Real Estate Information Archive

So it seems that we just can't get enough of walking the streets of Santa Fe. Last week we told you about our walk around Santa Fe's Canyon Road, a few weeks back we told you about hiking Santa Fe's Blue Dot Trail, and this week we took yet another one around the Santa Fe Railyard. That says something about living in Santa Fe; even long-time residents like us are still exploring it and finding new things to love about it every day.

SantaFeHomeStore.com already gives you a pretty good run-down on the Santa Fe Railyard so please check that out if you want to know more about Santa Fe Railyard real estate.

In today's blog, however, we would like to explore what is going on right now in the Railyard. If you are looking for a home in the Railyard area, this should give you a small taste of what your social calendar could look like. Below we will share with you a few upcoming events for this one-of-a-kind Santa Fe gathering place, along with the pictures of our Railyard walk of course!

Blue Air Opening Reception
Where: Railyard Plaza
When: January 14, 5-7 pm
Axle Contemporary presents a mobile presentation of contemporary art based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This art gallery on wheels hosts installations, performances, and exhibitions on works of paper. Santa Fe always welcomes art with open arms so the Railyard is sure to receive this unusual art presentation well.

Santa Fe Farmers Market
Where: The Railyard Market Pavillion at 1607 Paseo de Peralta
When: Every Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm
Just because it's winter, doesn't mean that the Farmers' Market has to stop. The food-lovers of Santa Fe wouldn't hear of it! Apple cider, red chile (of course!), winter squash, apples, potatoes, carrots, beets, spinach, arugula, salad greens, sprouts, garlic, kale, cabbage, tomatoes, honey, eggs, cheeses, grassfed meats, baked goods, dried foods, original crafts, body care, lavender products, chile ristras, and much more! To further enhance the already high energy in the market, there will also be live music, a breakfast/lunch concession, a cooking and gardening gift shop, and special events throughout the season.

Wednesday Night Movie Series
Where: The Railyard Market Pavillion at 1607 Paseo de Peralta
When: Wednesday, January 19, 7pm
One of the best community activities is a movie showing. Why spend the money at the movie theater when you can enjoy a movie for free among your Santa Fe community? Just pop your own bag of popcorn and you have the full movie theater experience! This particular movie is very fitting for the health-minded residents of Santa Fe. It's called "What's Organic About Organic?" This film asks the question - what happens when a grassroots agricultural movement turns into a booming commercial market? Just make sure to bring organic popcorn.

So what is it about Santa Fe that makes it a sought-after place to live? We think it's the fact that it's different. It's unusual. It's artistic. It's open-minded. There's always something new and exciting, yet its history is never forgotten. Boredom is never a problem because there is always something to do. But there is also no pressure to do anything at all, as relaxation, nature and solitude are also a large part of the culture. We can't say enough good things about Santa Fe. We are knowledgable, energetic, and honest Santa Fe real estate agents that are happy to help people find their dream home in Santa Fe. Let us know if that is you.

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

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

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We don't mean to brag, but we really have it really good living in Santa Fe. For example, need a little fresh air? No problem, we just step out of our City Different Realty office, walk a few blocks, and we are smack dab in the middle of the one-and-only historic Canyon Road.

If you are looking at Santa Fe real estate, then we highly suggest you take a trip down to Canyon Road too. However, if you can't quite get there yet, we have provided a few pictures of our walk to visually guide you through the history of Canyon Road...

Canyon Road was at one time a rural neighborhood stretched along an old Indian Trail. The oldest Santa Fe home on Canyon Road dates back to at least the 1750s.

As farming in the desert was not an easy feat, the Spanish built an irrigation canal above the River, parallel to Canyon Road and called it "Acequia Madre" ("mother ditch"). The water from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains sustained the crops, the livestock, and the people of the Canyon Road neighborhoods, and continues to today. A walk down Acequia Madre Street, just one block south of Canyon Road, is one of the best ways to witness the ancient stone-lined canal and the beautiful Adobe homes.



A century later, when the US Army arrived in Santa Fe, soldiers built a sawmill in the Canyon to allow for the building of Ft. Marcy, located just Northeast of the Santa Fe Plaza. This marked a big change in the area for it was the United State's acquisition of New Mexico in the Mexican-American War.

