Publications such as Conde Nast and others rate Santa Fe in the top five nationwide and the top ten worldwide as a desirable city to visit. Of course, many of those visitors fall in love with our wonderful city and decide to move here or buy a second home.

Real estate continues to be a solid investment in Santa Fe. We are not on a bubble and rarely are. Appreciation in value is steady and reliable, in our opinion.

SANTA FE - NORTHEAST --
Many people delight in living in the historic downtown district, surrounded by winding streets, galleries and old trees. Those who live here walk their dogs along the Santa Fe River, stop in cafes to sip coffee, and even do some grocery shopping at Kaune's.

Near to downtown is the East Side. Adobe houses surrounded by coyote fences draped with ivy-like "silver mound" flourish on charming streets that meander along acequias. It is the quaintness and old world charm that define this expensive-per-square-foot area of Santa Fe.

Heading farther east, you encounter Cerro Gordo and Upper Canyon Road, a hilly, semi-rural area where newer homes abut traditional adobe residences.

Heading north along the Old Taos Highway, Bishops Lodge Road or Hyde Park Road, you get a sense of countryside. This area is more sparsely populated, and many of the homes and townhouses are hidden among pinon and juniper. Most even border an arroyo or picturesque area for walking "Spot."

SANTA FE - NORTHWEST --
Casa Solana is an example of a real neighborhood in the area. Here you will find sidewalks and kids playing with dogs on some of the few lawns in Santa Fe. Built in the 50's and 60's by developer Allen Stamm, most of the homes are good and solid with hardwood floors and kiva fireplaces.

Heading west on Alameda, you will find a variety of homes available. These vary from reasonably priced ones in little developments to more expensive ones whose very existence bump the entire area up a price notch or two.

SANTA FE - SOUTHEAST --
Within walking distance of downtown is the South Capital area, a diverse neighborhood with lots of seasoned homes and some quaint old apartment buildings. Chinese elms shade the streets and, for the gardeners, the ground abounds with organic matter.

In the direction of the foothills and off Old Santa Fe Trail is a semi-rural area where you will find pinon and juniper forests and southwest views of the Sandia and Ortiz Mountains.

SANTA FE - SOUTHWEST --
Housing is amicable and affordable, with amenities close by. You will find lots of families. Homes show true pride of ownership. Recently here, the city completed a new recreation complex, which includes ball fields and a golf course. This area includes Tierra Contenta, off Airport Road, a development in which the city is providing affordable homes.

TESUQUE VILLAGE, LOS CAMINITOS, VISTA REDONDA --
This area has a wonderful mix of people and properties. You have lots of lifestyle choices. You can live in the lush, green valley, on top of buttes or on hillsides. The area close to Rancho Encantado has sparse vegetation and thus provides more of an "old west" feeling.

NORTHWEST OF CITY --
This area includes the so-called La Tierra area, where acreage ranges from 1 acre up to approximately 20 acres. It features breathtaking views and paved access to the wonderful areas of Tierra del Oro, La Mariposa and Salva Tierra. The orignal La Tierra, Tierra Nueva and Las Dos create even more of a country feel with 10-20 acre tracts. The spectacular Las Companas development with two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, city utilities, country club amenities, and many spectacular homes, is also located in this sector.

POJOAQUE / NAMBE --
If you like the countryside and don't mind a bit of a drive, you might want to look at the Pojoaque/Nambe area. You can get green acreage and some good buys.

ELDORADO --
Eldorado is Santa Fe's newest community. The one-acre-lots subdivision is located about 13 miles from downtown. Overall, it represents good value for the money. Most homes include good to excellent views.

SOUTH OF ELDORADO --
The area is located about 15 miles southeast from downtown. It includes the beautiful areas of the Ridges, Lamy, Tierra Colinas, Los Vaqueros, and Old Road Ranch. This rural area offers from 2 ‡ -10 acre parcels with great views, serenity and privacy.