Santa Fe is an ancient city nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Established in 1610, it is the oldest capital city in the United States. The Pueblo people of New Mexico predated the European settlement of Santa Fe by 12,000 years. Today, the Pueblo, Spanish, and Anglo cultures interweave the old with the new, creating a rich, often mystifying effect. The population of Santa Fe has tripled in the past 50 years, primarily due to the desire of new residents for a small town atmosphere combined with a centrally located, sophisticated urban wealth of cultural opportunities. For artists, the indescribable beauty draws and keeps them in love with this colorful city.
Much of what Santa Fe has to offer is located within the historic downtown area, which has a definite European feel, and can be covered easily on foot. Strict construction guidelines mandate the territorial and Spanish colonial architecture that characterizes the Santa Fe style. City codes allow no high rises to block the mountain views. Santa Fe is surrounded by National Forest and public land. Also, the city’s reputation as a major center for alternative healing draws many people to Santa Fe.