Even with the changes to the area, including the influx of Anglo-American people, Canyon Road somehow kept its quiet, peaceful demeanor. And it stayed that way, until the early Twentieth Century when the art community found its way to Canyon Road.

Not to say that it is no longer a peaceful area, but today Canyon Road is known for its more than 100 art galleries and studios, variety of  restaurants, and of course, the historic adobe architecture.

If you've decided that you want historical beauty, artistic personality and archictecture with character all within two blocks of your work or your home, then there's no place better than Santa Fe. If you want to take a walk with us next time, just give us a call. We'd be happy to have you join us!

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

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

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I know there are some of you out there who are incredibly organized, started your shopping two months ago, and are just putting the finishing touches on your gift wrap tonight. But then there's those of you who are just getting started tonight. This particular Santa Fe blog is for the latter.

Santa Fe, New Mexico is actually a very popular shopping destination, known for its unique stores and small boutiques. In Santa Fe, even when you do last minute shopping, you can still get a very personal, one-of-a-kind gift...

For your Mom, the Art lover
Canyon Road
This is Santa Fe's historic shopping center, known for its numerous art galleries (more than 100), unique specialty shops, restaurants, and historic adobe architecture. The best part is, the galleries are open late just for holiday shopping!

For your sister, the decorator
Jackalope
2820 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Find imports from Mexico like inexpensive woven rugs, recycled glassware, pottery, and handmade ornaments from Indonesia.

For your aunt, the Native American art lover
The Rainbow Man
107 E. Palace
Santa Fe, NM
A trusted source for Native American and Hispanic arts and gifts, it is known for its unique collection of Edward S. Curtis photography.

For your brother, the musician
Galerie Estaban
A mix of modern/classic Spanish guitar music and local art.

For your best friend, the die hard line dancer
Back at the Ranch
209 East Marcy Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
What's Santa Fe without a good Cowboy store? Specializing in the largest collection of handmade cowboy boots in the world, Back at the Ranch is a high-end Western boutique known throughout the world for its custom-made and in-stock boots. You can even custom design your own logo, brand or theme!

For your girlfriend (you can never go wrong with jewelry)
Charlotte Jewelry
66 E San Francisco Street
Santa Fe, NM 87591
Stunning stainless steel, sterling silver, 18K gold, palladium and platinum jewelry. You can make a gift really personal by creating your own jewelry piece, by changing it from a ring into a pendant or bracelet.

For your co-worker, you didn't realize she was going to get you something!
Maya
108 Galisteo Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
This is the everything store of Santa Fe. It's a mix between a boutique, a general store, a shoe store, a jewelry store, and a clothing store. Find everything from fashion, jewelry, and folk art to unusual kitchen and table top decor.  They have a ton of holiday discounts running right now so it's a great place to stop before Christmas.

The one thing you never have to worry about in Santa Fe New Mexico is the "every day" or the "mass produced." Santa Fe, the City Different, is all about being just that - different!  Whether that be the shops, or the Santa Fe homes and the communities that surround them. For example, the traditional and historical setting of the Tesuque Village, home to the Tesuque Pueblo, but also home to stunning real estate of other Santa Fe homeowners. Or what about Railyard Real Estate, which boasts live-in art studios, but also 13 acres of open space. Words really do not do Santa Fe Real Estate justice. You have to come see it for yourself. When you're ready to take the next step to buy or sell your Santa Fe home, please give me a call.

Until then, wishing you a very Merry Santa Fe Christmas!

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

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

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Winter dances of the Pueblos have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. These profoundly moving ceremonies are defined by heart-beating drums, voices raised in prayer and the movements of the sacred dance. The dances are essentially prayers - prayers for good weather, good health, good friends, individual members of the Pueblo, all the people on the earth.

This celebration is something unique to Santa Fe New Mexico because the Indian Pueblos are located in the majestic mountain landscape between Santa Fe and Colorado. The Land of Enchantment is so rich in culture and diversity, events like the Dance for the Northern Pueblos are not hard to come by. With that said, these dances are an incredible, one-of-a-kind experience and highly recommended.

