Real Estate Information Archive

No doubt when you considered buying a home in Santa Fe, no doubt you envisioned all of the great things there are to do here.  Santa Fe is a unique and culturally rich city, and so are its attractions. Take a look a just a very small sampling of all that awaits you here in Santa Fe!

Meow Wolf: This is a newly opened venue for the Santa Fe art collective Meow Wolf.  Meow Wolf’s immersive experiences will transport you to fantastic realms.

The Santa Fe Opera: Come here for the music experience of a lifetime.  This open air theater is a magnificent piece of modern architecture.

Santa Fe Indian Market: This market has brought together the most gifted Native American artists from around the US for over 90 years.

Spanish Market: The Santa Fe Spanish Market combines traditional and contemporary Spanish Colonial arts and culture with several hundred artists selling a wide variety of items.

New Mexico Museum of Art: Both the art and the building are works to behold.  Detailed murals inside and out capture New Mexico history and culture.

Of course this is only the beginning. Santa Fe’s rich culture and heritage is showcased in its many attractions.  Check back on our blog each week for more fun ideas and real estate information.

In the “City Different” there’s no shortage of variety when it comes to dining.  So if you’re thinking about calling Santa Fe your new home, then you won’t be disappointed when it’s time to go out on the town.  Here’s a few of the top places to eat here in Santa Fe.

Geronimo

Located on Canyon Road, this fine restaurant is located in a 260 year old home.  It was voted in the “top 100 restaurants in America” by Opentable and features an eclectic menu.  Whether you’re in the mood for Telicherry Rubbed Elk Tenderloin, Green Miso Sea Bass, or a good old fashioned Prime NY Strip, you’ll enjoy every bite. Top it off with dessert with favorites like Strawberry Cheesecake or Crème Brulee. 

The Ranch House

Enjoy classic American food at the Ranch House.  Josh Baum started to showcase his passion for smoked meats in 2005 in a small BBQ restaurant.  It then outgrew their location, so it was moved to its current spot in 2011.  The Ranch house still serves Josh’s signature smoked meats, and offer BBQ to go.

Jambo Café

If you’re in the mood for African and Caribbean eats, then check out the Jambo Café.  Start off your meal with Fried Cornmeal Plantation Crab Cakes or Stuffed Phyllo, then launch into some Caribbean Goat Stew. Or try the Kenyan Style Beef Kabobs. Then finish it off with some mango Cobbler or Pumpkin Coconut Flan.  No matter what you get, it’s sure to be a unique dining experience.

Of course there’s a whole array of great places to eat and fun things to do in Santa Fe.  Visit our blog every week for more great Santa Fe real estate info and local ideas.

If you’ve seen a movie in theaters over the past couple of years, you may have noticed some Santa Fe landmarks you recognize. Santa Fe has become a popular location for major motion picture filming. The city’s vibrant art scene, varying landscape and quality production spaces attract filmmakers from around the world.

This past summer, you may have seen Olivia Wilde and Harrison Ford in Santa Fe on location for their film Cowboys and Aliens which is due to be released this July. Thor, due out in May 2011, starring Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and other notable actors and actresses, was filmed at popular Santa Fe bar Cheeks last spring. Where are these movies filming, and how do you get a peek at some of Hollywood’s most famous? Here are a couple of popular filming locations in Santa Fe.

Garson Studios
These state-of-the-art sound stages are located on the campus of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design right in the heart of Santa Fe. Major motion picture producers are drawn to the Studios’ two large stages with ample room for production staff, wardrobe facilities and more. Notable films which have most recently been filmed in these studios include True Grit, starring Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges, Oscar-winning film No Country for Old Men starring Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem and Terminator Salvation starring Christian Bale and Sam Worthington. There always seems to be something going on at Garson Studios, so keep an eye out when you’re in that area of Santa Fe!

Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch
Located eight miles south of the heart of Santa Fe is Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch. Built in the 1950s, this location is ideal for the filming of Westerns with its 1850’s movie town and two home sets. Unlike many movie sets, the buildings in Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch are four-sided and have running water and electricity. 3:10 to Yuma starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale was filmed at the ranch, as was the comedy Wild Hogs starring Tim Allen, John Travolta and others. Because this is a working ranch, Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch is able to accommodate visitors who want to see the movie sets by appointment only.

Because there are always movies being filmed in Santa Fe, you’re bound to see an actor or two if you happen to be in the right place at the right time. To make your run-ins with movie stars more frequent and less of a coincidence, check out On Location Vacations to see up to the minute details on who is filming what and where in Santa Fe.

