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A landscape view of the mountains in Santa Fe

Best Suburbs in Santa Fe for Families

Read Time: 7 min read

Raising a family in Santa Fe? New Mexico’s capital city, also known as The City Different, offers Santa Fe families safe streets, top-rated schools, fun activities, and more. Here are the five best suburbs in Santa Fe for families!

Agua Fria

Adobe-style Santa Fe townhome with large windows. Photo by Instagram user @sellingsantafe.

Photo via @sellingsantafe 

  • Housing Price: $195,500 median purchase price; $722 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of New Mexico cities

The village of Agua Fria is open and spacious while still providing plenty of things to do! Many families live in Agua Fria because of its proximity to schools in the Santa Fe Public Schools District—as well as the abundance of affordable houses ranging in style, from Pueblos and Adobe-style homes to Territorial-Revivals and Bungalows. Residents also benefit from the community’s love of the arts and strong connections! Reunity Resources, a non-profit based in the middle of Agua Fria, features a two-acre urban farm that supplies the Santa Fe Community Fridge and the Reunity Resources Farm Stand, as well as their food access programs. The community can also join in on sponsored events like Farm Camp, the Annual Fall Festival, Yoga on the Farm, music shows, and monthly Queer Nights!

Things to Do in Agua Fria

Laugh the night away with improvised comedy shows or sign up for classes with Santa Fe Improv. See unique artwork including drawings, glass sculptures, ceramics, and more at Santa Fe art gallery, 5. Gallery. Let your imagination run wild by exploring immersive art exhibits for all ages at Meow Wolf. Let the kids pick out a new outfit at popular retail stores and grab a bite to eat at Santa Fe Place Mall. Start the day with a Caramel Macchiato and fresh-baked Cranberry Orange Muffin from Java Joe’s. Sit down for breakfast and enjoy Buenos Dias, a Pancake Sandwich, or Steak and Eggs from Flying Tortilla. Choose from hearty Italian dishes like Carbonara Pasta, Chicken Picatta, or Meat Lasagna at Piccolino Italian Restaurant. Dig into BBQ favorites like the Santa Fe Smoked Brisket, Famous Pulled Pork Bowl, or The Big Boy Pit Sandwich, and save room for a piece of Grandpa Bill’s Bourbon Pecan Pie at Uncle DT’s Smokehouse.

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Eldorado at Santa Fe

  • Housing Price: $371,900 median purchase price; $1,401 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of New Mexico cities

Surrounded by the vast desert on all sides, Eldorado at Santa Fe is one of the best places in the Santa Fe area to raise a family! Growing families in this Santa Fe suburb can choose from spacious Adobe-style homes, and a great education awaits your kids at El Dorado Community School. And all residents can take advantage of great amenities and community events in Santa Fe—including weekly hikes, Bible study, aerobics classes, and more—through the Eldorado Community Improvement Association, ensuring your family thrives in a welcoming community atmosphere!

Things to Do in Eldorado at Santa Fe

Take the family to Que Sera Alpacas, where your little ones can get up close with alpacas! Spend the day hiking, biking, or riding a horse along the trails at the Galisteo Basin Preserve. Swim laps at the pool, play a game of basketball, or let the kids run wild on the Compadres Park playground at the Eldorado Community Center. Pick up fresh fruits and veggies at Eldorado Farmers Market. Try The A.M. Burrito, Country Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich, or Carne Rancheros Bowl from The Brunch Box Blue. Fill up on Bison Bolognese, Chicken Ravioli, or Seared Salmon from Arable. Or stop by Upper Crust Pizza to fill up with a Stromboli Calzone, Margarita Pizza, or BBQ Chicken Pizza.

La Cienega

Tan Pueblo Revival home with brown details. Photo by Instagram user @aerialfrog.

Photo via @aerialfrog

  • Housing Price: $243,100 median purchase price; $1,205 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 72% of New Mexico cities

Want to live in a safe, affordable suburb in Santa Fe? Check out La Cienega, NM! Charming Southwest-inspired homes, including Pueblo Revivals and Adobes, decorate this Santa Fe suburb’s rolling hills at affordable prices. Kids are able to attend nearby schools like Turquoise Trail Charter School, Nina Otero Community School, and The Academy for Technology and the Classics (ATC). Lively events and festivals are hosted by museums in La Cienega year-round, giving residents ample opportunities to learn about and celebrate New Mexico culture. Though there’s plenty to keep you busy in the area, you’ll also have easy access to the Santa Fe Regional Airport when it’s time to get out and vacation with the family!

