Apples to Apples?

I visited Santa Fe last weekend and returned with a real estate catalog, thinking it would be interesting to post two properties--one in Santa Fe and one in Key West--that are the same price and to compare the features of both.

While it may seem that Santa Fe and Key West couldn't be more different, the two towns actually share some similarities. Both are towns with year-round residents as well as seasonal folks. Both can boast outdoor adventure and resort lifestyles: Santa Fe has mountains and Key West has water. And both towns are artsy meccas attracting both the glitterati and the quirky; however, the glitter in Key West tends to be worn by the drag queens!

But the real estate is decidedly different. Obviously the constraint of living on an island with only so much space vs. the great wide open of New Mexico makes square footage biggest difference between homes in Key West and Santa Fe. Take a look at these two properties both listed at $995,000.

813 Frances Street, Key West











18 Primrose Circle, Santa Fe









Here's how the details compare:

Square Footage:
813 Frances St. - 1,450
18 Primrose Cir. - 3,300

Cost per square foot:
813 Frances St. $686.21
18 Primrose Cir. - $301.51

Lot size:
813 Frances St. - .06 acre (2,759 sq.ft.)
18 Primrose Cir. - 1.5 acres (65,340 sq.ft.)

Bedrooms:
913 Frances St. - 2
18 Primrose Cir. - 3

Baths:
913 Frances St. - 2 full
18 Primrose Cir. - 2 3/4

Amenities:
913 Frances St. - pool and off-street parking (this is a biggie in Key West)
18 Primrose Cir. - 3 fireplaces and heated attached garage

Big thanks to Marquis Properties Realty and Doug Mayberry Real Estate in Key West and to Rush/Van Camp in Santa Fe. One visit to their websites will have you running out to buy a lottery ticket! The hardest part will be deciding which town to choose.