If you want to sell your Santa Fe home or are in the market to buy a home in Santa Fe, I’d love to give you a hand or show you around. Please contact me to get started, and I promise to help make your transaction go smoothly!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

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Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

We all know that Santa Fe is overflowing with art and creativity. One sect of art that doesn’t receive as much attention as it should is cinematic art. Santa Fe celebrates its film makers and welcomes film makers from all over the world with its annual 3-Minute Film Fest. May 20, 2011 will mark the Fest’s 11th appearance in Santa Fe with submissions flowing in from amateurs and professionals. The 3-Minute Film Fest provides a great opportunity for budding Santa Fe filmmakers to showcase their creativity and for experienced artists to show off their skills in a condensed short film.

In 2000, Jerry Barron founded the 3-Minute Film Fest in Santa Fe as a way for local and regional filmmakers to promote their work in a juried exhibition. The Fest quickly attracted attention worldwide and now receives hundreds of submissions every year in categories like comedy, documentary, experimental, and animation. The 3-minute time limit is taken very seriously and provides a challenge for new filmmakers as well as professionals. Anyone is allowed to submit a short film for an entry fee of $15.

All participants will find helpful tips for successful filmmaking as well as reminders for submission on the 3-Minute Film Fest’s Facebook page. Submissions are due by April 11, 2011 and those selected for the exhibition will be notified by May 5, 2011. The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center, will hold a gala on May 20, 2011 showcasing all of the films selected to be judged. This will be a great event to attend even if you don’t submit a film, just to see the work of your Santa Fe friends and neighbors.

Whether you’re a Santa Fe resident who is already involved in the arts or are thinking of relocating to Santa Fe, there is no better way to get involved in the artist community than pulling out a video camera and getting creative! Prospective home buyers in Santa Fe will love our new listing on East Alameda.  Only one block from the biggest art district in Santa Fe, Canyon Road, artists define this area of the city. The home’s proximity to Canyon Road’s endless art galleries and location along the Santa Fe River will provide plenty of inspiration for your short film. As a Santa Fe resident and real estate expert, I have plenty of experience with the area. Please contact me for a showing!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

A great part about Santa Fe culture is the wide variety of dining options available to visitors and residents alike. An excellent way to experience a taste of what different Santa Fe dining establishments have to offer is to go out during Santa Fe Restaurant Week. Santa Fe restaurant-goers have the opportunity for one week, once per year to dine at participating restaurants for unbeatably low prices. Virtually any type of restaurant you can imagine has some sort of deal going on during Santa Fe Restaurant Week: French, American, New Mexican, Fusion/Eclectic, Italian, and Japanese are just a few of the different flavors you can experience at a great price this week in Santa Fe. Prices range from $20 to $40 per person at fine dining restaurants, and can be as low as $25 per couple at more casual dining establishments.

Getting a great deal on dinner isn’t the only exciting part about Santa Fe Restaurant Week. Each day there are various demonstrations and events held at participating restaurants to further immerse yourself in the Santa Fe dining experience. There are still four days left to go out on the town and learn more about the food and beverages these restaurants serve.

This afternoon, Epazote is hosting an event that shows how to make Mexican mole from New Mexican ingredients. Head over to Osteria d'Assisi this evening to taste your way around Italy with different regional wines paired with fondue. Wind down from your week on Friday evening at San Francisco Street Bar & Grill with a tequila, wine, and beer tasting while enjoying live music. Round out your Santa Fe Restaurant Week experience Saturday evening with a flashback to the 1970s at La Casa Sena where you’ll enjoy a performance of songs from the decade while you dine.

The options are unlimited the rest of this week when you dine out in Santa Fe. Try a new restaurant or stick with an old favorite. You’re sure to get a great deal however you plan to tackle Santa Fe Restaurant Week. Whether you’re a longtime Santa Fe resident or a prospective home buyer who is lucky enough to be visiting Santa Fe this week, don’t pass up this opportunity to get immersed in local culture. You’ll be impressed by everything Santa Fe has to offer.

If I can be of any assistance to you the rest of your time in Santa Fe, please let me know! I have extensive experience in the Santa Fe real estate market, and would be happy to help you sell your Santa Fe home, or help you find your dream home!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

If you’re a Santa Fe resident, you know how seriously the locals take chile. We even spell it with an ‘e’ instead of an ‘i’, reflective of the New Mexico-grown chile peppers used to make it. As perhaps the most definitive food of New Mexico, there are many places to eat authentic, delicious chile in Santa Fe. Diners have a choice of green or red chile, and they are added to many different types of food from pizza, to burgers, to burritos. I’ve selected the top three places in Santa Fe for the best chile based upon customer reviews from Yelp.com. Those relocating to Santa Fe will want to sample at least one of these Santa Fe restaurants to get a taste of the local flavor.

