The Santa Fe Plaza is located at the end of the Old Santa Fe Trail and the Old Pecos Trail. While much is known about the history of the Old Santa Fe Trail, the history of the Old Pecos Trail is not as clear.

Pecos, NM is located in the midst of piñon, juniper, and pine woodlands in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe. It is here where the ruins of the ancient Pecos Pueblo remain to this day.

Pecos was a major trading center, a cultural melting pot and a dominating force in the Pueblo world. This trail may have been the precursor of the major trade trails used by Native American traders going to Pecos, and eventually Hispanic explorers and traders going from Santa Fe to Pecos and out onto the Plains.

Today the Old Pecos Trail is a modern road that has kept its rustic charm with Pueblo Style homes at “one” with the surrounding landscape. Sited on one acre, the residence located at 502 Corte de Pinon is an example of this style of home. Surrounded by piñon and juniper, this five-home compound is nestled in a  private gated community and is conveniently located just minutes from the Plaza.

This home’s design creates the desired feeling of harmony with ones surroundings. It is here, on the portals, where you can relax and enjoy. Should you close your eyes you just might be able to hear the wheels from the wagons of the past, loaded with hides, pottery and turquoise rolling down the Old Pecos Trail bringing wares into the Santa Fe Plaza for trade.

CLICK HERE for the complete home tour of 502 Corte de Pinon.

Tourist come to Santa Fe, from all over to visit, and leave with visions of living or retiring in the “City Different.” And you may be one of them but perhaps the time isn’t right just yet. Or for some, they desire a second home, a little slice of Santa Fe that they can come to visit whenever they wish. If you are one of these people, perhaps purchasing a condo or town home might be the solution for you.

Typically, this type of property is an easy solution for the out-of-town homeowner. Often times exterior maintenance including stucco and roof is included with the monthly dues. Many times, owners of these types of units like to rent them out when they are not in use. Santa Fe has many short and long term rental companies to assist making ownership of a second home hassle free.

Located within walking distance to the Plaza is an abundant choice of condo and town homes to choose from whether your taste leans more to the Traditional Hacienda as found at The Reserve at Santa Fe, a Northside Condominium Community or towards the Contemporary Loft as found at the Lofts at Marquez located in the desirable South Capital area.

Both of these homes are centrally located to dining, shops, the Santa Fe Plaza, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, The Rail Runner, Railyard and Farmers Market!

Be sure to take a look at Condos and Town Homes For Sale around the Santa Fe Plaza.

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Santa Fe has no shortage of real estate investment opportunities ranging for from full time residences, part time or seasonal homes. A new investment option in the City Different that is becoming more popular for buyers is to purchase a short sale.  It is a great opportunity to purchase property below market value.  The process can take several months while waiting for the bank to approve but in the end this could make a wise investment for your money.

Pueblos del Sol is a centrally located community in the heart of Santa Fe with an extensive trail system and a neighborhood park. Homes are single or two story and conveniently located to south side shopping as well as a short drive to the Plaza.  For information on a short sale opportunity in Pueblos del Sol CLICK HERE.

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale in Pueblos del Sol

It is 8:00 in the morning as I sit here on my portal drinking my morning cup of coffee while listening to the bubbling sounds flowing from my fountain in the midst of my gardens. It is in this tranquility when I am struck with the realization that many come to Santa Fe seeking a different lifestyle from that to which they are accustomed.

They are ready to trade in big city life for a more rural existence; a home surrounded by a few acres, mountain views and dirt roads. A place to listen to the sounds of nature, walk through meadows and connect with their roots.

But let’s get real. Many of us are just not ready to rid ourselves of our creature comforts. While we enjoy the mountain views we want to do so while gazing at them from across the golf course, perhaps from the tennis courts or simply while enjoying a glass of wine from the relaxed elegance inside by the glow of a kiva fireplace.

For those seeking a club experience complete with lap pools, spa treatments, staff to maintain your gardening, housekeeping, and 24 hour security, Quail Run Santa Fe is your answer to the civilized side of the City Different. Click Here to view information on one such private residence for sale.

