Why Live in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz in Española is a historic neighborhood known for its early 1900s Santa Fe-style homes, featuring flat roofs, adobe exteriors, and colorful wood accents. These homes are often situated on long, narrow lots originally designed for farming, with many properties now boasting lush gardens and some large enough for horses. Due to generational property transfers, homes rarely come to market here. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the area's proximity to the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, offering activities like fishing in the Santa Cruz River, boating and camping at Santa Cruz Lake, and exploring the La Puebla Recreation Area's trails and sandstone formations. The Clara Peak Trail, a popular off-roading track, is located about 3 miles west. While many residents shop and dine in Santa Fe, nearby Española and Chimayo provide local amenities, including a Walmart, Lowes, Center Market, and the family-owned El Cocina restaurant. Rancho de Chimayo, 8 miles east, is renowned for its New Mexican cuisine and the Chimayo Cocktail. Santa Cruz is a mile north of Highway 84, providing a 24-mile route to Downtown Santa Fe and connections to Los Alamos National Laboratory. The neighborhood lacks public transit and walkable areas, so residents rely on cars. Medical services are available at Española Hospital, 3 miles west, and CHRISTUS Saint Vincent Regional Medical Center, 27 miles south in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Regional Airport is 33 miles south, with broader flight options available at Albuquerque International Sunport, 89 miles away. Local children attend Española Public Schools, which offer trilingual education in English, Spanish, and Tewa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Cruz a good place to live?
Santa Cruz is a good place to live. Santa Cruz is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Santa Cruz has 3 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 41. The average household income is $57,786 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 20% of residents. A majority of residents in Santa Cruz are home owners, with 32.3% of residents renting and 67.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Santa Cruz can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Santa Cruz neighborhood guide.
Is Santa Cruz, NM a safe neighborhood?
Santa Cruz, NM is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Santa Cruz?
The median home price in Santa Cruz is $142,450. If you put a 20% down payment of $28,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.75%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $740 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $32K a year to afford the median home price in Santa Cruz. The average household income in Santa Cruz is $58K.
What are the best public schools in Santa Cruz?
The best public schools that serve Santa Cruz are:
What are the best private schools in Santa Cruz?
The best private schools that serve Santa Cruz are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Santa Cruz, Espanola, NM?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Santa Cruz, Espanola, NM?
Home Trends in Santa Cruz, NM
Median Single Family Sale Price
$89,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$54
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median List Price
$142,450