mecca – and many a visit results in a decision to buy a home in the Santa Fe area. While there are many excellent cities in New Mexico, the suburbs of Santa Fe offer an idyllic setting to buy a new home, whether you’re a first-time homeowner in New Mexico, or looking to retire in the Land of Enchantmentv. Let’s take a look at some of the top New Mexico suburbs, which are sure to offer you a great setting for a new home.
5. La Mesilla
- Population: 2,515
- Median Home Value: $226,700
- School Ranking: C-
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
Choose the quaint town of La Mesilla. Enjoying a backdrop of the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, La Mesilla is the perfect setting to hike, bike, and horseback ride. Proud of their cultural heritage, visit some of the art galleries and specialty stores to see the works of local artists. If you are looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle, La Mesilla is worthy of serious consideration.
4. Pojoaque
- Population: 2,281
- Median Home Value: $82,500
- School Ranking: C+
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
Pojoaque, New Mexico, is a diverse suburb with a low cost of living, making it one of New Mexico’s most affordable cities. The rural vibe is surprising as it is found just 16 miles to the north of Santa Fe. From art galleries to pristine golf courses, this suburb offers a lower cost of living. Learn more about the pueblo lifestyle and enjoy the Native American dances. Take a bison tour or try your luck at the casinos. A serene, safe feel makes Pojoaque a great place to call home.
3. El Dorado at Santa Fe
- Population: 5,419
- Median Home Value: $425,900
- School Ranking: B+
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
See some of the amazing artists and their work at the annual studio tour each year. These talented artists contribute some of their proceeds back to the community. El Dorado as it is referred to by the locals is family-friendly with great schools. Live in Santa Fe County where you are just 15 miles to the south of Santa Fe in a welcoming suburb.
2. White Rock
- Population: 5,716
- Median Home Value: $351,300
- School Ranking: A+
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 16 minutes
Looking for a small-town vibe near Santa Fe? White Rock checks off the boxes. White Rock is an outdoor lover’s dream. Bandelier National Monument and White Rock Overlook provide scenic views and hiking to your heart’s content. Recognized as the #1 Best Suburb to Raise a Family because of the outstanding schools, families appreciate the perks of this town.
1. Los Alamos
- Population: 13,270
- Median Home Value: $342,000
- School Ranking: A+
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 15 minutes
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 93
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 30
Los Alamos is the #1 suburb of Santa Fe. This complete package is one of the safest cities in New Mexico with first-rate schools. Residents appreciate the ease to major employers, attractions, and services. According to Niche, it takes the #1 spot for Best Places to Buy a House, Best Places to Live and Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in New Mexico. This affluent city is known for its atomic past, spas, hiking and dining. Find your dream home just 30 minutes from Santa Fe in a beautiful part of the state.
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.
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