The Pantry
1820 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 986-0022

The Pantry is a family-owned restaurant and has been serving comfort food to Santa Fe residents and visitors for over 60 years. Customers rave about The Pantry’s breakfast, with many of the items on the breakfast menu either containing or “smothered” in red or green chile sauce. Don’t overlook the lunch menu: sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and tacos ensure that there will be something delicious for everyone in your party. Of course, chile can be added to each item to spice up your meal. Reviewers recommend the Huevos Consuelo, the breakfast burritos, and the ever-flowing coffee.

Bobcat Bite
420 Old Las Vegas Hwy
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-5319

Bobcat Bite is another Santa Fe restaurant which is family owned and operated. Famous for their Green Chile Cheeseburger, this is a place those relocating to Santa Fe must visit to experience New Mexican history and flavor. Bobcat Bite has been featured on the Food Network and in various newspapers and magazines for their comfort food and long-time history in Santa Fe. Voted as the best burger in town, you might have to plan your Santa Fe visit around trying one for yourself! Needless to say, reviewers raved about the Green Chile Cheeseburger, and remind future diners to bring cash.

La Choza Restaurant
905 Alarid St
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 982-0909

La Choza is frequented by Santa Fe locals rather than visitors, so you’ll have a shorter wait time for a table at this Mexican restaurant. Authentic Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tamales and burritos are served with, of course, your choice of red or green chile. La Choza also offers less traditional Mexican dishes with Santa Fe flair, like the Green Chile Clam Chowder. The menu allows diners to select from sangria, bottled beers and a selection of beers on tap, agave wine margaritas, several different types of wine, and a delicious dessert menu. Reviewers recommend the Green Chile Stew, Enchiladas with Green Chile, and Chiles Rellenos.

With so many ways to experience Santa Fe culture, eating a meal spiced up with your choice of New Mexico-grown chile peppers is one of the best. Santa Fe residents are passionate about chile, not only for the taste, but also because chiles are such a definitive aspect of New Mexican culture. If you’re considering a move to Santa Fe, I hope you find that these recommendations for experiencing Santa Fe culture will win you over. If you need any assistance in getting acquainted with Santa Fe, please contact me. As a Santa Fe real estate expert, I’d be happy to help you get settled in!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

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Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

When you’re looking to purchase a home in the Santa Fe real estate market, your options can be overwhelming. While Santa Fe isn’t the largest city in New Mexico, it is highly populated and diverse. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics. Which one is right for you and your family? I’ve chosen five distinct sections of Santa Fe to pick apart so you can decide which area matches your preferences and lifestyle.

The Historic East Side

In the Historic East Side of Santa Fe, you’ll find adobe homes surrounded by beautiful, flowering gardens. With the neighborhood’s proximity to the Canyon Road art district, many of the owners of these upscale residences have a passion for the arts, or at least an appreciation for them. Those who live in this neighborhood will love to walk to downtown Santa Fe where you’ll find art galleries, a wide variety of dining options, shopping, and culture. For the most part, retired couples, empty nesters, and artists populate this community.

South Capitol

If a larger yard is important to you, you may want to consider buying a home in the South Capitol neighborhood of Santa Fe. As one may guess, South Capitol is located just south of the Santa Fe Capitol building. Your neighbors are mostly families, and some professionals who work in downtown Santa Fe and in government buildings. You won’t find just one type of home in this neighborhood. Several influences come together to create an architectural melting pot, like Victorian, Pueblo-Revival, and bungalow. You’ll find a great sense of community and good schools in this neighborhood.

Eldorado

If living close to downtown Santa Fe isn’t important to you or doesn’t fit with your lifestyle, Eldorado may be a good option for you and your family. It’s situated about 15 miles southeast of downtown, so everything the area has to offer is still easily accessible. In this neighborhood, you’ll find residences on large pieces of land housing families with children. The schools are excellent and the area has a low crime rate. Eldorado wouldn’t be a community in Santa Fe without art and culture. Each year, artists from the Eldorado Arts and Crafts Association show and sell their works of art.

