Santa Fe Apartments and Rentals

Those seeking a dynamic mix of arts, culture and fascinating history need look no further than Santa Fe, N.M. Many people already know the oldest capital in the United States has a crisp, pleasant climate and spectacular scenery, but this thriving small city has a lot more to offer. For instance, it is home to the nation's second largest arts market in the nation, a growing renewable energy industry and a colorful history that makes it a diverse place to live. It was named a Coolest Small City by GQ Magazine and the Most Artistic by The Atlantic.

Those who look for Santa Fe apartments for rent will find a host of options. The city has a range of architecture, much of it influenced by Native American, Spanish and modern American cultures.

It may be surprising that this Western city is the oldest capital in the nation. Established in 1610 as the capital of the New Mexico province, the city has hosted a range of populations, from Native Americans and Spanish settlers to the mix of cultures that make up its current population of about 68,000 people.

Now, Santa Fe is known internationally for its thriving arts and culture scene, as well as its superb air quality. The American Lung Association ranked Santa Fe no. 1 in its State of the Air rankings in 2012. The county of Santa Fe earned the top spot in all three of the organization's pollution categories: ozone, short-term particle pollution and year-round particle pollution. This honor is largely thanks to the state's strict emission standards - which are even more restrictive than those of the Environmental Protection Agency - as well as the fact that there are virtually no "dirty industries" in the area.

Santa Fe has been listed on a number of "best places" lists over the years. It was named "America's Healthiest City" by Organic Style in 2003, one of Forbes' "10 Best Places for Business and Careers" in 2003 and one of the "15 Best Places to Reinvent Yourself" by AARP in 2003. In 2004, Cities Ranked & Rated named it as the no. 2 best place to live in the U.S.

Santa Fe has a reputation as an ideal place to do business. Economic development is a priority among city leaders, and the area's economy is largely based around tourism, which brings in about $1 billion annually for the state. Healthcare, science and technology are also common career paths of Santa Fe residents.

There are also opportunities for education in this city. The Santa Fe Public School system is the fifth largest school district in the state, comprising 25 schools that serve more than 14,000 students. Those seeking higher educational opportunities can look to the city's colleges and universities - St. John's College, the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and Southwestern College, as well as the Institute of American Indian Arts, New Mexican Highlands University and Santa Fe Community College.

Because it is such an attractive place to live, housing prices are rising in Santa Fe. Still, those looking for rentals in Santa Fe can expect to pay less than $1,000 per month on rent, making the cost of living reasonable. In 2010, the median gross rent in the city of Santa Fe was $862, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Santa Fe's reputation as a Mecca of arts and culture is due in part to its designation as a UNESCO cultural city, with petroglyph-covered Native American ruins, a history museum about Spanish colonial life and a mix of adobe and European-style architecture, all within the city's limits. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy exploring the city's 400-year history, thanks to its terrific historical preservation. There is still a thriving Native American population in Santa Fe, contributing to the area's rich cultural activities and arts scene.

Indeed, one of the main draws to this vibrant city is its incredible arts scene. It hosts the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market each July, as well as the Santa Fe Indian Market - the world's largest Native American art market - each August. Additionally, there are a number of summer art markets with a variety of ethnic and contemporary art throughout the season.

All year round, residents enjoy the city's art galleries and museums, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, as well as a variety of classes and workshops.

Situated at the southernmost point of the Rockies, Santa Fe also offers a wide range of activities to the outdoor enthusiast. From skiing and river rafting to hiking, golfing and biking, there are plentiful opportunities for residents to enjoy the great outdoors.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Santa Fe apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.