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale in Quail Run Santa Fe

As one of the main arteries through Santa Fe, Cerrillos Road stretches nearly from the heart of the Santa Fe Plaza to its southern most reaches to Interest 25 where at this point it turns into the scenic Turquoise Trail winding its way south through canyons and mountain passes.

Cerrillos is a hustling and bustling road filled with local shops, dining and tourist gatherings. In recent times it is growing into a destination unto itself including movie theaters, upscale dining and all the necessary chain stores.

Conveniently located throughout this thriving commercial areas are many neighborhoods consisting of affordable priced single family homes, condos and town homes. As many of these neighborhoods are within walking distance to creature comforts it makes an affordable option for gay full time residents and seasonal residents alike.

At the heart of the Cerrillos Road region sits a delightful Santa Fe town home close to everything! This 2 bedroom, 1 ½ bath home is a large end unit with great outdoor spaces, oversized yard with a storage shed and mountain views. Inside, views can also be enjoyed from the open concept, kitchen-living-dining rooms down and from the upstairs deck off the large master.

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Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale in the Camino Carlos Rey area.

For several reasons, many members of the gay community have chosen to call Rancho Viejo home. The 11,000 acre master planned community of Rancho Viejo has been in development for over 10 years and features homes in a variety of price ranges and styles.  The community is surrounded by open space with views of the Sangre de Cristos, Jemez and Sandia mountain ranges and miles of paved trails to enjoy them from.

The Village Center will soon have a new addition to offer their residents with the soon to be opened Village Market offering an array of  foods to make living in Rancho Viejo more convenient and will be located next to the delightful Coffee Shop.

On the south side of Santa Fe, the community of Rancho Viejo blends with the scenic beauty of the Southwestern landscape & reflects the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico. Nestled among the 3 parks, hiking trails, local coffee shop stands a charming home at 6 Victorio Peak. You’ve never experienced an Aspen model that boast these upgrades: 30+K custom cooks kitchen with quartz counters & stainless appliances, diamond plaster walls, elegant custom drapery, flagstone patios & overlooks a lovely park.

A short 20 minute drive to The Plaza in the heart of Santa Fe, Rancho Viejo is conveniently located to shopping, food and entertainment and the new Rail Runner station at Interstate 25 and 599    making it an easy commute for residents to travel between Santa Fe and Albuquerque.  Nearby is the Santa Fe Community College which offers an array of classes for those continuing their education or those just wanted to learn something new. Also, located in Rancho Viejo is the Institute of American Indian Arts. (IAIA)

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Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale in Rancho Viejo

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Nestled in the picturesque Northern New Mexico town of El Rito lays this 6.59 acre country estate. Idyllically sited, the property is bordered by the El Rito Creek & the Carson National Forest.

The lodge-style home boasts a large great room with a massive territorial-style fireplace, sandstone hearth, hand-carved walnut mantel, extensive bancos & brick floor with radiant heat.  There is an obvious warmth about this home you will notice from the moment you walk through the front door.  For more Info Click Here!

The village of El Rito, one of the first Spanish settlements in New Mexico, is located on Hwy 554 with close access to Espanola, Ojo Caliente, and Abiquiu.  It is offers breath taking views of the Sangre de Cristos, Jemez Mountains, and the La Madera Mountains.   El Rito’s quiet quaintness stimulates artistic talents evidenced by the number of artists in the area.  The artists produce Spanish colonial furniture, pottery, fine art photography, handmade papers, handwoven textiles, traditional and contemporary tin art, retablos and santos, fine micaceous pottery, quilts and textiles, fine jewelry, and hand forged iron works.   An annual studio tour brings many people to enjoy El Rito.   The people who visit for the studio tour usually end up owning a piece of El Rito Real Estate. 

