Welcome to South Capitol
Architecturally eclectic suburb great for families
Named after its location just south of the
New Mexico State Capitol Building in Santa Fe, the idyllic neighborhood of South Capitol is a small community just a short walk away from downtown’s commercial districts and the
Santa Fe Plaza. Here, the broad sidewalks are likely to house chalk drawings and serve as a serene walkway for the many families who reside in the architecturally diverse homes. While there are plenty of adobes with low-lying, terracotta-colored exterior walls and lush green conifers for privacy, there is an equal number of suburban-feeling, open front porches.
South Capitol began its significant growth in the 1920s, as Santa Fe experienced a surge in its middle-class population and an expansion of its railways. Due to the rising housing need, single-family homes in a mix of architectural styles—including Craftsman, Territorial, adobe, and Pueblos—sprang up across the neighborhood to rest in harmony with the historic houses already present.
The city’s continued development has meant that this variety carries well into modernity, and the current-day South Capitol is a hip blend of cultures and styles. The unique juxtaposition of bungalows and historic adobes ensures that every home feels personal and one-of-a-kind. In addition to magnificent million-dollar residences, South Capitol, Santa Fe's real estate also features one-bedroom condos and apartments along with more modest single-family dwellings.
What to Love
- Architectural and residential-style variety
- Rising property values
- Desirable location within walking distance of Santa Fe’s best entertainment areas
People & Lifestyle
Extremely family-friendly, South Capitol boasts one of the best public elementary schools in the entire county and state. The neighborhood once housed primarily young families but now has a good mix of professionals, artists, retirees, and second-home owners. All of them enjoy the neighborhood’s many close amenities and conveniences.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The distinctive vitality of Santa Fe and the neighborhood of South Capitol is echoed in the lack of chain stores and restaurants downtown. In place of the well-known names are sophisticated local boutiques, to-die-for niche cuisine, and art-centered gift shops with incredible finds. More than that, residents can treat themselves to services at any of the nearby spas, including
BODY, a wellness center that offers vegan fare, masterful yoga classes, facials and massages, fitness clothing, events, and so much more.
Diners have their pick from international cuisine, brewhouses, and contemporary New American when they walk the streets downtown. Relish the sumptuous flavors of
Clafoutis, a French country-style bakery, and restaurant serving decadent pastries, desserts, and coffee along with a breakfast and lunch menu that’s established the restaurant as one of the hottest morning spots in Santa Fe.
Sit in the garden-lined patio of
Restaurant Martín and revel in the venue’s upscale, fine dining ambiance. The contemporary New American menu comes replete with seasonal options curated with care, like the mouth-watering Australian lamb rack or the colorful vegetarian tasting plate. Breakfast and lunch are elevated into a gourmet experience at
Saveur Bistro, where you’ll encounter popular favorites like the succulent lobster crepes or the spicy Montezuma omelet. Beer aficionado? Known as New Mexico’s original craft brewery,
Santa Fe Brewing has a taproom location in Santa Fe that pours their house lagers, IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and more at their chic industrial setting.
Things to Do
While many residents might choose to spend their time exploring the shopping and dining in the city or simply strolling around the verdant streets of the neighborhood, South Capitol is within walking distance of several parks, green spaces, and community gathering spots, and art districts within Santa Fe. Great for a romantic stroll, a relaxing picnic, or a round of frisbee on the lawn, the
Harvey Cornell Rose Park is a popular neighborhood location with a spectacular rose garden maintained by the city’s park.
One of the most recognizable parks in the area, the Santa Fe Railyard Park, harbors 10-acres that house gardens, an outdoor performance stage, and a playground for the kids, all renovated out of a former rail yard. This award-winning urban park is adjacent to the
Santa Fe Railyard Arts District, known as Santa Fe’s premier spot for regional and international contemporary art galleries. The
Santa Fe Farmers' Market is right next door to this district and provides a bevy of fresh, locally-produced goods and foods on Saturday mornings.
Schools
South Capitol is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Wood Gormley Elementary School, K-6, #2 public elementary in Santa Fe County
- The May Center for Learning, PK-8, highly-rated school for children with learning differences
- Santa Fe Preparatory School, 7-12, #1 rated private high school in Santa Fe
