Central Valley Communities
The Central Valley of Costa Rica is a desirable location for investments because of its pleasant temperature, first-rate infrastructure, and friendly locals. Being the center of the nation, it provides access to up-to-date conveniences, dependable transportation, and high-quality healthcare and education. There is a sense of safety and well-being in the area because of the "pura vida" way of life and the welcoming residents. Investors can look at prospects in the ecotourism, agriculture, and cultural industries, as well as the booming real estate industry. For those looking to invest in Costa Rica's bright future, the Central Valley offers a great quality of life with a rich cultural scene and delectable regional cuisine.
San José
San José is the urban jungle of Costa Rica, with commercialized buildings and structures all set against the backdrop of the country’s lush green mountains.
As you are driving through the main roads you are surrounded by the beauty of Costa Rica, still getting a glimpse of what is out there in all its glorious nature.
Living in San José, you instantly become part of the Costa Rican culture being amongst the people and feeling yourself assimilating quickly. You don’t feel like an outsider for long. It is the heart and hub of Costa Rica.
San Jose is made up of many neighborhoods otherwise known as barrios. The city itself is crowded, dense and small, so as a rule expats do not choose to live here. For this reason, there are few expats living downtown in San Jose.
The settlement of Escazú started in the 16th century when Huetar tribes called it Itzkatzu, which means “stone of rest,” because it became a stopover and rest point as early tribes traveled through the country. There remains today a population of about one thousand Huetar descendants in the Escazú area.
The town was officially named and certified in December, 1848. It has grown into a lovely, upscale version of the beauty of Costa Rica. It is a near-west suburb of the capital, San José, near the less urban areas, with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The elevation of Escazú is 3,612 feet, or 1,101 meters., giving the population of 45,000 a tropical climate year-round.
Escazú
Atenas
The picturesque town of Atenas, Alajuela has always been a stable gem nestled in the mountains of Costa Rica’s breathtaking Central Valley. It is less than an hour west of downtown San Jose and just minutes away from the modern toll road leading into the capital or outbound to the beaches. When AARP named it one of the best places to retire abroad in 2010, the secret was out. Fortunately, though, it still retains its small-town charm.
Known for its year-round temperate climate, both retirees and locals have found Atenas to be Costa Rica’s temperate “sweet spot.” The city has attracted more residents since the long-awaited Caldera Highway was completed. The highway, which runs from Ciudad Colón, south of Alajuela, to Puerto Caldera on the Central Pacific Coast, cuts the travel time between the Central Valley and the coast. But even before the new road, Atenas was less than two hours from many beaches.
Introducing our Central Valley Communities
San José, Escazú, Atenas, Santa Ana, Ciudad Colon, San Ramón, Grecia and La Fortuna. From a bustling city center to a peaceful swim in volcanic water springs
San José: Trinity of Climate, Proximity and Entertainment
The climate: when you are in San José, you are almost 4,000 feet above sea level which is just under 1,200 meters. This impacts the climate and as a result temperatures in San José do not fluctuate as much as in the lower coastal regions. You can enjoy a moderate temperature range all year round.
No need for a car: Everything is within walking distance. And if you are not in the mood for walking, use buses – they are plentiful and cheap. Taxis are also affordable.
Excellent shopping and entertainment facilities: Shopping and dining out are the best here. Bakeries, fruit and veg stalls, craft beers and coffee houses are abundant.
Coffee, Chocolates, and Beyond: Exploring San José and its Charming Suburbs
If you want the best coffee in Costa Rica or love to enjoy the mastery of some exclusive chocolatiers, San José is where you need to be.
Then, of course, there’s Avenida Central – 11 blocks of a pedestrian-only walkway packed with department stores, pharmacies, clothing stores, more shoe stores than you can count, book stores, jewelry stores, electronics stores, – anything you can only want.
However, living in a packed city is not everyone’s cup of tea. Many expats prefer the suburbs and little towns just outside San José.
