Living in Santa Fe, TN means embracing a quiet, rural lifestyle tucked into the rolling hills of Maury County. Known for its wide-open farmland, wooded landscapes, and close-knit community, Santa Fe offers a peaceful retreat from the fast pace of urban life. With scenic beauty, local traditions, and a connection to nature, it’s an ideal home for those seeking space to breathe, slow down, and settle into something real.
Essentials
Notable school:
- Santa Fe is served by Maury County Public Schools (MCPS).
- Santa Fe Unit School (K–12) — A small, community-centered school that serves all grade levels under one roof.
Commute Times
Drive time to Nashville typically ranges from 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic and route. Many residents enjoy the rural setting with the ability to reach the city when needed.
Lifestyle
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
While Santa Fe doesn’t have formal city parks, its outdoor spaces reflect the area’s rural charm and sense of shared community.
- Santa Fe Unit School Grounds: While not a formal park, the school grounds serve as a community gathering space used for local events, youth sports, and informal outdoor fun.
- Nearby Natchez Trace Scenic Area: Just a short drive away, this historic corridor offers scenic pull-offs and access to picnic spots, creeks, and wooded areas ideal for exploring.
Lakes & Fishing Spots
Fishing in Santa Fe tends to be more private and personal — with many residents casting lines in spring-fed creeks and stocked farm ponds.
- Private Ponds & Creeks: Most fishing in Santa Fe happens on private land, where ponds and creeks offer peaceful settings for catching bass and bluegill. These spots are often part of larger homesteads and passed down through generations.
- Duck River (Accessible via Columbia): The Duck River, accessible within a short drive via Columbia, is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America and offers excellent fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking & Horseback Trails
Santa Fe’s trails are less formal and more personal — with access to winding country roads, private land trails, and nearby nature areas.
- Rural Backroads & Farm Trails: Rolling hills and scenic pastures make Santa Fe a favorite for horseback riders, walkers, and cyclists. Many locals explore quiet rural roads or maintain their own private trails through woods and farmland.
- Cheeks Bend Bluff Trail: Located in the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area near Columbia, this moderate trail offers river views and access to a small cave system. It’s a peaceful hiking option just a short drive from Santa Fe.
Annual Events & Festivals
In Santa Fe, community gatherings are intimate and heartfelt — reflecting the small-town values of its residents.
- Santa Fe School Fall Festival: A long-standing local tradition with games, vendors, food, and fun — all centered around the school grounds and driven by community support.
- Church-hosted Holiday Events & Fish Fries: Throughout the year, area churches host seasonal gatherings, craft fairs, and fundraisers that bring the community together over food, music, and shared traditions — often featuring home-cooked meals and classic Southern hospitality.
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