What is the community in Santa Fe like? Is it easy to socialize and set up plans?

I’m a 30-year-old living in Austin, TX, with the option to work remotely for $100k per year including bonuses. A few years ago, I spent a winter in Utah and loved skiing every weekend. Now back in my home state, I miss that and also the pleasant weather from previous places like Los Angeles. Central Texas summers can be harsh, and even in a highly walkable area, I find I can only really enjoy walking about four months of the year.

So, how easy is it to connect with people and make friends? Are locals friendly and open? I met friends in Austin through karaoke. I’m single, liberal, non-religious—what’s the dating scene and nightlife like? I enjoy outdoor activities and summer sports (hiking and mountain biking), but I’m not extremely outdoorsy like some people I met in SW Utah.

Thanks for any insights you can share about the city!

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You’ll receive a wide range of responses to this question. Essentially, it’s similar to anywhere else: the more you concentrate on personal growth, pursue hobbies, and engage in community activities like volunteering, the better your experience will be. Enjoy your skiing!

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This forum tends to be quite critical and wary of newcomers, so you might not get the most useful feedback here. Additionally, the social scene for people in their 30s isn’t very vibrant.

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I’m a 37-year-old and will be moving to Santa Fe soon. Although I don’t live there yet, I’ve spent a lot of time in the city, and from my experience, the people are friendly and welcoming. I made a few friends in just a couple of weeks there, and I’m still in touch with them.

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People are generally friendly. Many younger residents often say there’s not much to do, but some people always find something to complain about. Those of us who are older and have decent incomes find plenty to keep us busy.

Santa Fe could use more young professionals, so we’d welcome your arrival.

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If you participate in city events, meeting people is quite easy! There are various communities you can join if you search in the right spots. As a 26-year-old female, I’ve found options like running clubs, biking groups, rock climbing clubs, board game nights, and bird watching, among others. It really depends on your interests! Santa Fe locals are friendly and welcoming, and I’ve made many of my friends by attending events such as those at Santa Fe Brewing, the Artist Market, and the Farmer’s Market.

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