**Santa Fe Air: Altitude Lies Drying HA Savings?**
By Franklin Everett ShawForget the postcards. Forget the turquoise jewelry. Let’s talk about the real Santa Fe experience: surviving the high-altitude desert. It’s not all Georgia O’Keeffe and art markets; it’s also battling skin drier than the Georgia O’Keeffe’s bleached bones and lungs that feel like they’re auditioning for a vacuum cleaner commercial.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, at over 7,000 feet, isn’t just high; it’s aggressively high. The air is thin, dry, and ready to suck every last drop of moisture from your body. And while the lower housing costs compared to, say, coastal California might seem appealing, you need to factor in the “Santa Fe Surcharge” – the extra expenses you’ll incur just to stay hydrated and healthy.
So, is moving to Santa Fe to save money on housing a smart move? Let’s break it down, starting with the most immediate threat: dehydration.
Humidifiers: Your New Best Friend (and Roommate)
You need a humidifier. Not a cute little aromatherapy diffuser, but a serious, whole-house or room-sized humidifier. Think of it as an investment in your health, not just a gadget.
Whole-House Humidifiers: If you own your Santa Fe adobe, consider a whole-house humidifier integrated into your HVAC system. Aprilaire and Honeywell are reliable brands. Expect to pay between $500 and $1500 installed. The benefit? Consistent humidity throughout your home, protecting not just you but also your wooden furniture and musical instruments (Santa Fe loves its guitars!). The downside? Higher upfront cost and professional installation.
Room Humidifiers: For renters or those on a tighter budget, a good room humidifier is essential. Avoid ultrasonic humidifiers; they can leave a white dust on surfaces due to the minerals in Santa Fe’s hard water. Evaporative humidifiers are a better choice. Look for models with a large tank capacity (at least 1.5 gallons) and adjustable humidity settings. Honeywell and Vicks (yes, the Vicks brand makes more than just vapor rub) offer decent options in the $50-$150 range.
- Pro Tip: Use distilled water in your humidifier to prevent mineral buildup and extend its lifespan. Santa Fe water, while generally safe, is hard and can wreak havoc on humidifiers. You can buy distilled water in bulk at most grocery stores in Santa Fe, like Trader Joe’s or Albertson’s.
Skincare: Hydration is Key (Duh, But Seriously)
Forget everything you know about skincare in humid climates. In Santa Fe, it’s all about moisture, moisture, moisture.
Hyaluronic Acid is Your Savior: This humectant attracts moisture from the air and binds it to your skin. Look for serums and moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid. The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a budget-friendly option available at Ulta in Albuquerque. For a local touch, check out the skincare section at Body of Santa Fe; they often carry products with natural, hydrating ingredients sourced from the Southwest.
Emollients and Occlusives are Your Bodyguards: Emollients like shea butter and ceramides help to soften and smooth the skin, while occlusives like petroleum jelly and beeswax create a barrier to prevent moisture loss. Apply an occlusive balm to your lips and hands before bed. Aquaphor is a classic choice, readily available at any Walgreens in Santa Fe.
Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: The high altitude means increased UV exposure. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day, even on cloudy days. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a dermatologist-recommended favorite, often found at medical spas in Albuquerque.
- Challenge: Finding the right balance between hydration and sun protection. Many sunscreens can feel heavy and greasy, especially when layered over hydrating serums and moisturizers.
- Solution: Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens specifically formulated for dry skin. Korean sunscreens are often a good option, known for their hydrating formulas and high SPF. You can find a selection at the Korean grocery stores in Albuquerque.
Acclimatization: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Don’t expect to arrive in Santa Fe and immediately start hiking to the top of Atalaya Mountain. Altitude sickness is real, and it can ruin your first few weeks (or months) in the City Different.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can dehydrate you further.
Take it Easy: Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days. Let your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, or shortness of breath, descend to a lower altitude.
Consider Acetazolamide (Diamox): If you have a history of altitude sickness, talk to your doctor about taking acetazolamide, a medication that can help your body acclimatize. You’ll need a prescription, so schedule an appointment with a doctor in Santa Fe before your move.
- Pitfall: Overdoing it too soon. Many newcomers, eager to explore the stunning landscapes, push themselves too hard and end up sidelined with altitude sickness.
- Solution: Start with gentle walks and gradually increase your activity level as you acclimatize. The Santa Fe Rail Trail is a relatively flat and easy option for your first few days.
The Financial Reality: Is Santa Fe Really Cheaper?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: the cost. While housing in Santa Fe might be cheaper than in some major metropolitan areas, the “Santa Fe Surcharge” can add up.
Healthcare Costs: You might need to see a doctor more frequently for altitude-related ailments, such as respiratory infections or dehydration. Factor in the cost of doctor’s visits, medications, and potential emergency room visits.
Skincare and Hydration Products: High-quality hydrating skincare products and humidifiers aren’t cheap. Budget accordingly.
Water Bills: Running a humidifier constantly will increase your water bill.
Food Costs: While not directly related to the altitude, Santa Fe’s grocery prices can be higher than in other parts of the country.
- Case Study: Let’s say you’re moving from San Francisco, where you’re paying $4,000 a month for rent. In Santa Fe, you find a comparable apartment for $2,500 a month. That’s a savings of $1,500 a month, or $18,000 a year. However, you need to factor in the cost of a whole-house humidifier ($1,000), increased water bills ($50/month), more expensive skincare products ($100/month), and potential healthcare costs ($500/year). That brings your net savings down to around $15,000 a year.
The Verdict: Is it Worth It?
Moving to Santa Fe can be a great decision, but it’s important to be realistic about the challenges and costs involved. If you’re prepared to invest in your health and well-being, and if you appreciate the unique culture and natural beauty of the Southwest, then Santa Fe might be the perfect place for you. Just remember to pack your sunscreen, your humidifier, and your sense of humor. You’ll need them.