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Santa Fe Community Overview

In this new century, quality of life is more important than ever in making a choice about where to live and work. Although usually measured in affordable housing, scenic beauty, sports and recreation, public school system achievement, and arts and culture, quality of life encompasses some things that cannot be measured: the energy of the population; the purity of the air and luminosity of the sky at 7000 feet; multi-cultural stories that seep between the blocks of centuries-old adobe dwellings.

Cost of Living

As its reputation for art, tourism amenities and luxury living implies, the cost of living in Santa Fe is higher than elsewhere in New Mexico. While housing costs are significantly above the national average, they are still below that of large coastal cities. Wages hover around the national average, but above average for the state of New Mexico. ACCRA data has not been collected for Santa Fe County since first quarter 2004.

Cost of Living Index

2nd Quarter 2003

3rd Quarter 2003


4th Quarter 2003

1st Quarter 2004

2nd Quarter 2004

Composite Index

114.2

119.8

118.3

116.6

111.6

Housing

146.1

152.4

146.4

141.5

128.7

Groceries

103.3

115.7

103.2

110.6

111.5

Utilities

84.4

109.2

108.5

101.3

86.9

Transportation

99.4

100.4

107.1

104.4

108.0

Health Care

104.7

126.8

122.1

130.0

118.5

Misc. Goods/ Services

105.5

101.1

106.1

103.1

103.6

ACCRA Report - Santa Fe County

New Dwelling Units (city and unincorporated urban area)

1990-97

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004 (est.)

2005

3,674

841

443

638

488

1,033

1000

1055

In 2005, 268 new dwelling units were built or permitted for construction in Tierra Contenta, representing 42% of all new residential construction in the city and 25% in the region.

Source: City Permit and Development Review Division ; County Land Use Department ; Tierra Contenta Corporation

Housing Growth Rates (2005): City: 2.0% Urban Area: 1.6% Regional: 2.1%

Education

Santa Fe Community College has 3000+ students in continuing education and adult basic education courses. It is accredited by yhe Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its programs in nursing and early childhood education have received national accreditation.

Colleges/Universities 2004 enrollment

Santa Fe Public Schools 2005 enrollment*

  • 22 Elementary schools: 7,635
  • 4 Middleschools: 1,901
  • 5 High schools: 3,584
  • Total: 13,775 students including special education programs and charter schools
  • Students: 66% Hispanic, 27% Anglo, 3% Native American, 3% other
  • Annual budget (2004): $152 million
*Source: Santa Fe Public Schools

Private Schools

  • 83 registered private schools serving 4,930 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students

Quality of Life

Hike/Bike Trails
Since 1990, the city has constructed 4.5 miles of paved, off-road trails. Another 12 miles of designated bike routes have been established along city streets, including Siringo, Old Pecos Trail, Don Gaspar, Galisteo, and Yucca. During 2005, 1.25 miles of paved off-road trails were created in the Nava Ada neighborhood, 2.3 miles of unpaved trails in Las Estrellas, and 5 miles along Rodeo and Airport Roads.

Park Acreage per 1,000 Residents: 4.2 (2005)
The city's goal is 5 acres per 1,000 residents.

Air Quality
Santa Fe boasts the cleanest air in the nation. The air quality is consistently ranked good to very good, with an AQI of 0.7.

Obtaining a Business License:
Visit the City of Santa Fe Inspections and Enforcement Office at City Hall, 200 Lincoln Ave., for a Certificate of Occupancy packet. For standard businesses, the cost is $35, and your license will be mailed within 5 days, after all inspections have been completed and all paper work accepted. Phone: (505) 955-6551