$353,692Average Value$185Average Price per Sq Ft42Homes For Sale
Santa Fe's quiet country lifestyle
"I need space and fresh air.... save my place, I'll be there," sings Christian Bale's character in Newsies, where the city slicker dreams of his longing for Sante Fe. Even though this rural Texas city is far from New Mexico, it's drawing people in for the same reason: a wide-open landscape where they can start afresh. Santa Fe, Texas, is still a simple place where horses graze and neighbors sell homegrown eggs and produce from front yards. However, as more people are drawn to the quiet country lifestyle, development is rising, and several new communities have already moved in. Re/Max Excellence Realtor Robyn Davis, a fifth-generation Texan who's sold land in Santa Fe, says he is sure this is bittersweet. "For the longest time, it's been a very rural community. Anybody that has property, when they first got it, surely didn't envision homes being up on one side and a 7-Eleven being on the other," he says. "They thought they were out there in the country for good. But it's just progress, and you can't stop that." Santa Fe was established as a city in the late '70s to help the existing community avoid being annexed by other areas of Galveston. Its location south of Houston and east of Galveston Bay only makes its remote qualities more appealing for home shoppers.
The Santa Fe water tower greets you as you arrive in the city limits.
The blue lagoon at Lago Mar
Hundred-year-old oaks showcase Santa Fe's long legacy, and in the city's most rural areas, properties are still connected to well water. "Some of the homes you can tell are old and they are on a big piece of land with some cattle and horses around it," says Realtor Susan Cahill of Better Homes and Gardens, who's been selling homes in the area for 17 years. Architecture ranges from modest 1930s cottages to '70s-era barns transformed into modern living spaces to brand-new communities stocked with neo traditionals. An older home under 2,000 square feet on an acre or less might cost from the $100,000s to $200,000s. A sizable construction on 3 to 10 acres can range from the $500,000s to over $1 million. Santa Fe's newest communities are popping up around Highway 6 and Interstate 45. Centennial Oaks is a typical Texas suburb with sturdy brick homes built on modest lots ranging from the $300,000s to $400,000s. In Lago Mar, a master-planned community, residents are treated to an artificial 12-acre blue lagoon, parks, fitness centers and more. Properties in this community generally range from the high $200,000s to the mid $500,000s. Cahill says extreme weather is rare, but Santa Fe occasionally experiences tornados and glancing blows from hurricanes. Additional insurance may be advisable.
Hearts are united for Santa Fe High School
Served by the Santa Fe Independent School District, students may attend Roy J. Wollam Elementary School, Santa Fe Junior High School and Santa Fe High School. The elementary school scores a B minus rating from Niche, the junior high school earns a C plus and the high school scores an A-minus rating. Sadly, in 2018, there was a mass shooting at Santa Fe High School but since then, the district has bolstered its security and established a crisis hotline for the community. One of the student survivors, Annabelle O'Day, started the nonprofit Hearts United shortly after and raised nearly 30,000 dollars, much of which was donated to support college funds for seniors. "It was very traumatic for the area, but it seems to have brought people together," Cahill says.
Community programming at the Mae S. Bruce Public Library
The Mae S. Bruce Public Library, named after a longtime resident and benefactress of Santa Fe, is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning within the community. The library's journalling club is celebrating its 20th year this June. "It teaches people how to express their feelings, ideas, and thoughts through journal keeping. It also builds their self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem," says Librarian Becky McClain. The library also hosts adult book clubs and an early literary program called 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, the goal of which is in the name. "We have story time every Tuesday for kids zero to 5 years," McClain says. "We usually have two to five kids that get a prize and certificate for reading 1000 books before kindergarten."
Getting around Santa Fe by car or horse
When asked if cars are important here, McCain had one thing to say: "Gosh yeah, it's not like the East Coast where you have trains everywhere. You have to have a car or a horse. Every time I go out of state they ask if I have a horse, and I laugh." Highway 6 passes right through the heart of Santa Fe, making trips around the area quicker. UTMB Health League City Campus Hospital & Clinics is 10 miles north of Santa Fe for medical care. Santa Fe's houses of worship include New Life Church and Santa Fe Christian Church. For a vacation close to home, Galveston Island is just 25 miles southeast.
Juicy burgers at Red Cap Cafe
Santa Fe's hole-in-the-wall bars and restaurants surround Highway 6. Red Cap Cafe opened one year after Santa Fe was established as a city and many still consider it the best burger place around. Mugshots Coffee Bar opened its doors in 2018 and their vanilla and white chocolate mocha shaken espresso, "Not Today," is the most popular drink. Though there isn't a 7-Eleven in Santa Fe just yet, like the one Davis mentioned, Whataburger plans to open a location in the near future. Libation Station, a drive-through liquor store in a barn-like atmosphere, arrived in 2024. Blue's Bar & Grill is the go-to for a cold beer and a good time, with karaoke on Wednesdays and live music on Saturdays. There's also an H-E-B off the highway for grocery hauls. Though retail is currently slim, Cahill says there's plenty 10 to 15 miles away at Baybrook Mall, which has a wide range of national chains, including Macy's, Dillard's and Forever 21.
