San Jose Costa Rica

Escazu is the most established expat enclave in the San Jose metropolitan area, perched in the hills southwest of the capital. Upscale shopping centres, international restaurants, and a large concentration of embassies and multinational offices give the area a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. Several top international schools are within a short drive.

Adjacent to Escazu and sharing its elevated valley setting, Santa Ana has grown rapidly as a family-friendly alternative with newer developments, gated communities, and a slightly warmer and drier microclimate. The area around Forum and City Place malls serves as the commercial centre, with several international schools nearby.

A well-established residential neighbourhood close to downtown San Jose, Rohrmoser offers wide boulevards, mature trees, and proximity to La Sabana park — the city's largest green space. It appeals to families who want a more urban, walkable lifestyle while staying close to embassies, hospitals, and cultural institutions.

Located east of central San Jose near the University of Costa Rica, San Pedro is a vibrant, youthful district with lively dining, bookshops, and a strong cultural scene. It is more affordable than Escazu and appeals to expat families who prefer an authentically Costa Rican neighbourhood with good public transport connections.

The provincial capital north of San Jose sits at a slightly higher elevation with cooler temperatures and a small-town atmosphere. Heredia's colonial centre, coffee plantation heritage, and proximity to universities create a welcoming environment. Several international schools operate in and around the city.

A small town in the western Central Valley, Ciudad Colon is best known as the home of the United World College Costa Rica (UWC). The surrounding area offers a rural-suburban feel with mountain views, organic farms, and a growing community of expat families drawn by the UWC ethos and lower cost of living compared to Escazu.