A USEFUL PLACE TO BEGIN
Compare the neighborhood around your daily routine: schools, climate, access, and the home itself.
You want to move to Costa Rica. You picture green mountains, outdoor living, and a little more sunshine in your everyday life.
But you would also like excellent schools, good healthcare, a proper supermarket, and enough restaurants that dinner does not become a weekly family negotiation.
I understand completely.
Living in Escazú or Santa Ana gives you access to some of Costa Rica’s most developed residential areas, with modern conveniences, mountain scenery, and a location that makes exploring the country easier.
These neighboring communities sit west of San José, in the Central Valley. They appeal to people who want an active, connected lifestyle, with the option to trade the city for the beach on the weekend.
Justin and I work in both areas and know the neighborhoods well. What I appreciate most is how much choice they offer: you can be close to everything and still find a home that feels like your own quiet corner of Costa Rica.
Where are Escazú and Santa Ana?
Escazú and Santa Ana are neighboring cantons on the western side of the San José metropolitan area. Their residential and commercial neighborhoods connect to Route 27, the highway linking the capital with the Central Pacific coast.
That location makes them practical bases for work, school, appointments, shopping, and day trips. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is in nearby Alajuela, making international travel convenient too. Your airport drive will depend on your neighborhood, route, and traffic; planning around the actual address is far more useful than a promise of “just 15 minutes.”
And yes, the beach can still be part of your life.
| Starting point | Approximate driving distance to Jacó |
|---|---|
| Escazú | 59 miles, or about 95 kilometers |
| Santa Ana | 55 miles, or about 89 kilometers |
Route planners estimate roughly 1½ hours in favorable conditions. Allow more time for traffic, rain, holidays, and your specific starting point.
In other words, a beach day is entirely possible without turning every supermarket run into a tropical endurance event.
Escazú vs. Santa Ana: what is the climate like?
They are close together, but they do not always feel the same.
Escazú generally feels cooler, especially in its higher hillside neighborhoods. The town center sits at approximately 1,101 meters, or 3,612 feet, above sea level. Higher up, breezes and cooler evenings can make terraces especially inviting.
Santa Ana generally feels warmer, particularly in lower areas such as Pozos and Lindora. Its town center is approximately 904 meters, or 2,966 feet, above sea level. Costa Rica’s tourism board describes Santa Ana’s climate as warm and dry, although it still has a rainy season.
If your dream includes pool afternoons and outdoor entertaining, Santa Ana deserves a place on your list. If you prefer a cooler evening and a sweater that occasionally gets some attention, look at Escazú’s hillsides.
The exact property matters. Elevation, shade, airflow, and the direction a home faces can change how comfortable it feels. We help buyers compare those details when choosing a neighborhood.
Escazú: upscale convenience with a mountain backdrop
Escazú has a wonderful mix of sophisticated shopping, established neighborhoods, and hillside homes with sweeping valley views.
Multiplaza Escazú brings together designer boutiques, international retailers, restaurants, and cinemas. Nearby commercial centers add cafés, services, fitness options, and places to meet friends.
For buyers considering real estate in Escazú, the variety is a major advantage. There are luxury residences, contemporary apartments, established family homes, and gated communities at different price levels. San Rafael and Guachipelín appeal to buyers looking for access to services, while higher neighborhoods can offer a greener, quieter setting.
I like that you can enjoy a polished urban lifestyle here without giving up the mountain backdrop. Your morning can begin with a beautiful view and still include an appointment, shopping, and lunch nearby.
Santa Ana: sunshine, pool days, and a lively social scene
Santa Ana has its own personality. It combines an established town center with modern residential communities and busy commercial areas, especially around Lindora and Pozos.
You will find attractive homes, landscaped neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, fitness studios, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors.
The warmer climate makes swimming pools and outdoor living particularly appealing. A shaded terrace, lush garden, and somewhere comfortable to have coffee can quickly become the most important rooms in the house.
For golfers, Parque Valle del Sol in Pozos has an 18-hole golf course. Buyers can also explore communities with shared pools, gyms, play areas, and other amenities, depending on the development.
Santa Ana is a strong option for people who want modern conveniences, an active social life, and easy access to Route 27. And it offers more than large luxury houses: apartments, townhomes, and more moderately priced communities are part of the picture too.
Schools, healthcare, and the comforts of everyday life
When you are choosing where to live in Costa Rica, beautiful views are only part of the decision. The everyday details matter just as much.
Both areas offer access to public and private education, with established private school options such as Blue Valley School in Escazú and St. Jude School in Santa Ana. Families can compare programs and locations around the school routine they actually want.
