Escazú
It is said that the word ‘Escazú' is an early Indian word, which means ‘resting place', where weary Indian travelers stopped for a while and exchanged news from far regions of the country.
Located 7.5 miles (12 km) west from the city the capital, between looming volcanic mountain chains and green grassy foothills, this city is considered as one of the trendiest and upscale suburbs of the San José metropolitan area.
Over the past couple of decades the city of Escazú has seen a significant influx of newly arrived foreigners from North America, South America and Europe, becoming an expatriate enclave: several embassies have their residences located here, including the residence of the U.S., the British and the German Ambassadors. It is one of the most developed parts of the metropolitan area, populated by families with high incomes; however, it still maintains the local flavor and laidback Tico lifestyle with its quaint ambiance, colorful sodas and local restaurants. Also known as the Beverly Hills of Costa Rica, Escazú is comprised by three communities: San Rafael, Escazú Centro and San Antonio.
Escazú Centro (officially San Miguel de Escazú), is the center of the town and where the municipal government operates. Founded long before the present capital San Jose, this town was formed around a cross-ways of Indian trails through the area. Here you can still experience the real Tico lifestyle by shopping at simple stores, buying fresh fruit and vegetables at the Saturday morning farmers' market, take a walk through its narrow streets or simply enjoy a real Costa Rican coffee at a local café.
San Antonio is rural, conserving all the colonial flavor of its origins. This is an interesting place to visit, especially in March, when the annual ox cart drover’s festival takes pace. This festival attracts many tourists each year, consisting of a long parade of fancy colored ox carts from all over Costa Rica.
San Rafael, is considered to be a very upscale neighborhood, San Rafael offers beautifully-maintained gated communities, modern conveniences and a great variety of hotel accommodations. It is home to many cafés, restaurants and discos, especially those of the more chic (and expensive) variety as well as fancy shops and boutiques to keep your shopping bags full, and if that’s not enough, the country’s largest shopping mall, Multiplaza, is located just five minutes away from San Rafael de Escazú. Price Smart and the modern office complexes of Plaza Roble are also close by to a number of luxury hotels such as the Intercontinental and the Marriott Courtyard, not to mention the best hospital of the country, Hospital CIMA, which is also located nearby. Some of the best bilingual schools are also located in this area such as: Country Day; Blue Valley, and West College, in Guachipelin de Escazú.
Santa Ana
Situated just beyond trendy Escazú, this smaller, alluring suburb of San José is growing rapidly. Here you will also find a large expat population, enthralled in the local ambiance due to the modern conveniences provided and its cultural atmosphere. Following the Próspero Fernández Expressway (Carretera Próspero Fernández) west 15 minutes from San José will take you to this beautiful and delightful town that combines all the advantages of a metropolitan lifestyle with the comforts of country living. Santa Ana has been recently experiencing unprecedented real estate and commercial development. The area of Lindora has become the place of choice with upscale grocery stores, gourmet restaurants, banks, gas stations, medical and dental clinics, beauty salons, coffee houses, hotels, business centers, private schools, and commercial centers springing up everywhere. The Parque Valle del Sol golf course located in Santa Ana is the first and the only professional golf course in Costa Rica open to the public in the Central Valley.
Rohrmoser and Pavas
A very nice and posh area, Rohrmoser is the place of residence of the president Oscar Arias, and where many ambassadors tend to live alongside a number of wealthy Tico families. This area has a great variety of restaurants and small B&B’s that are great for the traveler just looking for a warm bed to spend the night. Pavas is where the Tobias Bolanos Airport is located. This small airport serves many domestic flights and some cities in Panama and Nicaragua.
La Sabana
A largely quiet residential area, located very close to the center of San Jose, La Sabana has a number of museums, restaurants and fine hotels. Many years ago this area used to house the main airport in San Jose; however, today La Sabana has been converted into a large and beautiful park area, where one can visit many ponds and playgrounds as well as the fascinating Museum of Costa Rica Art. A huge park with plenty of lovely fountains and various sports facilities is the delight for Ticos and foreigners that come here for picnics, jogging and outdoor concerts.
San Pedro and Curridabat
San Pedro de Montes de Oca, farther east from San Jose, is a university town, with plenty of bars and restaurants. Beyond San Pedro, Curridabat is a more residential area that offers great shopping, dining and entertainment at the the “Terramall”, which is a very large and modern shopping mall built only 2 years ago.
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