Hello, Rent is about $1,380/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 88,224 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Santa Fe? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
25 upvotes
3 Replies
Hazel Hall
noted, appreciate it
37 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
I'm a HR manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Kaylee Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.