Why Live in La Cienega
La Cienega, a farming village in Santa Fe, is bordered by Interstate 25 and the Santa Fe Regional Airport, offering a unique blend of historical and natural attractions. The area is known for its lush Cienega Creek, mature cottonwood trees, and mountain views. Dating back to the 1600s, La Cienega has a rich Spanish history, with many families farming here for over 400 years. The neighborhood features Northern New Mexico-style homes from the 1970s to ‘90s, often with pitched red metal roofs and white stucco exteriors, as well as Santa Fe-style homes in the gated Las Lagunitas community. Manufactured homes are also common, with properties ranging from 1 to 5 acres. Local attractions include the El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum, and the Ojo Santa Fe spa, known for its hot stone massages and farm-to-table dining. The La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site offers trails with ancient petroglyphs, while the Downs at Santa Fe hosts youth soccer and flea markets. The La Cienega Community Center provides a small playground and event space. Santa Fe High, a highly rated school, offers specialized programs in engineering, culinary arts, and JROTC. The neighborhood is 18 miles from Santa Fe Plaza and 15 miles from CHRISTUS Saint Vincent Regional Medical Center. Despite its proximity to the airport, noise is minimal. However, recent discoveries of PFAS in water wells have raised health concerns, prompting investigations and mitigation plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Cienega a good place to live?
La Cienega is a good place to live. La Cienega is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. It has a median age of 43. The average household income is $102,637 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 23.2% of residents. A majority of residents in La Cienega are home owners, with 21.3% of residents renting and 78.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving La Cienega can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
La Cienega neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in La Cienega?
The median home price in La Cienega is $600,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $120,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,030 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $130K a year to afford the median home price in La Cienega. The average household income in La Cienega is $103K.
What are the best public schools in La Cienega?
The best public schools that serve La Cienega are:
What are the most popular zip codes in La Cienega, Santa Fe, NM?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near La Cienega, Santa Fe, NM?
Are home prices dropping in La Cienega?
Yes, home prices in La Cienega are down 19% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in La Cienega, NM
On average, homes in La Cienega, Santa Fe sell after 118 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in La Cienega, Santa Fe over the last 12 months is $588,296, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$588,296
Median Single Family Sale Price
$588,296
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$373
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Median List Price
$600,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
8%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
13%
