We Already Live This Way: Rethinking Density in Santa Fe

When people hear the word density, they often picture something unpleasant—rows of identical apartment blocks, crowded streets, or towering buildings that block the sun. It’s easy to say, “We don’t want that here.” But here’s the thing: we already have density in Santa Fe. And we love it.

Take a walk through the East Side. It’s one of the most cherished parts of our city, and I am very happy that I can call this part of Santa Fe "home."

The streets are narrow and walkable. Homes are close together. There are casitas tucked behind main houses, shared driveways, and small lots with big character. People live near their neighbors, and the neighborhood feels alive. This is density—but it’s done with care, history, and beauty.

The East Side wasn’t built with modern zoning rules. It grew organically, shaped by adobe walls, footpaths, and community needs. It’s proof that density doesn’t have to mean high-rises or concrete jungles. It can mean charm, connection, and a sense of place.

So why does this matter now? Because if Santa Fe wants to maintain what makes is special, then we need to think carefully about how we do it. If we want to protect open space, reduce traffic, and support local businesses, we need to make room for more people in the places we already live. That doesn’t mean copying other cities—it means learning from our own best example.

When homes are close together, neighborhoods become more walkable. That means less driving, more chance encounters, and stronger local economies. It also means we can support better transit and public services, because more people live within reach. Density helps cities work better—not just for newcomers, but for longtime residents too.

Design is key. The East Side shows us that density can be beautiful. With thoughtful planning, we can build homes that fit the scale of the block, preserve views and trees, and feel like they belong. We can allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and small clusters of homes that echo the patterns we already love.

Government has a role to play—not just in setting rules, but in helping good projects move forward. Right now, building even modest housing can take years of paperwork and delays. If we want to encourage East Side-style development, we need to make the process clearer and faster. That means streamlining permits, coordinating across departments, and removing barriers to small-scale, well-designed housing.

This isn’t about forcing change. It’s about making room for the kind of living we already value. It’s about helping young families stay in town, giving elders a chance to downsize nearby, and letting people live close to work, school, and community. It’s about honoring the spirit of Santa Fe—not just in architecture, but in how we live together.

So the next time someone says “we don’t want density,” we can point to the East Side and say, “We already have it—and it’s wonderful.” The challenge now is to build more of what works, in ways that reflect our values and our landscape. Because when we build like Santa Fe, we build a future worth living in.