$627,707Average Value$294Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
16th-century farming village with verdant creeks and area-affordable homes
Just north of Interstate 25 and south of the Santa Fe Regional Airport, La Cienega is a farming village set on the lush Cienega Creek, surrounded by mountain views and natural spaces. Dating back to the 1600s, La Cienega was a resting point for Spanish traders along the Royal Road between Mexico City and Santa Fe, and many moved here for its access to water and vegetation. “There are so many ponds along the creek unlike anywhere else in Santa Fe, and the mature cottonwood trees around them create a unique canopy,” says Jackie Camborde, Director of Advancement at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a ranch-museum hybrid from the 1700s. “Many families have been farming here for over 400 years; I’ve had people at the museum tell me their great-great-grandparents worked here.” Now, La Cienega attracts newcomers with its rich Spanish history, access to waterways and area-affordable housing. “The same home that costs $400,000 here would cost over $1 million in Historic Eastside,” says Steve Atwell, a local broker with Triad Realty.
Homes directly in the village of La Cienega are often spread out and private.
A Northern New Mexican style home in La Cienega.
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Northern New Mexico-style farms, Santa Fe-style estates and manufactured homes
Much of the landscape here consists of rolling juniper-pinyon woodlands, but along Cienega Creek, mature cottonwood trees flourish amid ponds and marshlands. Most lots are 1 to 5 acres, used for small-scale fruit and vegetable farming and horse stables. Northern New Mexico-style homes from the 1970s to ‘90s dominate the area, often with four bedrooms, pitched red-metal roofs and white stucco exteriors. Prices for this style range from $400,000 for a home far from Cienega Creek to $890,000 for one right beside it. Santa Fe-style homes from the early 2000s are found in the gated Las Lagunitas community, with tan stucco exteriors, flat roofs and exposed wooden beams called vigas. Most have three-bedroom layouts, sit on an acre, and range from $790,000 to $1 million depending on their views of the mountains and desert scenery. Manufactured homes are also common in La Cienega, most with 1 to 3 acres and two to four bedrooms; prices range from $285,000 to $495,000, depending on lot size.
Farming in La Cienega is a vital proffesion.
Homes in La Cienega are much more affordable than their city equivalents.
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Ancient footpaths and a community center
The branching, dirt-packed trails of the 1,600-mile Camino Real de Tierra Adentro cross through La Cienega, running along the Santa Fe River and climbing the community’s desert hills. Once Native American footpaths, these trails are studded with boulders that feature petroglyphs; La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site north of the Santa Fe River has an especially high concentration of these ancient markings and overlooks the verdant La Cienega Valley below. Down the street from the San Jose Church Parish, La Cienega Community Center can be rented out for small events and is home to a small playground with slides and swing sets.
The La Cienega Petroglyphs are a great place to hike and take in the scenic beauty.
Beautiful artwork outside the library in La Cienega.
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Luxury spas and seasonal pumpkin patches
La Cienega residents head outside the neighborhood for most shopping, dining and pampering, save for Ojo Santa Fe. Voted the best spa in the world in 2021 by “Travel & Leisure,” Ojo Santa Fe offers hot stone massages, hydrotherapy and hot springs amid tree-shaded gardens; the farm-to-table Blue Heron Restaurant here is popular for its all-day brunches and dinner options like chile-glazed pork tenderloins. Cerrillos Road around 4 miles east is the closest commercial corridor, and is home to a Walmart Supercenter and Ranch House, an upscale barbecue restaurant.
People walk to their spa appointment in La Cienega.
A stone fountain at Ojo Santa Fe in La Cienega,
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Event season at El Rancho de las Golondrinas
El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a living history museum set on 500 acres of 18th-century farmland, and is often rented out for weddings, film shoots and other events. From June to October, the venue is busy with some of Santa Fe County’s most popular events. In mid-September, the Santa Fe Renaissance Faire transforms the ranch into a Fairy Village with kings and queens, juggling jesters and jousting knights. “Because of the old farmhouses and trees here, it really does feel like you’re stepping back in time to a Medieval village,” says Camborde. “We get around 5,000 people every day for this event, and tickets always sell out in advance. We also still grow crops here and have a big pumpkin patch every autumn that’s a big hit with the locals."
El Rancho De Las Golondrinas has old structures to teach people the history of La Cienega.
Decorations made of local flowers in La Cienega.
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Santa Fe Public Schools with specialized programs
Local kids can attend Santa Fe Public Schools, including Amy Biehl Community School, an elementary school that earns a B-minus from Niche, and Milagro Middle, which earns a C. At the B-plus-rated Santa Fe High, students can choose from 20 AP courses, as well as specialized programs for engineering and culinary arts.
Capital High School currently has a B- grade from niche.
Amy Biehl Community School at Rancho Viejo
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Interstate, Rail Runner and airport access
La Cienega is bordered by Veterans Memorial Highway and Interstate 25; the latter road intersects with Cerrillos Road in 8 miles and Saint Francis Drive in 12 miles, both leading to the Santa Fe Plaza, 18 miles away. The Santa Fe County/New Mexico 599 Rail Runner Station sits at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Interstate 25; the Railyard Arts District is 27 minutes north, and Albuquerque is about 70 minutes south. CHRISTUS Saint Vincent Regional Medical Center is 15 miles east. Santa Fe Regional Airport sits on the community’s northern edge, but Atwell explains that it’s not a noise concern for locals. “It’s a really small airport with only one or two planes there at any time. It’s like living next to the train tracks — you get used to it quickly.”
The Santa Fe Regional Airport is a very small but dependable airport to fly into in La Cienega.
The Rail Runner Train often takes passengers from La Ceinega to Albuquerque.
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PFAS contamination in water wells
In late 2023, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were discovered in water wells in La Cienega and its neighbor, La Cieneguilla Village. PFAS are forever chemicals linked to cancer and other health concerns. In 2024, the New Mexico Environment Department offered Santa Fe County $459,000 to investigate and devise a plan to mitigate water contamination.
A water tower in La Cienega brandishing it's namesake.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Victor Ortega,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Santa Fe Regional
15 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
La Cienega
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in La Cienega, Santa Fe sell after 179 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in La Cienega, Santa Fe over the last 12 months is $731,591, up 41% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this serene La Cieneguilla sanctuary featuring the perfect blend of Southwest charm and modern updates on 2.7 acres. Step inside a light filled home with large windows, beautiful wood beams and herringbone ceilings. The home features new stucco, freshly resealed Saltillo floors, fresh paint, and updated lighting throughout. This spacious 2,113 sq ft home is complemented by a bright
Elegant Santa Fe Retreat in Gated Las Lagunitas! Discover the perfect blend of Southwestern charm and modern comfort in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, nestled in the exclusive Las Lagunitas community. With breathtaking mountain views, high beamed ceilings, and an abundance of natural light, this residence offers an unparalleled Santa Fe lifestyle. Exceptional Features: Including Two
Meticulously cared for Ranch Style home, just listed in the Vista Land Subdivision! This spacious home of over 1,800 sq ft sits on 1.25 AC with beautiful mountain views! This 4-bedroom 2 bath home features a large primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, complete with a garden soaking tub, a separate shower, and double sinks on an extended vanity. Enjoy the tranquility of mountain views from
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Victor Ortega,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,407
Median Age
43
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$70,964
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,637
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.4%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
23.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.6%
% Population in Labor Force
61.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
20''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
17/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
