The Northeast of Santa Fe, within city limits, combines the pleasures of quiet living with the conveniences of location. On every tree-lined street are examples of newer, award-winning architecture and well-established, older adobes. On one side of the Plaza stretches the Palace of the Governors. Constructed in the early 17th century as Spain’s seat of government, the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe chronicles and documents the history of the city, as well as New Mexico and the region. Stroll down East Palace Avenue past galleries, shops and lovely hotels. Historically this area was for many years the center of life in Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe Plaza – Historically, a plaza was the center of each Hispanic village, where people could come to relax under shady trees, hear music, socialize and hear the latest news. Santa Fe’s plaza has a large variety of shops, art galleries and restaurants. What makes the Santa Fe Plaza intriguing is the Palace of Governors, where the conquistadores, the Spanish conquerors of the Native Americans, placed the seat of their territorial government. Built in 1610 as a fort, it is now wonderful history museum. Another tradition that Santa Fe has become known for is the Native American artists that sit under the long, shady portal and sell their handmade jewelry, pottery and other works of art. All items sold by the Indians under the portal are made by either the vendor you’re talking to, or a member of his or her family.

Newer developments appear on your left and right as you climb in altitude into the tree-studded Sangre de Cristos. The Ski Basin Road boasts mouthwatering east and northern views, and some of the most distinguished newer homes in Santa Fe, The Summit and Sierra del Norte are two of the city’s premier developments. Also on the Ski Basin Road are Cerros Colorados and the older community of Hyde Park Estates, both with wonderful homes and incredible views.

The neighborhoods of Bishop’s Lodge and Circle Drive offer fabulous east and northern views from the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Despite Santa Fe’s many cultural amenities only minutes away, these communities provide seclusion, luxury and privacy.

With creeks and shade trees in adundance, the Bishop’s Lodge area takes its name from the 19c summer residence of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy. Minimal development over the years has ensured an unspoiled terrain dotted with cottonwoods and piñon trees, full of natural beauty with much of it bordering the Santa Fe National Forest.

Circle Drive is one of Santa Fe’s most prestigious neighborhoods, with spectacular views of the encompassing mountain ranges and hills. Skiing, hiking and the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera is a short drive away.

The picturesque, incorporated village of Tesuque enjoys a rural feel (there are still horse properties here) and is only five minutes north of Santa Fe, just beyond Bishop’s Lodge. Known for its valley of lush vegetation and the Tesuque River, as well as hilltop sites with views and traditional Northern New Mexico pinon and juniper, Tesuque attracts artists, professionals, retirees, second home owners, and celebrities looking to hide out.