Close to town and just west of the west side, the small area of Barrio la Cañada provides a quiet, family-oriented community. The homes are larger in size than the west side and many have special decorative touches. Older landscaping and mature trees line the sidewalks. Casa Alegre & Barrio la Cañada are served by Salazar Elementary, the Aspen Community Magnet School, Milagro Middle School and Santa Fe High School.
The homes in the Kaune Neighborhood, accessed from Monterey drive just off Cerrillos road, are also of Stamm-design with hardwood floors and vigas in an area with parks, schools and churches. A broader selection of architectural elements are available here from the flat roof styles of California to Spanish pueblo or Territorial. Planned by famed Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem, Kaune Elementary School, 1409 Monterey Drive, serves the families here. The school was named for Alfred Kaune, a past president of the Santa Fe school board.
Tierra Contenta Corporation is a 501(c)(3) corporation that provides builder-ready tracts to production homebuilders and finished lots for small builders and non-profit housing providers. Their goal is to provide at least 40% of the homes affordable by those earning less than 80% of the area median income. When complete, Tierra Contenta will have approximately 4000 homes, plus businesses, schools, community services, parks, and abundant open space. Tierra Contenta is served by the Nina Otero Community School and Capital High School.
Just south of Santa Fe, the community of Rancho Viejo blends with the scenic beauty of the Southwestern landscape and reflects the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico. Uniquely designed as a collection of villages, each with its own central gathering plaza and bordering preserved open space, Rancho Viejo creates a sense of living amid nature, complemented by community amenities and homes of exceptional quality. Rancho Viejo is served by the Amy Biehl Community School at Rancho Viejo, Milagro Middle School and Santa Fe High School.
Nava Ade is a beautiful, planned development off Rodeo Road. Located near the Santa Fe Community College and the Santo Niño Catholic School serving students grades PreK-6, Nava Ade combines stunning architecture with easy access to town, I-25 and a vast array of shops. There is a Homeowners Association. Nava Ade is served by Pinon Elementary, Capshaw Middle School and Santa Fe High School. Nava Ade is served by Piñon Elementary, Milagro Middle School and Santa Fe High School.
The Agua Fria Village and Airport Road areas are dynamic neighborhoods located in a swiftly expanding mix of residential and commercial property. Agua Fria is now served by Agua Fria Elementary and R. M. Sweeney Elementary schools, Edward Ortiz Middle School and Capital High School. Combined with affordable homes, the nearby stores, restaurants and food shops, this area is perfect for families.
The southwest of Santa Fe includes the fabulous Genoveva Chavez Community Center, a public facility featuring a leisure swimming pool with triple loop slide, a 50 meter lap pool and diving boards, ice skating rink, track, aerobics and a weight room.
Southwest Santa Fe is a shoppers paradise with Target, the Santa Fe Place Mall, Total Wine, several groceries and specialty food shops, Hobby Lobby, Sam’s Club, Super Walmart, Cost Plus World market, PetSmart, Lowes and more. An eclectic mix of chain restaurants and wonderful local favorites abound, such as Puerto Peñasco, the Santa Fe Capitol Grill, El Comal and Horseman’s Haven.
Southwest Santa Fe is also home to the Santa Fe Community College, with outstanding faculty, excellent programs, affordable tuition and individual support. At SFCC, you can advance your career, complete a short term certificate or associate degree, or transfer to a four-year institution. SFCC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs including short-term professional certificates that can quickly get you ready to work in as little as 1 semester. SFCC is one of the most affordable college options in New Mexico. If you plan to transfer, you will save on average $10,000 compared to attending a New Mexico four-year university. What’s more, their new tuition structure allows students to pay for 12 credits and take up to 18 at no additional cost.