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Escazú: Where Timeless Charm Meets Modern Sophistication in Costa Rica
Escazú is a three-town cantón, or county, of the same name. The main, most active area is Escazú City Center, with San Rafael de Escazú lying north, and San Antonio de Escazú lying south. These three divisions blend together into a thriving, interesting, and attractive composite. Real estate in the city varies from century-old adobe houses, now being restored, to modern high rises, apartment complexes, and upscale, attractive homes, all nestled between the two mountain ranges that define the Central Valley. This setting—with its scenic outlooks, narrow and twisting valley roads, and the charm provided by architecturally beautiful churches and adobe buildings—merges with the style of contemporary high rises to show that the city can be modern, but you still feel firmly at home in Costa Rica.
San José
Escazú
Mountain Paradise: Exploring the Historic Trails and Ideal Climate of Atenas, Costa Rica
Surrounded by mountain sides of sugarcane and coffee, the town is located on the old historic oxcart trail, which was the primary transportation route to bring coffee to the ports on the Pacific and Caribbean sides in the 1800s. Although you still see working oxcarts, the route has long been replaced with well-maintained paved roads. The trip to trendy, suburban Escazú takes approximately 30 minutes—where expats utilize the best of Costa Rica’s shopping, fine dining, and healthcare. It is also 30 minutes from the country’s main international airport (SJO), in nearby Alajuela. The closest Pacific beaches are an hour away, making its location hard to beat anywhere in the entire country. Nearly everything is located within an hour or less.
Located at a pleasant, mosquito-free altitude ranging from 2,280 to 4,000 feet and with maximum temperatures reaching the low-to-mid-80s F and minimums rarely below 65 F most homes do not require heat or air conditioning. The seasons mirror the rest of the country with the driest months being mid-November through mid-May, with varying amounts of precipitation the other months (September to October being the wettest). The weather, altitude, and volcanic soil make it a perfect coffee growing environment.
Nature's Perfection: A Coffee Paradise with Ideal Weather
Located at a pleasant, mosquito-free altitude ranging from 2,280 to 4,000 feet and with maximum temperatures reaching the low-to-mid-80s F and minimums rarely below 65 F most homes do not require heat or air conditioning. The seasons mirror the rest of the country with the driest months being mid-November through mid-May, with varying amounts of precipitation the other months (September to October being the wettest). The weather, altitude, and volcanic soil make it a perfect coffee growing environment.
Atenas: A Growing Expat Haven with Expanding Educational Opportunities and Vast Climates
Atenas has a strong expat community (estimated 2,500 full or part-time) of mostly retired foreigners, but you will also see some younger families moving into the area. With an uptick of younger families moving to Atenas, there is a larger need for schools. You will find public elementary schools and high schools in Atenas, as well as several private bilingual Spanish-English schools: Green Valley School (pre-school, elementary, and high school) San Rafael Bilingual High School, and Colina Azul School (pre-school & elementary.)
Known for its year-round temperate climate, both retirees and locals have found Atenas to be Costa Rica’s temperate “sweet spot.” The city has attracted more residents since the long-awaited Caldera Highway was completed. The highway, which runs from Ciudad Colón, south of Alajuela, to Puerto Caldera on the Central Pacific Coast, cuts the travel time between the Central Valley and the coast. But even before the new road, Atenas was less than two hours from many beaches.
Coffee & Charm: The Enchanting Town
Surrounded by mountain sides of sugarcane and coffee, the town is located on the old historic oxcart trail, which was the primary transportation route to bring coffee to the ports on the Pacific and Caribbean sides in the 1800s. Although you still see working oxcarts, the route has long been replaced with well-maintained paved roads. The trip to trendy, suburban Escazú takes approximately 30 minutes—where expats utilize the best of Costa Rica’s shopping, fine dining, and healthcare. It is also 30 minutes from the country’s main international airport (SJO), in nearby Alajuela. The closest Pacific beaches are an hour away, making its location hard to beat anywhere in the entire country. Nearly everything is located within an hour or less.
