Two of Santa Fe's most popular planned communities are Las Campanas and Aldea. While both offer attractive lifestyles within minutes of downtown, they serve very different buyer profiles. This comparison will help you understand the key differences in price, lifestyle, amenities, and investment potential.
| Feature | Las Campanas | Aldea |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Northwest of Santa Fe, off US-84 | Northwest Santa Fe, near Camino la Tierra |
| Community Type | Gated luxury golf community | New Urbanist walkable village |
| Price Range | $800K–$5M+ | $450K–$1.2M |
| Lot Sizes | 1–10+ acres | Smaller lots, attached and detached |
| HOA | Yes, with club membership options | Yes, covers common areas and trails |
| Golf | Two Jack Nicklaus courses | No on-site golf |
| Trails & Outdoor | Equestrian trails, open space | Walking/biking trails, community garden |
| Best For | Luxury buyers, second-home owners, golfers | Active retirees, downsizers, families |
Las Campanas is Santa Fe's premier luxury residential community, offering world-class golf, spa, fitness, and dining amenities through The Club at Las Campanas. Homes range from custom estates on multi-acre lots to smaller courtyard homes. The community attracts affluent second-home buyers, retirees, and those seeking privacy, security, and dramatic mountain views. Read our luxury home selling guide for insights on this market segment.
Aldea was designed as a walkable village with a mix of attached and detached homes clustered around shared green spaces, trails, and a community center. The architecture is Santa Fe style with strong design standards. Aldea appeals to buyers who value community connection, an active outdoor lifestyle, and proximity to town without the premium of a gated golf community. Many senior buyers and first-time buyers find Aldea to be an excellent fit.
Las Campanas is ideal for buyers who want space, exclusivity, and high-end recreational amenities. The gated environment and large lot sizes create a private, resort-like setting. Aldea is better suited for buyers who want to step out their front door and walk to a neighbor's house, a community garden, or a trailhead. The social fabric of Aldea is tighter and more communal.
Las Campanas properties command premium prices and appreciate steadily due to limited inventory and the prestige of the community. Aldea homes are more attainable and tend to sell quickly due to strong demand from local buyers and relocators. Both communities hold their value well relative to the broader Santa Fe market. For more investment insights, see our top 5 investment neighborhoods guide.
Not sure yet? Explore all Santa Fe neighborhoods or compare Santa Fe vs Albuquerque.
Leland Titus has represented buyers and sellers in both Las Campanas and Aldea for over two decades. As a Qualifying Broker at Santa Fe Realty Unlimited, he understands the nuances of each community and can help you determine which one aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.
Contact Leland at (505) 388-0310 or visit Lelandtitus.com to schedule a private tour of either community.
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