Eldorado at Santa Fe epitomizes the magic of New Mexico, but with a fantastic "green" twist -- it's the largest solar community in the USA. Many of the homes there are powered by passive solar, which takes perfect advantage of the sunny, mountainous New Mexico landscape.
The Eldorado at Santa fe area was originally called The Simpson Ranch, where locals searched for petroleum and raised cattle for many years until the development of Eldorado in 1972. With its location right at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, it only makes sense. Each of the town's 6,130 residents daily experiences the glory of a New Mexico sunrise and the wonder of sundown, when the "land's light," made famous in interviews by Georgia O'Keeffe and others, illuminates the landscape. As the largest solar community the US, Eldorado at Santa Fe occupies a unique niche -- it holds strongly to New Mexico traditions in both spirit and architecture, but with an eye towards a more sustainable future. Anybody who has ever journeyed to the Santa Fe area knows it is a supremely magical place. Georgia O'Keeffe moved here for the light unique to the area. Eldorado, a community just south of Santa Fe proper, is close enough to take advantage of Santa Fe's world class cultural opportunities, but with a small town feel, excellent schools, close-knit community, and numerous green belt parks coursing through the community. Let's get solar powered!
Moving to Eldorado at Santa Fe
Eldorado at Santa Fe has recently undergone a huge boom, with prices rising accordingly. It seems the little secret is out, and why wouldn't the world flock to Eldorado at Santa Fe? It has consistently ranked one of the best places to live in country, and with its proximity to Santa Fe's cultural riches, Eldorado at Santa Fe seems to have the best of both worlds. Taking public transportation to Santa Fe, with five buses departing and arriving via the Blue Line, is fairly simple as well, if you're interested in a worry-free daily commute. The El Dorado Community School is a top draw for those wanting to move here. The school, which educates grades K - 8, is consistently ranked among the best schools in the nation. This is a large factor in the continually rising cost of living in Eldorado.
The Housing Market
Since Eldorado has become such a popular destination, the town's affordability has diminished somewhat. This is a recent development but don't fret, you can still find the deal you're searching for. On the whole, though, this is a solid upper middle class community, in mentality if not in cost of living. Due to the area's excellent schools, abundant nature, and high quality of life, one should expect to pay quite a bit more here than . The cost of living here is above the national average and most of the units here are not all utilities paid. There are some studio apartments available, however, which should keep utility costs down.
Renting in Eldorado at Santa Fe
Since the market has become much more crowded and difficult to get the apartment you want, you should take a few necessary steps to ensure that you get the rental property you want. You need to establish your credibility as a renter, to show that you have paid your rent in a timely manner and have proven an easy tenant to previous landlords. This can be accomplished in three simple steps. First of all, you will want to obtain a copy of your credit report, which will list past loans, credit cards, and so forth. A copy of one of these is readily available on the internet. Just google "credit report" and you should be able to sort through your options. It will likely cost a nominal fee. The second step towards ensuring you get your desired rental will be to show your income, either by providing a copy of last year's tax return or by providing recent pay stubs. In a community as prosperous as Eldorado, this will be of vital importance in establishing your credibility as a renter. Lastly, you will need to provide contact information for your past landlords, including phone numbers and email addresses, so make sure you're still on good terms with them and they can vouch for your greatness as a tenant.
Neighborhoods of Eldorado at Santa Fe
Eldorado is itself a neighborhood, a delightful alternative to the big city of Santa Fe, where families can escape big city life and live closer to nature. There are some apartments for rent, but on the whole, it is more rental homes and rental condos. It's self-contained in the same way a neighborhood feels; indeed, Eldorado is a self-contained community, with its own restaurants, services, and, law enforcement, and, above all else, a wonderful system of green belt parks which cross cut the city. These greenbelts cut the community in an east-west fashion. Gallina Park stretches the entire length of the community and directly abuts the Eldorado Community Center at the community's northeast corner. The community center is the heart of Eldorado, with over 40 events taking place there each week, from boy scouts and youth groups to weddings and family gatherings. The community center features a dog park and children's playground. Just across 285, Eldorado continues, but as a 4,094 acre preserve, which is truly unmatched by any other community in the area.
Living in Eldorado at Santa Fe
Eldorado is defined by the beautiful green belts which streak through its boundaries: Pueblo Canon Park, Gallina Park, and Los Alamos Park. These parks provide the perfect respite after a day at work, walking along a babbling brook, jogging your way into a sweaty mess, or riding your mountain bike to take in the breathtaking vistas. Indeed, life out here is magical and you only need take one look before you agree. Eldorado at Santa Fe has all the charm of Santa Fe without the downsides of the big city -- the big highways, the crime. Out here in Eldorado at Santa Fe, you've escaped all that and you can carve out your own territory for yourself or your family.
Artists, in particular, have found Eldorado a great place to live and work. Each year, the Eldorado Arts and Crafts Association has a studio tour, in which dozens of artists share their wares for a captive audience. Eldorado for many years was known as an artists' community, due its proximity to nature and cheap rents.
There are numerous options in Eldorado as well. Santa Fe is of course known worldwide for its cuisine, but Eldorado is no slouch either with such esteemed establishments as La Plancha de Eldorado, the Blue Moon Cafe, Pizza Centro, and Chez Dre to get the taste buds going. You can get a fine cup of coffee as well, with Las Chivas Coffee Roasters roasting and brewing the best cups of joe this side of java. It's been nationally ranked for it's cuisine, so foodies should feel right at home here. Feel free to eat your way through the city.
Bird watchers will find Eldorado a great place to knock a few name's off their life list. In fact, the city's website has its own listing of birds endemic to the area, with such feathered friends as the Green Tailed Towhee and the Song Sparrow.
Eldorado has so much going for it, it borders on the absurd -- largest solar community in the U.S., renowned art community, nationally recognized school, numerous green belts running through town. It's a good time to move to Eldorado at Santa Fe, so what are you waiting for?