I just listed a 4 bedroom, 2 full bath 2 story nearly new 2 year home in the heart of Santa Fe's southside with fireplace, beams, tile floors - all on a cul de sac with views close to 599 with easy access to Los Alamos. The home bank owned and in move in ready condition priced to sell at $250,000. Click on the web link below and certainly call/text or email for more details. This home was a Cypress Grande floor plan and custom built by Sage Builders. You could not build this 1806 sq ft home for the $138 per square foot it is on the market today. Good Luck, Emily Medvec 505.660.4541 BTW Although this home is now bank owned it is not distressed!

Emily Medvec, Associate Broker
Santa Fe Properties
1000 Paseo de Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.660.4541 cell
505.982-4466 office x1088 http://www.santafedeal.com

What is your timeline to move? I work with home owners that are ready to sell their properties and don't necessarily want to go through a realtor listing. Right now, I have a 3 bedroom 2 bath what a large back yard, patio, single car garage and an extra room that has been doubling as a bedroom, but could be a great entertainment room for high school aged children.
I can be reached at dmontoya@cybermesa.com for further information and communications.
Los Alamos has a great high school as noted in the comments by Mr Epps below.

I am getting ready to put my house on the market FSBO. It is right in your price range. If you are still looking please email me!

I may have a property for you. Are you looking to buy, rent or lease?

Shannon - ask your local Realtor for community and school info. They should be able to direct you to websites and provide you with that information. I provide my clients that info in my area. If you need a referral for an agent, please let me know.

If you are talking about Los Alamos, NM; the overall Santa Fe area is about 45 min commute to Los Alamos.
You can generally get crime stats online by checking the city or county police and sheriff websites or by calling those offices.
It might be difficult to find a home for 5 people in the $250k range in Los Alamos. I know my father has lived in and around the Los Alamos and Santa Fe area on and off for years and the homes I've seen him look at for that price range might be tight for 5 people. Depends on your personal wants and needs.
Have you consulted with any Realtors in the area?
White Rock is between Los Alamos and Santa Fe and Espanola is within the comute you're saying might work for you.