History abounds in El Rito.  San Juan Nepomucene Catholic Church, one of the first churches in NM, was restored in the 1980’s.  Peter Van Dresser, author, architect, and builder, was one of the first to develop passive solar homes.  If you want to stimulate your mind you’ll find opportunities right next door.    Northern New Mexico College exists on the campus of the Spanish American Normal School in El Rito which was established in the early 1900s to train teachers for the state’s Spanish speaking population when  New Mexico was still  a Territory.  When New Mexico became a state in 1912, the school was identified as one of ten educational institutions to be supported by the state. Through the years it has offered secondary, technical vocational  and more recently four year college degrees.   In the 1980’s a certification program was established for the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Hospice Training Program which gave health care providers much needed expertise in dealing with death and dying.

Nothing compares to the sounds of a babbling brook.  El Rito Creek runs through the village providing water for irrigation for the farms and ranches as well as a place for wading children to frolic in the summer.  Some of the most beautiful El Rito homes for sale are along the El Rito Creek.  El Rito land for sale bordering the National Forest is a special treat for the outdoor enthusiast.   One of five National Forests in New Mexico, Carson National Forest offers up some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest.  Ranging in elevation from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest vantage point in New Mexico. Scattered throughout the property you will find the state tree of New Mexico, the Pinon.  The trees vary in height from 10-30 feet.  The tiny pine nuts were discovered as tasty food by the prehistoric Natives and Spanish when they came to New Mexico more than 400 years ago.  Along side the Pinon are High Mountain Cottonwood, Sage Brush, Juniper, Willow and many other varities of floral providing a rare treat in this arid Southwest climate.  Unobstructed views of the Sangre’s across the Rio Grande Valley take your breath away.

Traveling a few miles up Angel Canyon along El Rito Creek  you will be surrounded by aspens, pine, fir and spruce and may see deer, elk ,or even a bear.   At an elevation of 6900 feet the summers are cool.  You can play in the snow in the winter,  snowshoe down to El Farolito for a world renown green chile burrito, spicy salsa, and a cup of steaming hot chocolate flavored with cinnamon.

It is often difficult to find El Rito homes for sale that are situated alongside a creek with the lushness that this estate offers.  El Rito Real Estate varies from the limited availability of raw land to the popular double adobe homes in need of renovation.  This estate has been tastefully updated and awaits it’s new caretaker! 

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Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale in El Rito

Availability Ends At

Midnight April 30, 2010

Welcome to the radio show about all-things real estate with award-winning broadcaster Gil Gross. We deliver everything you need to know about your home, from buying and selling to improving its value… even the current state of the market.

For information on Real Estate Today In  Santa Fe

email BanhamRoss@PruSantaFe.com

Santa Fe is becoming the Gay Mecca! More and more gay couples are moving to the area either to retire, to buy a second home or even a third. With prices at recent history lows, plenty of inventory and great interest rates, we have experienced a boom to our business in 2009 with gay couples purchasing real estate in Santa Fe like we have not seen in the past.  As 2010 begins we are already seeing signs the market is cycling up again.

Aldea is one of the Santa Fe neighborhoods that have experienced a boom in the last few years of home ownership by gays. The large number of LGBT homeowners who have taken advantage of this buyers market in Aldea have done so either as full time residents, or as part time residents by purchasing a second or third home with the hope of retiring in the next three, five or ten years and who did not want to miss out in this extraordinary buying opportunity.

The many same-sex couples enjoying the gay life in Santa Fe and that we have sold homes to,  have expressed to us their primary reasoning for purchasing in Aldea was the sense of community present in this neighborhood as well as pride of home ownership. Other factors in purchasing in this community that remain high on their lists was the diversity in product that Aldea had to offer such as town homes, garden homes, single family homes as well as estate homes too.

One such estate home that is currently available for purchase is the property located at 6 Calle Siete Casas in Aldea. Old World finishes and dramatic spaces grace this sophisticated and prestigious home. For the gay couple who enjoys expansive mountain views or prefers to have a private guest suite to share with others, this home has the best of everything Santa Fe has to offer. For the savvy buyer who doesn’t want to be left in the dust as the next housing upswing occurs or for more information on this property CLICK HERE.

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Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale in Aldea