Atenas
Atenas: Where Expat Dreams Meet Growing Families and Education
Atenas has a strong expat community (estimated 2,500 full or part-time) of mostly retired foreigners, but you will also see some younger families moving into the area. With an uptick of younger families moving to Atenas, there is a larger need for schools. You will find public elementary schools and high schools in Atenas, as well as several private bilingual Spanish-English schools: Green Valley School (pre-school, elementary, and high school) San Rafael Bilingual High School, and Colina Azul School (pre-school & elementary.)
Santa Ana: Where City and Nature Embrace in Costa Rica's Valley of the Sun
Noted for its verdant mountains and constant breezes, Santa Ana is one of the Central Valley’s top suburbs for expats who desire a blend of city and nature. Located just ten minutes west of bustling Escazu and 15 minutes from downtown San Jose, Santa Ana has experienced considerable commercial growth in the last five years. Affectionately called the Valley of the Sun, Santa Ana is celebrated for its warm, dry weather, abundance of outdoor activities, and provincial charm.
Santa Ana’s residents are diverse, and housing is designed to meet every need: choose between traditional neighborhoods, country estates, or upscale, gated communities. No matter where you live, you’ll enjoy a high standard of living and access to advanced technologies like high-speed Internet, 4G cell phone coverage, and cable television.
Compared with other San Jose suburbs, Santa Ana’s cost of living is moderate to high. Rents in central neighborhoods start around $450 for a furnished one-bedroom rental, while an unfurnished luxury home can easily surpass $2,500 per month. However, Santa Ana residents readily agree that the extra cost is worth it: the municipality is ranked as the country’s second best, thanks to efficient use of taxes and some of Costa Rica’s best public services.
Healthcare and Climate in Playas del Coco: Accessible Medical Options and Year-Round Tropical Living
Public transportation to and from Santa Ana is convenient and inexpensive. Every few minutes, buses head west toward Ciudad Colon, while eastbound stops include Escazu, Rohrmoser, Sabana, and downtown San Jose. Commuters take advantage of the urban train that connects nearby Rohrmoser to San Jose’s eastern suburbs. Additionally, the new Caldera Highway provides fast access to the Pacific Coast – drive from Santa Ana to Puntarenas in about 70 minutes.
Santa Ana’s greatest draws are its beautiful weather and spectacular landscape that beckon residents to spend time outdoors. The area is considered San Jose’s horse country, and several equestrian centers and small ranches dot the countryside. The most notable is La Carana Equestrian Club, which offers boarding, lessons and clinics and hosts a variety of events and competitions for jumping, dressage and endurance. Santa Ana is also home to the championship 18-hole Valle del Sol golf course, a public facility that hosts weekly social tournaments.
Santa Ana
Ciudad Colon
Unveiling the Hidden Gem: Ciudad Colon's Enchanting Charm and Scenic Splendor
Ciudad Colon doesn't appear in any of the guide books or on tourist maps, and the locals like it that way. A small, traditional town serves as the center of Ciudad Colon. In true Costa Rican style, a lovely church sits at the head of the town's main soccer field. Around its edges and along the nearby streets there are a number of small businesses, such as bakeries, corner stores, and restaurants. Local families with young children and expatriates are equally at home in the bustle of this small town.
Ciudad Colon's unique charm lies in the areas outside of town. As you get further from the town itself, you'll notice that you're driving on an incline. During a scenic drive, passersby get a glimpse of the modern properties available in this area. Before you know it, you'll be looking out over some incredible views of the valley below.
Ciudad Colon: A Tapestry of Cultures & Premier Healthcare
Ciudad Colon has an impressively varied expatriate community. While out to dinner, don't be surprised to find yourself sitting next to people from Italy, Germany, the United States, and other countries around the world. The United Nations University for Peace is located a few kilometers outside town. Students who are working to obtain their master's degrees in areas related to the environment, peace, international law, gender, and other socially important areas add to the culturally diverse community.
