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Mateo Thompson best-worst

What surprised you most about Santa Fe?

Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. Poverty rate is 5.5%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $974/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $974 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.

Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Friendly people
- Good schools
- Lots of new development
- Active local events

Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- Far from major airports
- Limited cultural events
What do you all think? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
1 upvotes

5 Replies

Nathan Gray
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
37 upvotes
Landon T.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
33 upvotes
lake_david50
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
portlandlover2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
Noah H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
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