Santa Fe may not be the largest LGBT city in the country, but being gay in Santa Fe is certainly not an issue. The city is quite welcoming—it’s called “the City Different” for a reason, after all. Many of those who live in Santa Fe describe themselves as being a little unusual, and the city is known for its arts and its unique culture. Its architecture draws many tourists from around the country every year, as does its many shopping districts and boutiques. Many are making Santa Fe their permanent home, especially those who are retiring.
The LGBT Population and Santa Fe
According to a study done by the University of California, Los Angeles, New Mexico’s LGBT population has been expanding since 2000. Santa Fe itself has seen many new LGBT individuals and couples move to the city, and gay and lesbian real estate agents have found themselves quite busy. They’re selling more than residential properties, too. A number of businesses in the city are owned by members of the LGBT community, with more looking to start boutiques and restaurants.
Pride
Santa Fe, like most large cities, does host a great Pride festival every year. It’s held in the Railyard, one of the city’s neighborhoods that, while not necessarily a gay ghetto, is home to many LGBT individuals and families.
Neighborhoods in Santa Fe
There are a number of different areas other than the Railyard where LGBT individuals gather. Each has its own unique style. Downtown Santa Fe is full of historic homes that embody the traditional architecture of the city. You won’t find too many new condos or houses here. In fact, there really isn’t a large amount of residential properties in the downtown area.
Over on the Historic East Side, however, you’ll find plenty of homes to consider purchasing. There are even some older adobe houses and a number of historic properties hidden away from the main streets. You’ll find houses with beautiful courtyards, portals, vigas, and other unique features that you’ll only find in Santa Fe-style homes.
Then there’s the South Capitol. This area includes a mixture of different homes. You’ll find small bungalows next to traditional homes next to Victorian manor houses. It’s eclectic, but many love it because it’s so different. A lot of these homes have been restored, so even though they look older, they’re in great shape. It’s a great place to live if you want a neighborhood that has very distinct houses.