"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.
A row of newly built ranch-style homes line the city streets of Santa Fe, TX, south of Houston.
A father and daughter cast a line along the banks of West Galveston Bay near Santa Fe.
1/2
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.
Ranch-style homes of all sizes can be found along the neighborhood streets of Santa Fe.
Nicely manicured lawns accommodate many split-level homes in the Santa Fe neighborhoods.
1/2
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.
Wollam Elementary School has a student population of 664.
Santa Fe High School received a C rating from Niche.
1/2
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."
Mae S Bruce Library is open to the public and free for all residents of Santa Fe, Texas
Mae S. Bruce Public Library has served Santa Fe since 1987, offering a large book collection and a welcoming reading space.
1/2
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.
Local's and tourists alike flock to Sante Fe Seafood and Grille, known for their dinner specials
Residents can stop by Mugshot's Coffee Bar in Santa Fe for hot coffee and pastries.
1/2
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.
A couple takes a stroll along a walking trail at Tambrella Park in Santa Fe.
Baseball is the city's most popular youth sport, and numerous fields across town confirm that.
1/2
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
Joel Rankin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Santa Fe, TX sell after 288 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Santa Fe, TX over the last 12 months is $347,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
READY NOW! With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this Barbosa floor plan features over 2,486 square feet of living space. The luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the home is perfect for entertaining or relaxing with your loved ones. The high ceilings and large family room make for a great entertainment space. The owner's suite is the perfect place to unwind and relax. A bay window and sloped
Discover space, utility, and country charm! This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and over 2,000 sq ft of living space, all set on a full 1-acre lot in a peaceful, quiet area. Though the home retains its original finishes, it’s well-maintained and ready for your personal touch. Outside, the property shines with a 30x50 workshop equipped with a 9,000–9,500 lb car lift and 220/110 electric,
Shelly Mattingly-ArnoldKeller Williams Realty Clear Lake / NASA
MOVE IN READY!! Westin Homes NEW Construction (Cameron, Elevation KL) Beautiful two-story home featuring 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The open-concept design includes a spacious family room, formal dining room, and private study. The gourmet island kitchen flows into the family room, creating the perfect setting for entertaining or everyday living. The first-floor primary suite offers large double
Beautiful large Cul-De-Sac lot in quiet neighborhood. Home was totally repiped by Repipe Specialist in 2021 with Pex piping, Windows replaced by Window World in 2020, and Gulf Coast Renovations did the remodel in 2019. Interior has Crown Molding, recessed lighting and Ceramic tile floors. Kitchen has undermount lighting and soft close drawers with Quartz countertops. Beautiful barn door in Master
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a 2-car garage, perfectly situated on a desirable corner lot in Santa Fe ISD—with no HOA and city services. Inside, you’ll find solid surface flooring throughout, high ceilings, and elegant crown molding that enhance the open, inviting feel of the home.The kitchen features warm wood cabinetry, a large breakfast area, and appliances including an
One-of-a-kind barndominium on 5 acres in Santa Fe! This 1600 sq ft 2/2 home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and country functionality. Inside, you’ll find stained concrete floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an open-concept floor plan. The spacious primary suite features an en-suite bath with a large walk-in shower, and utility room located inside the home. An
Nice 2/1 Townhouse with rare 1 car garage and storage. Living room with wood burning fireplace. Enjoy living in the heart of Santa Fe. Property was recently remodeled with fresh paint and new carpet. Under New Management.
Property Id: 2342225Nestled in the quiet charm of Triple Bar Estates, this beautifully updated single-story brick home offers not just comfort, but connection. Imagine mornings filled with sunlight streaming through large windows, casting a warm glow across wood-style flooring & crisp white walls. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams add architectural character, while the rustic brick
13313 Emerald Mallard Dr offers single-story comfort in the sought-after Lago Mar community. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features an open-concept layout with upgraded vinyl flooring, a spacious family room, and a modern kitchen complete with 42" gray cabinets, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Washer, dryer, and refrigerator are included. The private
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