Dance Schedule for the Northern Pueblos for December

December 11, 12
POJOAQUE PUEBLO
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day with vespers and procession
JEMEZ PUEBLO
Matachines Dances

December 24 - Christmas Eve
PICURIS and OHKAY OWINGEH
Torchlight Procession, Vespers and Matachines Dance
Dances after midnight Mass at TESUQUE PUEBLO
Buffalo, Deer and Antelope dances at NABE PUEBLO
Also after Mass TAOS PUEBLO Vespers and Procession of the Virgin Mary with dancers and bonfires

December 25 - Christmas Day
JEMEZ, TESUQUE, TAOS, OHKAY OWINGEH, SANTA CLARA and PICURIS various dances

December 25 - 27
OHKAY OWINGEH Turtle Dance

December 28
PICURIS PUEBLO Holy Innocents' Day
Children's Dance

Please note that Pueblo dances are religious ceremonies, not performances. They should be treated the same as a church service. There are a few more rules about etiquette that can be found here.

Typical Holiday celebrations like visiting Santa, decorating the tree and lighting the Menorah are always fun, but there's something exhilarating about participating in another culture's traditions.  These dances hold great importance to the Pueblos and, whether you believe with them or not, you cannot deny their beauty.

That is the thing about living in Santa Fe New Mexico. Beauty is all around you.  Buying a home in Santa Fe is truly an investment because the land that it sits on is so rich in so many ways.  When you're ready to make the move, or even sell your Santa Fe home to a deserving buyer, give me a call.

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

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

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A home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, although wonderful, is not everybody's tradition. Dining out has become quite a popular Thanksgiving tradition for both Santa Fe Visitors and Santa Fe homeowners, alike.  After all, when you live in a place like Santa Fe New Mexico, surrounded by some of the best restaurants in the country, why wouldn't you take every chance you get to try a new one?

Maybe this year you would like to leave the stress of cooking the big turkey behind. Or maybe you only recently moved to your Santa Fe home and you don't have the family here to hold the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Rest assured, many of the restaurants of Santa Fe are as warm and comforting as your closest friend's welcoming abode. Then there are others that offer a dining experience that is difficult to find in any household.

Whatever your desire - a homey atmosphere, a five star experience, or fantastic surroundings - Santa Fe New Mexico has the restaurants to make 2010 a Thanksgiving to remember. As soon as you find one that makes your mouth water, give them a call and put your bid in for your Thanksgiving Day reservation…

Desire: Just Like Home
Santa Fe Restaurant: Dinner for Two
It doesn't hit much closer to home than Dinner for Two. This family owned and operated restaurant has an unassuming exterior, and a warm and romantic interior, along with an attentive waitstaff and live classical music every weekend from 7-9 pm. You will most definitely be surrounded by family, even if not your own. Mom, Pam Schwarz runs the front of the house; son Andy Barnes is the chef and husband/dad, Gregory Barnes, bakes the bread. Ideal for indecisive eaters who want to try a little bit of everything, the menu is set up so that you are able to experiment new treats and share tastes with your dinner guests. A wine pairing is a must with anything you choose, as Dinner for Two has won the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for the past 6 years.
For reservations, call (505) 820-2075.

Desire: Fine Turkey Dining
Santa Fe Restaurant: La Casa Sena
Ready and waiting for all of the bright-eyed and anxious Thanksgiving diners, La Casa Sena has already planned a four course dinner for the special dining day. First course, a spiced quince, Bay Scallop Tartlette. Next, choose between a Mesquite-grilled pumpkin soup or the LCS Waldorf Salad. The third course, the entree, brings a maple chimayo chile glazed free range turkey with complimenting side dishes or a Achiote roasted pork loin. Last but not least - dessert. Sunken chocolate cake with cranberry ice cream or caramelized pear upside-down gingerbread. The best part is - If you still cannot bare to skip an at-home Thanksgiving dinner, they have a Take Out option with all the trimmings!
For reservations, call (505) 988-9232.

Desire: Location, Location, Location
Santa Fe Restaurant: Terra
If you are looking for truly spectacular Santa Fe surroundings on your Thanksgiving day, then, without a doubt, Terra is where you have to be. This four-Diamond restaurant, located inside the five Diamond Encantado Resort is about 20 minutes north of Santa Fe, past the village of Tesuque New Mexico. It offers walls of windows and the most breathtaking Santa Fe views you could hope for. Oh yeah, the food isn't bad either. Butternut squash soup with caramelized apples, roasted chestnuts and sage, West Coast oysters with jalapeno mignonette, or a Foie Gras-roasted Turkey Breast and confit of the leg served with truffle-mashed potatoes are just a few of the options for your Thanksgiving feast.
For reservations, call (505) 946 5800.