One of Costa Rica's leading hospitals, Hospital CIMA, is located just 10 minutes away from Ciudad Colon. This world-class hospital just opened its doors several years ago and is the leading private medical facility in this area of the country. The hospital offers every type of medical care you would expect in a modern facility, including routine care, laboratory services, emergency care, surgical care, and more. Medical tourism is increasingly popular at Hospital CIMA, and the surrounding property has many upscale dining and shopping options, including Max Mara, Starbucks, IMAX movie theater, and many other well known establishments.
Santa Ana: Where Culinary Delights and Entertainment Thrive
When the sun goes down, residents enjoy the area’s spectacular restaurants – Santa Ana and Escazu are home to some of the best in the country. Great nightlife and shopping are only a short drive away at Escazu’s Multiplaza Mall and Plaza Itskatzu. For fans of the silver screen, Escazu’s new 3-D IMAX movie theater – the most advanced and impressive in Costa Rica – is just ten minutes away. For everyday goods, bargain hunters head to Escazu’s Pricesmart, a local warehouse store similar to Sam’s Club or Costco. Upscale imported goods are available at Santa Ana’s Auto Mercado, a local supermarket that carries organic foods, fine wines, artisan cheeses, and hard-to-find food items.
Santa Ana: A Prime Location for Families with Access to Top Schools and Quality Healthcare
Families with children appreciate Santa Ana for its convenient access to some of Costa Rica’s top schools. The metropolitan region is filled with excellent public, magnet, and private schools. Several private schools offer bilingual or English-only classes and are located within a few miles of Santa Ana. Expats tend to favor the Marian Baker School (San Ramon de Tres Rios), Pan-American School (San Antonio de Belen), the Blue Valley School (Escazu) and the Country Day School (Escazu). The Colegio Humboldt in Rohrmoser offers classes in English, Spanish and German, while downtown San Jose’s Liceo Franco Costarricense teaches classes in Spanish and French. Additionally, San Jose’s British School offers an English-only curriculum and a highly regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Santa Ana has many pharmacies, medical clinics, and private practices to address yearly check-ups and everyday problems. When more serious care is needed, most residents head to Escazu’s CIMA Hospital, a private facility with state-of-the-art technology and a highly trained bilingual staff.
The Province of Alajuela
Welcome to one of Costa Rica's Seven Wonders: Alajuela
Welcome to Alajuela, a province in Costa Rica that combines natural beauty with thriving neighborhoods. San Ramon, a charming town renowned for its verdant surroundings and welcoming residents, is located in the center of this province. Grecia, which lies nearby and enchants with its attractive architecture and welcoming ambiance, is a favorite among tourists looking for a genuine Costa Rican experience. Furthermore, no trip to Alajuela would be complete without stopping in at the alluring La Fortuna, where the beautiful Arenal Volcano rules and gives breathtaking views. Set off on a voyage of discovery and savor the warmth and beauty of Alajuela's various settings.
San Ramón: Decoding Seasons Through Rain and Sunshine
San Ramón experiences the wet and dry seasons of the country, and will cause you to scratch your head until you acclimate a little bit. Winter, the rainy season, begins in May and continues to late November. Summer, the dry part, goes from late November until May. Folks from Calgary, Canada, or St. Paul, Minnesota, will be confused until they cease thinking in temperature terms, and see that “ticos” use precipitation as the season definers.
San Ramón is uniquely affected by variances in elevation. Slight differences affect the temperatures as well as the precipitation. The top of one hill can have a different pattern than that in the valley. It’s a good reason to rent before buying.
