Upon arriving in Santa Fe for the first time, Phil and Betty immediately felt a unique, warm, and embracing energy in the air, along with a quiet calm. It was an early summer evening following a Northern New Mexico monsoon shower, when the air had a unique scent. The next morning, Phil and Betty hiked in a nearby Ponderosa forest with a bright blue sky overhead and finished the day at a performance of the Santa Fe Opera. Santa Fe felt magical to them, with a powerful attraction and possibly just the right place for their future home.

 

People live in Santa Fe for its stunning high-desert scenery, renowned arts scene, rich culture, and nearby outdoor recreation opportunities. Like many others, Phil and Betty were drawn to the region's unique architecture, its indigenous peoples, the peculiarities of a small-town international destination, and the magical quality of light and landscape. They appreciate Santa Fe’s distinct seasons, over 300 sunny days a year, and the Hispanic, Anglo, and Native American multicultural community. An earth energy vortex that some believe promotes healing and greater connections also appeals to them.

 

Since Phil and Betty love the mountains, Santa Fe’s 7,000 ft. elevation in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain foothills adjacent to the 1.6 million-acre Santa Fe National Forest is perfect for them. The trailhead to 12,632 ft. Santa Fe Baldy and other alpine hikes are only minutes from their house, with many shorter trails even closer. And the fall colors are spectacular.

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico has a long and fascinating history. Santa Fe's site was originally occupied by a number of Pueblo Indian villages between 1050 and 1150, and then settled in 1609 by the Spanish Empire, before Plymouth Colony was settled by the Mayflower Pilgrims. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States and is home to the oldest public building and the oldest community celebration in America. The Santa Fe Plaza has been the heart of downtown and Santa Fe’s central gathering place for 400 years.

While Phil was working in Santa Fe, Phil and Betty purchased their house and began constructing their gardens. They made Santa Fe their new home in 2008.