Healthcare is another advantage of the western metropolitan corridor. Hospital CIMA is in Escazú, and Hospital Clínica Bíblica has a Santa Ana campus, providing access to medical services without a trip across the entire city.
Add well-stocked supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, shopping plazas, and professional services, and daily life can feel familiar for someone moving from abroad.
Many planned developments and commercial centers have a well-maintained, organized appearance that buyers appreciate. You can enjoy that convenience while still finding Costa Rican town centers, local businesses, and traditions nearby.
A lifestyle that gives you plenty to do
If you enjoy going out, staying active, and having options, you will probably feel at home here.
There are restaurants for a casual lunch, a special dinner, and the evenings when nobody feels like cooking. Cafés, cinemas, gyms, tennis, golf, and fitness classes make it easy to build a routine beyond work and errands.
Costa Rica Country Club in San Rafael de Escazú is another example of the area’s established club lifestyle. Access to clubs and their facilities depends on membership; community amenities depend on the property.
The mix of Costa Rican residents and international neighbors is part of the appeal. You can build friendships with people who know the country well and others who are navigating the same exciting move you are.
And when you want a change of scenery, the Central Valley and Central Pacific offer plenty of possibilities for a day out. Some weekends call for mountains. Others call for Jacó, lunch by the ocean, and a sandy car on the way home.
What kind of home can you find?
Escazú and Santa Ana real estate covers a broad range of lifestyles and budgets.
- Luxury homes with generous outdoor spaces and beautiful views.
- Gated communities with shared amenities and controlled access.
- Apartments and condominiums close to shopping and services.
- Townhomes and family houses in established neighborhoods.
- More moderately priced options for buyers who want the location without a large estate.
These are sought-after areas, so “moderately priced” is relative to the neighborhood and property. The value comes from finding the right combination of location, space, condition, and amenities for your needs.
Families may prioritize schools and play areas. Retirees might prefer convenient healthcare and a manageable home. Professionals and remote workers may want a short commute, nearby coworking options, or a property with suitable internet service. Second-home buyers often appreciate an easier maintenance routine and airport access.
There is no single perfect choice for everyone. There is a choice that makes sense for the way you want to live.
Buying or selling in Escazú and Santa Ana? Let’s talk.
Justin Nielsen and I are area specialists with Costa Rica Sotheby’s International Realty. We work in Escazú and Santa Ana, know the area well, and help clients understand the differences that make one neighborhood or property a better fit than another.
If you are buying, we can help you narrow the search, compare communities, and find a home that fits your lifestyle and budget. Tell us what your everyday life should look like, and we can start from there.
If you are selling, we would love to talk about listing your property with us. We bring local market insight, thoughtful positioning, professional presentation, and the reach of the Sotheby’s International Realty network to help your home connect with prospective buyers.
Moving to Costa Rica should feel exciting. Having people who know the area beside you makes the decisions a little easier.
Contact Evelyn Bulakar and Justin Nielsen to discuss buying or listing a home in Escazú or Santa Ana.
Frequently asked questions about Escazú and Santa Ana
Are Escazú and Santa Ana near San José?
Yes. Both are west of San José in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, with access to the metropolitan area and Route 27.
How far is Jacó from Escazú and Santa Ana?
Jacó is approximately 59 driving miles from Escazú and 55 driving miles from Santa Ana. Route estimates are around 1½ hours in favorable conditions; traffic and the starting address affect the journey.
Is Santa Ana warmer than Escazú?
Generally, yes. Lower parts of Santa Ana tend to feel warmer than Escazú’s higher neighborhoods. The town centers are about 904 and 1,101 meters above sea level, respectively, and individual properties have different microclimates.
Are these areas suitable for families and international buyers?
Both offer established residential communities, schools, healthcare, shopping, and a mix of local and international residents. The best fit depends on your budget, preferred climate, and daily routine.
Can Evelyn and Justin help me sell my property here?
Yes. We work with both buyers and sellers in Escazú and Santa Ana through Costa Rica Sotheby’s International Realty. Contact us to discuss your property and a tailored listing approach.
Further reading
Official territorial division: Escazú and Santa Ana elevationsCosta Rica Tourism Board: Central Valley attractionsRoute estimates vary with the starting address, traffic, and weather. Club access depends on membership; community amenities depend on the property.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Evelyn Bulakar
A Costa Rican perspective with more than 15 years of experience in property investment, development, construction, and real estate marketing.
Meet Evelyn ebulakar@sircostarica.comYOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Make your next move in Escazú or Santa Ana.
Buying or preparing to sell? Justin and Evelyn can help you define the next step around your neighborhood, property, and priorities.