Flower gazing at Mae S. Bruce Park
The therapeutic garden at Mae S. Bruce Park is built for rest and relaxation, with blossoming flowers, a central fountain and a Little Free Library where anyone can pluck a book to read on the benches. Joe A. Tambrella Park is the city's largest park, spanning 6 acres with walking trails, fitness stations, playgrounds and a brand-new amphitheater. People tend to be outdoorsy here and utilize the vast landscape for hunting, gardening and fishing. "The city is close enough to where you can get to areas that are on the water, like Hitchcock, which is the next-door neighborhood and has a lot of areas that you can launch a boat from," Cahill says.
Ready to party at Family Fun Fest
Fun things to do around the city include the Haak Vineyards & Winery. What started as a hobby for the owners in 1969 has blossomed into an appealing destination for wine enthusiasts, with live performances, trivia nights and all-around wine parties. Santa Fe’s annual Christmas parade is a beloved tradition that brings the community together. Joe A. Tambrella Park will host the city's first-ever Family Fun Fest in 2024, where there will be a cookoff, eating contest, live music, casual games like cornhole and more outside on the lawn.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Marie Sanders,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Santa Fe, TX sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Santa Fe, TX over the last 12 months is $390,000, up 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautiful Anglia Homes Canterbury floor-plan in the sought-after Lago Mar community! Located in a cul-de-sac, This 1-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage with a spacious open-concept design and high ceilings. Located in Dickinson ISD, residents enjoy access to Texas’ largest 12-acre crystal-clear lagoon along with resort-style amenities like a fitness
America GarzaKeller Williams Realty Clear Lake / NASA
Single story home with a grand feel as soon as you open the door. Ideal for family get togethers or entertaining friends. 4 bedroom, 3 full baths. Kitchen has a very large island with white quartz countertops. His & Hers closets that lead directly to the utility space. Tons of drawer and cabinet space. Five burner stainless gas range for the cook. Complete with a gas line, four sides brick,
Single story home with a grand feel as soon as you open the door. Ideal for family get togethers or entertaining friends. 4 bedroom, 3 full baths and a study. Kithcen has a very large island with white quartz countertops. Tons of drawer and cabinet space. Five burner stainless gas drange for the coook. covered patio with a great view of the water.Complete with a gas line, four sides brick,
Spacious manufactured home on over an acre of land with six bedrooms and two full baths. Features include double living and dining areas, front and side porches, metal roof, and new AC. Property has deferred maintenance, but perfect for someone looking for a country home. Inside utility, flex rooms, island kitchen, being sold as-is. Ready for a new owner to make it their own. SFISD.
THIS IS THE IDEAL SET-UP FOR ANYONE SEEKING A MOVE-IN READY HOME WITH A COMPLETE RURAL LIFE STYLE INFRASTRUCTURE. THIS LARGE BRICK HOME OFFERS 4 GENEROUSLY SIZED BEDROOMS. DESIGNED WITH COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY IN MIND. SET ON OVER 6 FULLY FENCED AREAS WITH DURABLE PIPE FENCING, THE PROPERTY FEATURES MULTPLE OUTBUILDINGS AND AMENITIES PERFECT COUNTRY LIVING. EQUESTRIAN AND LIVESTOCK FEATURES
Picturesque well-kept one owner home on over acre on a corner lot. This over 2,300 sq ft home has it all! Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, flex room and a huge game room with wet bar and fireplace! Yard has a circular driveway in front, fully fenced back yard with large mature trees and additional driveway on the side going into the oversized 2-car garage. Home has luscious new carpets throughout,
Conveniently located in Santa Fe, this brick home on a large lot in quiet neighborhood is a 1 bedroom/1.5 bath. Good size living room downstairs with 1/2 bath, dining area off kitchen. Lots of cabinets for great storage in kitchen plus large closet under stairs. Upstairs is the bedroom with walk in closet and a huge bathroom. Lawn maintenance included.
Quaint 2 bedroom 1 bath condo with hard to find 1 car attached garage and storage space! Enjoy living in the heart of Santa Fe. Property was recently remodeled and is Under New Management.
Cute 3 bedroom 2 bathroom Town home in the heart of Santa Fe TX! Hard to find unit with Attached Garage! Recently remodeled building. Enjoy a cozy living room with wood burning fire place open to the Kitchen with breakfast bar. One full bathroom downstairs is perfect for the 2 secondary bedrooms downstairs. Sneak away to the large primary suite up stairs where you will enjoy 3 closets and
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