San Ramón
Healthcare in San Ramón: A Vital Component of Your Retirement Lifestyle
As retirement brings a little different focus, it’s important to know that good, competent medical care is certainly part of your lifestyle. First is CAJA, the government program, with healthcare clinics in town, and a hospital in downtown San Ramón, where most procedures are handled. For more progressive procedures, a patient can be transferred to one of the six major facilities in San José.
There is also a large independent medical community of all types of specialties, as well as ultra-modern hospitals. The cost here is usually at about 10% to 30% of U.S. costs. Private insurance is also available.
Housing Dreams Come True: Diverse Options in San Ramón
Housing options abound also. From an in-town small apartment to a luxury, gated community manor, all are available. It is easy to find a “tico” townhouse or a more modern country home that is near town but on the edge of the rural areas.
For rental houses, expect to pay $600 to $1,000 per month, depending on location. On the upper end, you can go even higher. Purchasing a home is the result of your wishes. Being budget-conscious allows starting at $60,000 to $80,000, with many, many higher possibilities. As stated before, because this is a different economy and culture, renting for at least a year before buying, is highly advised.
Grecia
Grecia: A Serene Haven Amidst Mountains and Ideal Climes
Grecia is the perfect place to live. The town is a medium-sized farming town of about 15,000 residents. It sits on the slope of Poás Volcano in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, meaning it is surrounded by mountains. Elevations for Grecia and its environs range from 3,000 to 5,500 feet, providing ideal temperatures year round and stunning vistas from most places in the town. There are two seasons; dry season, or summer, from mid-December through April, and rainy season, or winter, from May to mid-December. Yes, it’s upside down compared to northern climes!
In addition to the weather, Grecia is large enough to have nearly all the conveniences you might need. There are plenty of options for shopping in town. Multiple grocery stores provide everyday staples, and there are clothing stores, hardware stores, and even a mall.
Grecia: Your Health and Convenience at Your Fingertips
For healthcare there are multiple pharmacies, each with a nurse on staff. The town has many general practitioners to choose from, as well as some specialists. There are at least three dentists and a couple of optometrists too. Many of the doctors are U.S. trained and speak English. Grecia also has its own hospital and Caja office (Costa Rica’s national medical program). The cost for the average expat couple will be in the $90 to $100 per month range, based on your retirement income, and it pays for everything from prescription to tests to hospital stays. There is also an independent cash system of private doctors and hospitals, at rates 15% to 50% lower than U.S. rates.
Another great thing about Grecia is the town’s proximity to other conveniences. The international airport in Alajuela (along with other excellent shopping options) is only 40 minutes away. And the capital city, San José, which provides cultural activities as well as excellent restaurants, is only an hour away.
Embrace the Pura Vida: Grecia's Leisurely Lifestyle and Natural Charms
Lifestyle
Grecia provides a great lifestyle for those exiting the rat race of the U.S. and looking for a slower pace of life. Grecia’s perfect temperature encourages outdoor pursuits like walking or hiking, bird watching, and photography.
Beaches, on both ocean’s shores, range from pleasant, laid-back idylls that are peaceful and picturesque to some of the top surfing opportunities in the world, especially on the Pacific side. Beach life can be as simple as a tent under the stars or lavish digs at full-service resorts. Fishing has the same variety of options, from single line casting from the shore to all-day boat tours and excursions.
La Fortuna, beside Arenal Volcano—considered by many to be Costa Rica’s top tourist vacation spot—is only two to three hours away from Grecia. Here you’ll find hot spring resorts and nature at its best, as well as a small town filled with top restaurants and attractions. In Grecia, B&Bs, inns, and “cabinas” with views join all classes of hotels in the town. And now, with the reawakening from the COVID scourge, new eateries are opening to join the already incredibly long list of things to do. The fun lies in the effort to find your favorite.
Grecia: Where Expat Unity and Local Warmth Embrace
The expat community in Grecia is large and active. There are many clubs and activities that allow for socializing and there are also many volunteer opportunities for those that wish to give back to the community. The locals are warm, welcoming, sincere, and willing to share their culture with you. Learn to make tamales at Christmas time with your tico neighbors, or enjoy the warmth of a summer cookout.