Las Campanas

Large homes and wide open spaces welcome you in the Las Campanas area of Santa Fe. Located in the hills about 10 miles west of downtown, this neighborhood offers stunning views. Those home buyers looking for more space than what more urban areas of Santa Fe have to offer will find their home here. This area caters to a variety of different people from golfers, to families, to retirees, to artists. Like South Capitol, Las Campanas offers several different styles of homes, like Pueblo, ranch, and log cabin. With such a variety of homeowners and home styles, you’re sure to find a Santa Fe home that suits your lifestyle in Las Campanas.  

Tesuque

This small community north of downtown Santa Fe provides home buyers with the sense of rural isolation while remaining within driving distance of Santa Fe city life. Those who like gardening will find plenty of space on large lots to grow their favorite vegetables and fruits. Mansions and modest homes alike house a mix of writers, artists, and some families. You’ll be able to visit the Tesuque Village Market and the Tesuque Pueblo to take part in the art and culture the community exudes. Tesuque is a peaceful community to retreat to for appreciating nature and history in Santa Fe.

There are dozens of neighborhoods in Santa Fe to choose from in which to make your new home. With so many different choices in architectural style, community style, proximity to downtown, and landscape, you’re sure to find a Santa Fe home that suits your preferences and lifestyle. As a real estate expert in Santa Fe, I’d love to help you navigate the city and help you find a home. Please contact me so we can get started!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

A big part of what makes Santa Fe, NM a culturally rich and exciting community is its Native American heritage. As the oldest capital city in the United States, there is plenty to discover throughout Santa Fe and the surrounding area. To give those expecting to relocate to Santa Fe an idea of how to go about taking in all that Santa Fe has to offer, I’ve come up with a few different ways a Santa Fe visitor or resident can learn about several aspects of its Native American heritage.

The Santa Fe Indian Market

This year the Santa Fe Indian Market falls on the weekend of August 20th and 21st. As the largest Native American market in the world, we Santa Fe residents are lucky enough to have the opportunity to see artwork from artists representing 100 Native American tribes. Artifacts one can expect to see for sale at the Santa Fe Indian Market include Jewelry, Pottery, Sculpture, Textiles, Paintings, Wooden Carvings (Kachinas), Bead Work, Baskets and Diverse Arts. In addition to the art, visitors can experience authentic Native American food and listen to live music. Proceeding The Santa Fe Indian Market is a week long festival anticipating the Market over the weekend. During this celebration, attendees can experience the film, literature, music, fashion and visual art aspects of Native American culture.

Indian Pueblos

Tesuque Pueblo
For an even more authentic experience, one must travel a few miles out of Santa Fe. There are eight Northern Indian Pueblos which lie in between Santa Fe and Colorado. This pueblo has been in its current location since the 1200s. Visitors can learn about the pueblo from the artists, who are known for their jewelry, painting and sculptures. The Tesuque Pueblo Flea Market is a great stop to purchase items from all over the world. This pueblo is located 10 miles north of Santa Fe off U.S. 84/285.
 Phone: (505) 983-2667/988-3620

Pojoaque Pueblo
Another pueblo not far from Santa Fe and the Tesuque Pueblo is the Pojoaque Pueblo. This pueblo is home to the Poeh Cultural Center and Museum where visitors can view traditional and contemporary cultural exhibits. This pueblo is located 15 miles north of Santa Fe, on U.S. 84/285.
 Phone: (505) 455-2278

Indian Museums

Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
If you prefer to stay within the Santa Fe city limits, there are several museums dedicated to preserving the history of Native Americans. Six new exhibits opened at the beginning of 2011 and will remain open until March 31, 2011. For those arriving in Santa Fe after the exhibits are gone, there are still plenty of presentations of Native American culture and history to explore throughout the museum.

Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
A trip to this museum is a great way to be introduced to Native American culture. Here, one can listen to stories and songs that explain the origins of Native Americans in the Southwest, explore the artwork of the Native Americans, and learn about the lifestyles of these people. The museum has a calendar of events designed to give visitors a unique experience each time they visit.

I hope these ideas give you a place to start in your exploration of Santa Fe. This list just grazes the surface of how much cultural diversity there is to discover in Santa Fe. If you are planning to relocate to Santa Fe, I’d be happy to help you get introduced to the city and find a home that fits your lifestyle. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance!

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

Santa Fe truly is a city of romance. Fine dining. Beautiful scenery. Shopping. Put those things together, and you get the perfect Valentine's Day. Whether you think it's a "Hallmark Holiday" or not, it's difficult to be in Santa Fe and not want to par-take in the romance of the City Different...

Let's begin with one of the best ways into any girl's heart - Chocolate!
Take the Chocolate Lover's Walking Tour and make your way through the streets of Santa Fe to experience the tantalizing tastes of artisanal chocolates. Hand-made by the very best chocolate makers, these chocolates are made from organic ingredients native to New Mexico such as chile, pinion nuts, and lavender.