Things to Do in La Cienega

Perfect your swing at the driving range, relax at the pool, or grab a bite to eat at The Club Lounge when you become a member at the Santa Fe Country Club. Marvel at hundreds of ancient petroglyphs above the Santa Fe River at the La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs. Tour the historic ranch or attend annual events like the Harvest Festival or Renaissance Faire at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas. Treat yourself to a Rio Grande Hot Stone Massage, relax at a yoga class, or soak in a thermal pool at Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort. Looking for BBQ in Santa Fe? Order a Pulled Pork or Two Meat Plate paired with Beans and Potato Salad at Power 5 BBQ. Enjoy a Green Chile Cheeseburger, Hacienda Salad, or Calamari Flechas Frias at Blue Heron Restaurant. Devour Guatemalan dishes such as Huevos Al Gusto, Pepian Con Carne, or Pollo Dorado from Chapin & Mex Restaurant. Or find Mexican favorites like Steak Tacos, Pork Tamales Red, or Bean Burritos just outside the suburb at El Parasol.

Los Alamos

  • Housing Price: $277,700 median purchase price, $933 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of New Mexico cities

Located northwest of Santa Fe, Los Alamos offers residents an urban-suburban feel with a variety of single and multi-family homes, ranging from bungalows to Southwest-style and Spanish Revivals. Parents can send their kids to top-rated schools in Los Alamos such as Barranca Mesa Elementary School, Los Alamos Middle School, and Los Alamos High School. In addition, kids living in Los Alamos can get involved with lots of community clubs and events such as After School & Los Alamos Got Talent and CoderDojo Los Alamos. But the main draw to this suburb for families is the abundance of trails scattered. Families who love outdoor recreation really value Los Alamos’ proximity, as it’s a gateway to three National Parks—including Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument!

Things to Do in Los Alamos

Try to spot all three scenic riversRio Chama, Pecos, and East Fork Jemez River—during a family hike through Santa Fe National Forest. Learn about the Manhattan Project, The Atomic Age, and more with interactive exhibits at the Bradbury Science Museum. Discover this Santa Fe suburb’s important role in the Cold War through audio and video recordings at the Los Alamos History Museum. Take the kids ice skating or gather friends together for a hockey game from November to February at Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Start your morning with a Bagel Melt or “Up and Atom” Sandwich paired with a cup of coffee from Ruby K’s Bagel Cafe. Enjoy a plate of Loaded Nachos with an American Bison Burger while the little ones enjoy Spaghetti & Meatballs from Blue Window Bistro. Order a Green Chile Cheeseburger, Blue Corn Enchilada, or one of the daily specials from Viola’s Restaurant. Or sink your teeth into Smoked Chicken Wings, Truffle Mac N’ Cheese, or a Build-a-Burger at Pajarito Brewpub and Grill.

Tesuque

  • Housing Price: $640,900 median purchase price; $1,202 median rental price
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of New Mexico cities

Looking for a quiet, secluded Santa Fe suburb to raise a family? Look no further than the village of Tesuque! Named after the nearby tribe of Tesuque Pueblo, artists were historically drawn to the area due to its natural beauty, and the arts and culture scene is still a central part of life in Tesuque—from art galleries to Santa Fe Opera season. You can find more beauty in the suburb’s housing—Adobe, Southwest, and Territorial Revivals offer affordable living with beautiful landscaping. What’s more, this Santa Fe County suburb is just 15 minutes away from the city center, offering families a tranquil oasis without losing the convenience of big-city amenities. And though residents have quick access to Downtown Santa Fe, they can also take advantage of local staple Tesuque Village Market, which offers a store, bakery, and restaurant in one!

Things to Do in Tesuque

See an opera performance like The Flying Dutchman or Rusalka—or sign the kids up for Opera Storytellers Summer Camp or Youth Nights at the Opera at The Santa Fe Opera. Go camping, walk the trails, or go sledding during the winter months at Hyde Memorial State Park. Sign up for a glassblowing class or watch Santa Fe artists create beautiful pieces at Tesuque Glassworks. Dig in to brunch favorites like Chicken & Waffles, Short Stack, or Avocado Toast at Skyfire. Taste delicious dishes like Roasted Half Chicken, The El Nido Pizza, or Lamb Pappardelle while sitting fireside at El Nido. Get your fill of Mexican dishes like Fresh Guacamole with Salsa, Green Chile Stew, or a Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burger at Tesuque Village Market. Or head to Ten Thousand Waves spa and order grilled Miso Bass, Bibimbap, or Roasted Beet & Shisho Croquettes from in-house restaurant, Izanami.

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Mike Beutler

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.