The town has multiple restaurants, some even feature live music provided by local expat bands. And then there is the feria, or farmers’ market. One of the best in the Central Valley, Grecia’s feria is a great place to meet up with friends and find great deals on produce.
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La Fortuna & Arenal
La Fortuna: Where Nature's Beauty and Tranquility Beckon Expats
La Fortuna is located about three hours northwest of the capital of San José, Costa Rica’s Arenal region has been drawing eco-minded travelers in search of opportunities for wildlife watching, jungle hiking, water sports, and other activities for decades.
But it’s also become much more than a tourist destination, attracting an increasing number of expats interested in making permanent homes here. They are drawn here by the peace and serenity. No traffic. No crowds. Just a small-village atmosphere.
The tourist hub of La Fortuna de San Carlos sits six miles from the volcano’s base on the eastern side. The volcano is a spectacular sight, a cone rising 5,479 feet out of forest and farmland, that is active, but not dangerous.
A side benefit of the volcanic activity is that thermal hot springs abound in the area. Known locally as “aguas termales”, the 90 F to 110 F waters are naturally heated by volcanic activity. In fact, most of the hot springs have a great view of the Arenal volcano from the pools.
Healing Waters and Lakeside Adventures: Discovering La Fortuna's Serene Retreats
This area has about a dozen different hot springs you can visit, ranging from deluxe locations with attached spas (most feature volcano mud treatments) to more budget facilities favored by locals. Many line the road heading west out of the tourist town of La Fortuna towards Lake Arenal.
The waters themselves, thanks to the minerals, are said to have medicinal properties and alleviate arthritis, certain heart conditions, and other ailments. But whether that’s true or not, the warm waters undoubtedly have a positive effect on any stress or tension you’re feeling. Plus, it’s the perfect way to soothe sore muscles at the end of a day trekking or traveling.
To get from La Fortuna to the shores of the lake takes about 30 minutes. Nuevo Arenal, a village popular with visitors and expats about midway along the northern shore, is another 30 minutes along the curvy lakeshore road. There are plenty of cafes, artisan galleries, and restaurants you’ll pass that are worth a stop.
La Fortuna is the largest town in this region. As such, it offers a variety of amenities and services you won’t find elsewhere. There are well-equipped medical and dental clinics, including emergency care. It also features several large grocery stores and markets that carry fresh produce, as well as imported items. There are also banks and gourmet restaurants.
La Fortuna: Where Adventure Awaits and Accommodations Abound
Although most expats only come into town for errands, many tourists to the area stay in La Fortuna because it features a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to high-end hotels. It is also headquarters for many tour companies who offer a range of adventures in the area, which has a larger national park around the base of the volcano. There is ziplining, whitewater rafting, jungle trekking, wildlife watching, spelunking, kayaking and standup paddle boarding on the lake, and more.
La Fortuna: Embracing the Enchanting Spring-like Lifestyle in the Tropics
La Fortuna and the Arenal area does get its share of hot days, but for the most part the weather year-round in the area can be described as “spring-like.” Comfortable daytime temperatures in the 80s…cooling off at night. Most people here do not use air conditioning. Instead they open windows and sliding doors to bring in fresh air and cooling breezes.
The great weather means a lot of living and entertaining is done outdoors—in tropical landscaped gardens, terraces, or back porches. Expats here eat meals outside, enjoy that first cup of coffee in the morning overlooking the lake, and watch sunset over a glass of wine.
There can be heavy rains here at times…this is the tropics after all. But most expats welcome the water because it nourishes the vegetation and really brings out the different shades of green in all the trees and other plants. Wildlife, including toucans, coatimundis, and other species thrive in the natural areas here.
Quick review of factors when considering options for an investment property in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Locations Comparison Table
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