The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach...
Santa Fe can offer you more than a "nice" dinner. Our restaurants are world-renowned. A combination of atmosphere, passionate chefs, and mouthwatering food makes for quite the romantic atmosphere. It is difficult, if not impossible, to choose one singe Santa Fe restaurant that is the most romantic. So we decided to get a little help from our favorite restaurant review sites to see what Santa Fe residents think. The votes are in, and here's what made the top of the list.

Urbanspoon
They chose The Compound Restaurant as their top romantic choice. Its quiet location off Canyon Road in a traditional Santa Fe compound, along with its seating setup made for privacy makes for a "just the two of us" atmosphere.

Yahoo
Geronimo Restaurant - Yahoo's claim for one of the most romantic dining options in Santa Fe. The 1700 renovated Adobe home on Canyon Road has a "Global Eclectic" style on the inside and makes for an unbelievably romantic setting. This is the kind of place where wedding proposals occur.

Yelp
Anasazi was the reigning champion on Yelp when it comes to romance. Cave-like dining rooms bedecked with stacked stone accents and walls stenciled with petroglyphs which were the rock paintings of the Anasazi people. The restaurant is actually part of The Inn of the Anasazi which is equally romantic with its hand-carved wooden doors, sandstone walls, and beamed wood ceiling for authentic pueblo style living.

Gem's are a girl's best friend
Leave it to Santa Fe to fulfill all of your Valentine's Day shopping needs. Jewelry in particular is a very popular shopping experience alongside the many galleries Santa Fe is known for. Shiprock Santa Fe is holding the "Red Gems Sale Event" from Friday, February 12th to Saturday, February 13th. You can receive 20% off almost all their jewelry and make some girl very happy.

Valentine's Day aside, Santa Fe is romantic more than just one day a year. Its romance is beyond that of a nice date; it is the kind of romance that is best described as a mystery, a fascination, an adventure, or strangely beautiful. Buying a home in Santa Fe is more than just putting a roof over your head. People are enthralled with Santa Fe real estate because its an entirely new way of life. One surrounded by mountains, culture, art, passionate people, and an indescribable "romance." As Santa Fe real estate agents, we have the privelege to bring that to you. If you're ready for our help, contact us anytime.

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."
-Albert Einstein

When you live in Santa Fe Real Estate, surrounded by culture, art, opportunity, and open minded people, educating your children is of the utmost importance to any Santa Fe homeowner. When you move to Santa Fe and you have a family, or are considering having one, we know that education is going to be at the top of your list of things to look for.  Raising children starts with putting them in the right environment. Santa Fe is a place for any young mind to flourish, but you must also be completely confident in a community's school system before you make the commitment to move there.

Great Schools, the country's leading source of information on school performance, is one of the best resources for finding out how a school is ranked by parents, students and the surrounding community. We did a little research on the public schools in the Santa Fe area to show you just how great Santa Fe schools are.

El Dorado Elementary and Middle school
El Dorado Elementary and Middle school is consistently ranked high on Great Schools. It has a current Great Schools rating of 9 out of 10 and an average community rating of 4 out of 5. The extracurricular activities that the school is best known for are Basketball, Community Service, and German. Parents very highly rated the level of parent involvement, as well as student involvement in El Dorado.

Santa Fe's Southwest Elementary school
Santa Fe's Southwest Elementary school is yet another school that has earned the esteemed Great Schools rating of 9 out of 10. Southwest Elementary serves grades K - 5. This school has ranked above average for their NMSBA test results, with a 94% ranking in Science and an 86% ranking in reading.

Los Alamos High School
With 1149 students, serving grades 9-12, Los Alamos High School has earned a perfect 10 out of 10 rating from Great Schools. This school has an average community rating of 4 out of 5 stars. One parent wrote in their review that, they moved from California to Los Alamos New Mexico to give their children a quality education. She was more than pleased with the results, adding "The Los Alamos Schools did their job."

If you have any other questions about the schools in Santa Fe, specifically in communities such as Aldea, El Dorado, La Tierra, Las Campanas, Los Alamos, Nambe, Pojoaque Valley, Rancho Viejo, or Tesuque Village, we would be more than happy to help. We want to help you find the perfect Santa Fe home, in a great Santa Fe neighborhood, and find your children an education that remains long after school.

Susan Orth & Isabella Luconi
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-216-6535
Email: [email protected]

SantaFeHomeStore.com
Santa Fe Homes
Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast