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Santa Ana, Costa Rica – Traditional Ambience and Modern Convenience

Just a short distance from the bustling and dynamic capital city of San Jose and just minutes from the upscale expat community of Escazu, Santa Ana, Costa Rica has become a unique location where expats, investors, and visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Costa Rican town while enjoying the modern amenities of a major and modern urban center.

Santa Ana, Costa Rica

Santa Ana, Costa Rica

While smaller than its more built-up neighboring communities, Santa Ana has begun to experience a kind of growth that is making it a prime location in the popular Central Valley and a major financial and economic focal point throughout the country. Both residential and commercial development makes the Santa Ana, Costa Rica area a prime location for future growth and investment.

Valley of the Sun

Moderate Climate Makes for Comfortable Living

Santa Ana, Costa Rica is known as Valle del Sol – the Valley of the Sun. Being at a lower altitude than either Escazu or San Jose, the temperatures are more moderate ranging from the low 70s to the low 80s during the day and to a comfortable mid-to high 60s at night.

A Taste of Colonial Costa Rica

Like most traditional Costa Rican towns, Santa Ana’s center is anchored around the soccer field, the church which is opposite it, and a beautiful park in between them.  Santa Ana is famous for its ceramics and has more than 100 shops that have unique items for purchase. The best known is the Ceramica Las Palomas where local pottery, which Santa Ana is famous for, can be purchased.

santa ana costa rica

CRT

The Feria – A True Slice of Pura Vida

One of the most important parts of life in Costa Rican towns is the “Feria del Agricultor” or Farmer’s Market. Each community has its own market on different days of the week. Santa Ana, Costa Rica’s market is held on Sundays from 5 a.m. through noon. Fruits, vegetables, freshly prepared snacks, and more can be bought directly from the farmers and merchants who grew or made them. Visiting the Feria is a great way to experience the culture of Santa Ana and Costa Rica in general.

Santa Ana Costa Rica – Close and Convenient

Santa Ana’s location makes it an ideal place to consider for relocation or a place to stay while exploring the Central Valley.

Airport Access

Santa Ana’s location, roughly 18 miles west of the airport, is a 30 minute drive. Whether you are renting a car, taxing a taxi, or using some other form of transportation, the ease of being able to get to and from this destination is a major plus.

Public Transportation Options

Buses

There is a wide variety of public transportation that can make getting to and from Santa Ana very convenient.  There are numerous public bus companies that operate between Santa Ana, San Jose and Escazu with buses leaving from the La Coca-Cola Bus station in San Jose for the 25 minute drive to Santa Ana.

Taxis

There are two major types that operate in the Central Valley area that includes Santa Ana. The traditional cabs are painted red and have a yellow triangle displayed on the door. There is a separate fleet of cabs that operate exclusively from the airport and provide to-and-from transportation between the terminals and the desired location.

Shuttle Services

There are numerous shuttle companies that can arrange both shared and private transportation from the airport to Santa Ana, Costa Rica. The information for rates and bookings is readily available online.

Shopping and Entertainment

Santa Ana has a wide variety of entertainment options and choices for shopping that could rival many U.S. communities.

Shopping Malls and More

Santa Ana is very close to the largest shopping mall in the country, Multiplaza Escazu. Other U.S. stores, such as Walmart, PriceSmart (the Costco chain), Office Depot, Ashley Furniture, and others make purchasing items not readily available elsewhere in the country much more convenient.

Indoor and Outdoor Fun

In addition to movie theaters, Santa Ana, Costa Rica also boasts a wide variety of restaurants, quality hotels, and nightclubs. The town is also home to the only golf club in the Central Valley, the Parque Valle del Sol, and two equestrian clubs. Tours to such attractions as the Arenal Volcano, the Peace Garden in La Paz, and the Poas Volcano are numerous and easy to arrange.

Santa Ana, Costa Rica

Santa Ana, Costa Rica

Housing and Cost of Living

The cost of housing in Santa Ana has been undergoing a surge in recent years as expats and investors alike have been viewing it as an alternative to the more established and more crowded areas in Escazu and San Jose.  Depending on your desires and budget, you can find upscale housing in such communities as Alto de Las Palomas where larger homes are available.

However, if you are interested in less expensive housing, some of the local neighborhoods a short distance outside the city center may offer a wider choice for either rental or purchase. The ever-expanding expat community makes Santa Ana, Costa Rica an attractive choice especially for those who are uncertain how to adapt to living in a new country with a new language.

Location Can Mean Higher Costs

Being closer to the major centers of San Jose, the cost of living is higher in Santa Ana than in other parts of Costa Rica. The important trade-offs are having access to the type of shopping, and conveniences that are more American/European in nature as well as a large and vibrant expat community that can make the transition to Costa Rican living much easier.

Investment and Business Potential – A Growing Market

With the expansion and growth in the greater Santa Ana area, the possibilities for investment are increasing by leaps and bounds.

The Real Estate Market Has Reawakened

As the world economy has emerged from the recession of recent years, building and property sales in Santa Ana, Costa Rica have also improved. As a result, the opportunities to purchase attractive properties are also increasing. Contacting a real estate professional is a good first step to exploring the possibilities that Santa Ana may hold for you.

Business and Employment

Many American companies have established operations in the San Jose area; Santa Ana’s proximity makes living there while working in the city a viable option. There is also an ongoing effort by Costa Rica to encourage investment in the country and may be worth looking into.

Santa Ana’s Potential

As a potential spot to visit, relocate, or invest in, Santa Ana has many upsides that retain the cultural atmosphere of classic Costa Rica while providing the modern day living that many visitors and expats are seeking.

Map of Santa Ana, Costa Rica

Santa Ana, Costa Rica Fast Facts

  • Population: 48,879
  • Typical temperature: Average temperature of 85
  • Nearest airport with U.S. flights: San Jose’s Juan Santamaría International Airport
  • Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica

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