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.
