Living in Santa Fe Blog - Barker Realty LLC

Skiing in Santa Fe, Tips from a Local (Updated 2019)

It’s not hard to tell the newcomers from the locals when it comes to outdoor activities in Santa Fe. The locals know all the best recreation spots, they know what time of year to hit which destination, they know how parking is going to be on the way in, and they always seem to find a way to get a spot. If you’re a new resident, never fear: You do know someone local—it’s us! Now that ski season is here, we’re sharing some insider info on the skiing scene in Santa Fe.

How’s The Weather Up There?

2019-2020 is starting out strong, with deep powder days for the first three days of the season. Ski Santa Fe saw Thanksgiving open with only a handful of lifts, but not due to the lack of snow–they couldn’t keep up with grooming the trails and removing…

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Broker Spotlight: Carmela Niño

“The culture and traditions of Santa Fe are what really capture my heart”

Santa Fe has always been Carmela Niño’s home, and likely to always be. “Aside from the obvious — the gorgeous landscape and unique architecture — it’s the culture of Santa Fe that I love most. There is such diversity! The world-renowned art we have access to on a daily basis is astounding, and now I am loving all the films that are being created in our town.”

Carmela enjoyed an idyllic Santa Fe childhood in a big family, with frequent explorations into Hyde Park, riding bikes downtown, and walking each day from Carlos Gilbert Elementary to St. Catherine’s Indian School, where both of her parents were employed. “So much has changed in Santa Fe since my childhood and yet…

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Santa Fe Countdown to New Year’s Eve

The ball may drop every year in New York City’s Times Square, but here in Santa Fe, we have our own way of ringing in the new year in The City Different. Here are five of our favorite parties, concerts, hang-outs, and get-togethers to explore come December 31, 2017.

New Year’s Eve At the Plaza

The Santa Fe Plaza is the centerpiece for every holiday. If you ever show up in Santa Fe without a plan, just head for the Plaza and enjoy the show. The Plaza celebrates the new year countdown with bonfires, food trucks, local music, and hot chocolate for all ages starting at 9 PM. Every year the city starts the celebration with a different surprise at midnight, so you’ll just have to show up to find out what it is.

Sublunar NYE Party at Meow…

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Tis the Season: Santa Fe Holiday Traditions

Red and green are Santa Fe’s colors all year round, from the roasted chile in the summer to the holiday decorations come winter. With just the right amount of snow, the Southwest is one of the best places in the country to spend the holidays. Santa Feans in the know look forward to these holiday traditions all year.

Christmas at the Palace, December 8

Every city has its holiday hub, and for Santa Fe, it’s the Palace of the Governors, the historical centerpiece of the town. Christmas at the Palace is a free family event that has New Mexicans drinking hot cider and enjoying live music. This annual festive get-together is like a cozy family Christmas party for the whole town. A blend of American and Spanish traditions, this Santa Fe holiday tradition…

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Broker Spotlight: Alex Nettey

“It’s a refreshing change after working with a large company in a very big city!”

Born and raised in Chicago, Alex is excited about recent changes in his life. After a lifetime of big city living interspersed with frequent visits to the Land of Enchantment, he and his wife Joslyn moved to Santa Fe a little over a year ago. Three months later they welcomed their son Jaxon. “That’s my little buddy!” Alex says, smiling with pride. Alex met Joslyn, a native Santa Fean, while earning a degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Notre Dame.

He began his real estate career in 2007. In the Chicago market, he was a vital member of The MG Group, which is perennially one of the top 50 teams in the U.S., having totaled more than…

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Santa Fe New Residents’ Holiday Shopping Guide

The holidays are coming up, and now you live in Santa Fe. As a new resident, you couldn’t ask for a better alignment of opportunities. You can gift family and friends with presents that can be found only in Santa Fe. At the same time, you can turn holiday shopping into a journey of discovery as you head to some of the most unique shops and boutiques in The City Different. Talk about two birds with one stone—our holiday shopping guide will help you take on the whole flock. An added bonus: You can also find some great decor for your new Santa Fe home.

For the Foodie in Your Life

If Santa Fe isn’t the best food city in the world, it’s in the top ten. Here are some of the best places to buy gifts for the foodies in your life.

Barrio Brinery

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Top Events for Thanksgiving Week in Santa Fe

Santa Fe was made for fall. Thanksgiving in the Land of Enchantment feels, well, enchanting. The greens turn to orange, complementing the surrounding golden glow of the desert and the burning red sunsets. The summery smell of roasted hatch green chiles gives way to piñon coffee and the pungent scent of juniper smoke. Here’s four ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Santa Fe. (Hint: File this under “More Reasons to Live in Santa Fe All Year.”)

Experience Handel’s Messiah at the Lensic Performing Arts Center

It’s a tradition at the Lensic Performing Arts Center to put on a performance of Handel’s Messiah in November every year. This year you’ll want to show up at 4 PM on November 19 to experience the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, led by…

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Broker Spotlight: Andrea F. Lucero

“The people I meet, and their stories, are fascinating to me.”

Andrea Lucero’s ties to the Santa Fe community and its people run very deep. A life-long Santa Fean, she has experienced first hand the changes it has gone through as well as the many aspects that have stayed the same and make it wonderful and so unique. “I love that I was born and raised in this beautiful city, and now get to share it with my children as I also raise them here,” Andrea says contentedly. “My parents have always been involved in the culture. I loved when my mom, Olivia Bacon, would gather with her sisters during the holidays to cook and bake. They are of the Vigil family from Canyon Road. Trick or treating in Casa Solana with my cousins was the best! Zozobra and…

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5 Steps to a Dream Vacation Home in Santa Fe

Whether you vacation in the summer or the winter, you’re going to love having your own little piece of the Land of Enchantment when you buy a vacation home in Santa Fe. Before you can soak up the sunshine in the golden Southwest, you need to figure out how the purchase is going to fit into your finances and your long-term life plan. Here are five steps to keep in mind as you look for your dream vacation home in The City Different.

1. Take Your Time

You may want to jump in with both feet right this minute. We’d advise against that. Take your time and get to know the Santa Fe real estate landscape. You’ll need to do some on-the-ground research and tour Santa Fe neighborhoods to find the right one for you. You may want to shop for resale value,…

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5 Amazing Reasons to Live Year-Round in Santa Fe

As a real estate brokerage with roots in Santa Fe that go back to the 1880s, we have a lot more than just five reasons why you should live year-round in The City Different. For starters, there’s the rich history of art, architecture, and culture that thrives in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a home to raise a family or relocating for a job, Santa Fe has fringe benefits other locations can’t match. Contact us to find your home in Santa Fe—we’d love to hear from you!

You Can Ski in Santa Fe

For many people, the first sign of snow is the cue to pack up and head down to Florida until April rolls around. There’s nothing wrong with spending winter on the beach, but you can go to the beach any time of…

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