Santa Fe Real Estate is unlike any other location. Where else can you find the dining options mentioned above, paired with the mountainous surroundings of the Santa Fe setting? Since Thanksgiving is a time of thanks, I cannot help but be appreciative of my Santa Fe home, and the opportunity I get every day to help others realize their dream of living in Santa Fe New Mexico.

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

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

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Santa Fe Real Estate Podcast

People usually come to Santa Fe for a special reason, whether they want to visit for a week of spiritual peace and regeneration, or to own a Santa Fe home nestled in the rolling hills of the vibrant city. Whatever the case may be, living in Santa Fe means that you are living in a city swarming with art and culture at every corner. Even the history of Santa Fe shows that the city proved to be of interest to artists from Europe and America who were interested in studying the land's native culture and natural beauty.

This same fact still proves true today. With it's extensive, unique culture and history, it is no surprise that people have been inspired by their Santa Fe experience. It is also no surprise that the importance of art and culture continues to be a vital part of Santa Fe's source of revenue: it is reported that about 39 percent of Santa Fe's economy comes from the city's active promotion of its art and culture. Many Native American and Hispanic artists have learned (and even modernized) the artistic techniques of their ancestors in order to make truly memorable works of art that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

A great example of this is the El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe, which is "more like a community center than the conventional museum." This center takes pride in community, the promotion of Hispanic art, the idea of unifying diverse traditions, and the practice of getting young people engaged with the culture of Santa Fe. El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe also hosts music, dance, and acting classes as well as the vibrant Contemporary Hispanic Market.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the Santa Fe Gallery Association represents many dealers, museums, and galleries that are actively involved in Santa Fe's thriving art community. This month's upcoming exhibits include Gordon Micunis: Art Jewelry at the Arroyo Gallery, Mike Mahon: Pastel Autumn at the Art Exchange Gallery, and Jessie Hummingbird - Native American Night Before Christmas at Silver Sun Santa Fe. For more information on these events and more, be sure to visit the Santa Fe Gallery Association's website.

Throughout the year, Santa Fe hosts multiple artistically charged events for the community to enjoy, including the visual, studio, and performing arts. Both visitors and Santa Fe home owners alike enjoy attending the world renowned annual art markets and traveling studio tours. With over 200 galleries and over a dozen cultural and historical museums, there's always a new and exciting exhibit for everyone to enjoy in Santa Fe! If you are looking for a piece of Santa Fe real estate, or if you need a Santa Fe Real Estate Agent to help you become a part of this city's thriving culture, be sure to give me a call!

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

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

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The most difficult part about living in Santa Fe New Mexico Real Estate, is making a decision when you go out for a night on the town. This is especially true when it comes to Santa Fe restaurants. There are so many options it can cause one's head to spin and one's mouth to water, all at the same time.

I may have stumbled upon the cure for the new Santa Fe homeowner who is desperate to try all of the renowned food that Santa Fe is famous for. Make a visit to the Santa Fe School of Cooking.  They have something called the "Restaurant Walking Tour." For $115, you can choose four different restaurants in which to dine, all in one night. For each restaurant, the chef serves a tapas-sized menu along with an alcoholic beverage, followed by his or her philosophy on cooking.
 
Restaurants in the line up include Restaurant Martin, The Inn at Loretto, The Plaza Cafe, II Piatto, Amavi, La Casa Sena, Rio Chama, Santacafe, Galisteo Bistro, 315 Restaurant and Wine Bar, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, and La Boca.

If you are looking to try your hand at some Southwestern cooking at home, the School's market sells rare spices and seasonings, as well as one-of-a-kind kitchen gadgets.

Living in Santa Fe is the ultimate indulgence. Every sight, every taste, and every scent heightens the senses. While it is easy to be overwhelmed by the abundance of art venues and restaurants, once you become a Santa Fe homeowner, there is a sense of bliss that comes over you. You are surrounded by beauty and art and energy all of the time. It doesn't get any better than that. If this sounds like the kind of life you want to live, give me a call. I can help you find the perfect Santa Fe home.

