Santa Fe’s high desert setting offers a distinctive backdrop for golf—cooler summer temperatures, dramatic elevation changes, and views that stretch to multiple mountain ranges. While golf may not be the first thing most people associate with Santa Fe, the city has quietly built a small but well-regarded collection of golf course communities. Some of these neighborhoods now include homes with contemporary or modern architectural styles, offering an alternative to the region’s more traditional adobe designs.
This guide covers several golf-oriented communities in and near Santa Fe, with an emphasis on lifestyle amenities, location, and architectural diversity.
Las Campanas
Las Campanas is the largest and most developed golf community in the Santa Fe area. Located about 15 minutes northwest of downtown, this gated neighborhood spans thousands of acres and includes two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, a private clubhouse, an equestrian center, fitness facilities, and spa services.
Many of the homes in Las Campanas follow traditional Pueblo Revival or Territorial design, but a growing number of custom builds reflect more modern architectural influences. Newer homes often feature flat roofs, large-scale glazing, clean-lined facades, and natural materials like steel, stone, and plaster. These elements help frame long-range views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains while integrating with the desert surroundings.
Sunset Golf Villas
Within Las Campanas, the Sunset Golf Villas offer smaller homes with a lower-maintenance lifestyle. Many of the homes here adopt transitional or modern styling and include private courtyards, open-concept layouts, and extensive outdoor living spaces. The Villas are located near the Sunset course, with easy access to golf, dining, and spa facilities.
Quail Run
Quail Run is a gated community just south of central Santa Fe. It includes a 9-hole PGA-rated course, tennis courts, a clubhouse, restaurant, and full-service fitness center with an indoor lap pool. Housing types range from attached casitas to single-family homes. While most units reflect a more traditional Santa Fe aesthetic, some have been renovated with contemporary interiors and simplified exteriors. Quail Run’s in-town location makes it especially appealing to those who want golf amenities without the drive.
Nearby Custom Homes with Golf Access
Several neighborhoods near but not within golf communities also offer easy access to local courses. Areas along the Old Las Vegas Highway, near Tesuque, or adjacent to the western edges of Eldorado provide larger lots, fewer architectural restrictions, and the potential for custom modern builds. Many of these homes are within a 10–15 minute drive of Las Campanas or Quail Run and include passive solar design, expansive windows, and minimalistic detailing that reflects contemporary regional architecture.
Things to Consider
Unlike some golf destinations where every community revolves around the sport, Santa Fe’s golf neighborhoods are more integrated into the broader residential landscape. That means a wider mix of architectural styles and lifestyle options, particularly for those seeking modern design. Whether you’re looking for a lock-and-leave villa, a full-scale custom home on the fairway, or a modern house just outside the gates, Santa Fe offers several options that combine golf access with architectural character.
