Other newcomers are surprised to learn that Santa Fe has no industrial section where they can find a building to remodel into lofts. Still others find it odd to discover homes worth a half-million dollars or more down dusty dirt roads. In recent years, thanks to initiatives involving the City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County and private agencies, more housing is available for Santa Fe's working families of average income. Well, it depends on what you want and how much you can spend. A person who's minding a budget might buy a great house with a convenient location in Tierra Contenta, settle into the more suburban Eldorado area or come up with a fine house elsewhere in the city or county.
Buyers looking for homes on larger acreage concentrate their search beyond the city limits.
Some have begun exploring areas such as Galisteo, Lamy and La Cienega. Educate yourself about zoning and building regulations from the city and county that apply to the area you're considering. Don't assume that you can build a guest house, put up outside lights or paint your window frames green. Both the city and the county have archaeological ordinances that require researchers to be informed if you find Indian pottery, bones or other ancient artifacts on the site where you planned to build your dream house. Santa Fe's City Hall takes its zoning regulations seriously.