Susan Orth
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-310-4133
Email: [email protected]

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It's officially September in Santa Fe and that means that it's chile season! Our chile, however is not the same chile that most of you cold weather cities are experiencing this time of year. Our chile is a beautiful vibrant colored fruit that takes over Santa Fe in September. Chile roasters pop up on every corner - from parking lots to grocery stores. You can literally smell the aroma of roasting chiles in the streets. The best way to celebrate this native-grown fruit is the same way Santa Fe celebrates everything - with a festival!

Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta
The 20th Annual Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival runs from Wednesday September 22nd to Sunday September 26th. Attend seminars and tastings featuring special guest presenters like Master Chefs and Sommeliers. Learn how to pair wine with southwestern cuisine - most made with chiles of course. The 17th Annual Gruet Golf Classic has a different sparkling wine with a food from a different restaurant at every third hole. This event is simply fantastic and opens up your taste buds to the finest in Southwestern cuisine. It's so popular, in fact, that many of the events and presentations are already sold out, but it's worth a try to at least get on the waiting list and be the first in line come next year.

Hatch Chiles
Over Labor Day weekend, I attended the other notable Chile haven - Hatch, New Mexico. The annual Hatch Chile Festival is held in the tiny town of Hatch known for their incredible chile headquarters where their farmers are constantly creating new breeds and various tastes. Burritos, enchiladas, gorditas, caldillo, chile verde con carne, tacos, chiles rellenos, chile-topped burgers, chile in a sack, chile powders and chile sauces - it's like Bubba Gump's shrimp story, but with chile. Even though the festival is over, you can still order Hatch chile in every form imaginable -  seeds, dried, fresh, frozen, canned, and other specialties - straight from Hatch's New Mexico Chile website. Take a look below for pictures of my trip. I can almost smell the chiles just looking at the pictures.

Red Chile Rasberry Jam
As I said above, with Santa Fe's abundance of chiles, almost no food is safe from a chile experiment. You must make a trip to the Santa Fe Farmers Market for a jar of Heidi's rasberry jam. The most popular jam called "followed by red chile," combines molten rasberries with red chiles. Just take a look at Heidi's website to see what a runaway hit this chile concoction has become.

If you like the sounds of a city where chile fills the streets, food and culture are coveted, and taking breaks on the golf course means stopping for a wine tasting every third hole, then Santa Fe Real Estate is for you. If you are looking for a Santa Fe Home, please give me a call. I would be more than happy to introduce you into my world.

Susan Orth
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-310-4133
Email: [email protected]

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A perfectly pleasant trip to the Artist Market at the Santa Fe Plaza.

First a little shopping...

A stop to listen to some good street musicians...

And then tacos...

Another wonderful day in Santa Fe! Not a cloud in the sky, a light breeze, good art, and a vibrant atmosphere. Interested in Santa Fe Real Estate? Give me a call.

Susan Orth
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-310-4133
Email: [email protected]

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When looking to move to a new place, you often think to look for qualities like recreation, education, transportation, vocation, etc. Santa Fe Real Estate has all of these qualities, in spades. But not often does the mind wander to the air quality of a place. Well in case you were curious, Santa Fe has got that quality in the bag too.

Santa Fe was rated number 2 in the Top 25 Cleanest U.S. Cities for Year Round Particle Pollution by the American Lung Association. Most cities are polluted with a noxious mix of chemicals and particles that can damage your lungs and even shorten your life.

The average adult takes 15 to 20 breaths a minute. Your nose, throat, windpipe and lungs brings air into the body with every breath. Once in the lungs, the oxygen from each breath is taken into the bloodstream and sent to all of your body's cells. So it goes without saying how important it is to keep these breaths of air as clean as possible.

Bad Air = Bad Health = Short Life.

World-renowned art, museums, attractions, breathtaking beauty - Santa Fe Real Estate has a lot of great qualities. But when all is said and done, breaths of fresh air might be one of its most valuable assets.

If you are looking to move to a "City Different" that offers a breath of fresh air, please give me a call. I can help you find a beautiful Santa Fe home, in the midst of the mountains, where you can breath in nothing but clean, chemical-free air.

Susan Orth
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
City Different Realty

Phone: 505-310-4133
Email: [email protected]
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