Escazú, Costa Rica has become one of the pre-eminent expat enclaves in Central America. Filled with exclusive shopping and high-end residential developments, Escazú retains the magical elements of its past while delivering a vision of contemporary living.

Jonathan Pio

Escazú, Costa Rica Has Always Been the Place to Be

As Costa Rica continues to flourish as a desired location for expats, retirees, and investors, Escazú has become the centerpiece for the potential that waits in the land of Pura Vida. Even from its earliest history, this Central Valley oasis has been a desired location for growth and prosperity.

Escazú, Costa Rica – Historically, a Place to Rest and Settle

Escazú, Costa Rica has historically been a place for travelers to stop, settle, and begin a new life. The city’s name comes from the ancient indigenous phrase: “Izt-kat-zu” meaning “place to rest” or “resting stone”.

Legend holds that the ancient Huetar/Guetar group of the Chibcha tribe would pause here during their trek between the villages of Aserri, south of San Jose and Pacaca in Ciudad Colon. It is not surprising that modern day Escazú has become a preferred resting place for those seeking their own place in paradise.

In 1755, Spanish settlers removed the native population to San Jose by force. With the completion of the church of San Miguel in 1799, Escazú was reestablished and designated a city in 1920 by the Costa Rican government.

Escazú, Costa Rica – Myths and Magic

Beneath the modern surface of Escazú lies a wealth of myth and magic. Known to locals as La Ciudad de las Brujas (City of Witches), Escazú has embraced the legends of the past in its municipal seal and the local football team, Brujas, F.C.

Perhaps the most notorious of the brujas of Escazú, Costa Rica is Zárate who, it’s claimed, has terrorized the city for years. Living in the caves at Pico Blanco, Zárate is the rooster who crows at midnight, the fog from the mountain, and the sound of the ocean on the mountain where no ocean exists.

Another legend mirrors the Celtic myth of the banshee. Like her Irish counterpart, the Llorana cries at the edge of riverbanks at night, mourning the death of her child.

Not all of the legends involve the dark side. Nicomedes is a benevolent male witch, or brujo, who cured disease and removed curses with his magical potions and spells.

Festivals in Escazú, Costa Rica

One of the most important festivals in Costa Rica occurs in San Antonio de Escazú, one of three communities that make up this affluent and prosperous suburb of San Jose. Celebrated on the second Sunday in March, Dia del Boyero (Day of the Oxcart Driver) features parades of decorated oxcarts from all over Costa Rica, colorful costumes, local food, and celebration of the lifestyle that is the bedrock of Costa Rican living.

For those seeking a more contemporary celebration, the new outdoor mall and entertainment complex at Avenida, Escazú has become home to Costa Rican Craft Brewer’s Association Annual Craft Beer Festival. Though only in its third year, this festival has grown in popularity and for the opportunity it provides for visitors to discover the growing world of craft beer.

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Escazú’s Location – Central to the Best Places in Costa Rica

With the number of major airlines that fly into San Jose on a daily basis on the upswing, there are many options for economical flights from the U.S. to Costa Rica. Additionally, both Nature Air and Sansa, two domestic carriers in Costa Rica, provide inexpensive flights to other destinations, such as Quepos, Liberia, Tamarindo, and Nosara.

Escazú is just a thirty minute drive from the Juan Santamaria international airport in San Jose. Nestled in the Central Valley, the community offers a ready access to some of the best attractions in Costa Rica.

Most of the major hotels in Escazú offer free shuttle service to and from the airport on a 24 hour basis. For private rentals and smaller establishments, the fleet of private cabs and shuttles make getting from the airport to Escazú both easy and affordable.

Volcanoes and Butterflies – Arenal, Poas and the Peace Garden

The beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica is readily accessible from Escazú. The 29,960 acre Arenal National Park, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano, is only a scenic two and a half hour drive from Escazú; Poas Volcano National Park and its stunning water-filled crater is only an hour away.

The Peace Gardens at La Paz Waterfall are renowned for the vast collection of colorful indigenous butterflies, 40 species of birds (including 20 varieties of hummingbirds), endangered native mammals, and the breathtaking La Paz Waterfall. The one hour drive from Escazú makes this popular attraction readily accessible to visitors.

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Escazú, Costa Rica – Not Your Average Expat Neighborhood

Recognized as one of the wealthiest areas in Costa Rica, Escazú has become a focal point for shopping and entertainment not found elsewhere. Avenida Escazú, a trendy shopping complex, is home to many international brands and is the proud location of the first Starbucks in Costa Rica.

The Avenida Escazú is also the location for Costa Rica’s first IMAX Theater and a Gourmet and Organic Market where organic and artisanal foods and products are on sale every Saturday.

The Multiplex Escazú is widely known as the most luxurious mall in Costa Rica. With stores like Armani Exchange, Tiffany and Company, Carolina Herrera, and Guess Lacoste, the Multiplex is truly Costa Rica’s Rodeo Drive.

Escazú, Costa Rica Cost of Living – Pricey But Worth It

Not surprisingly, the cost of living in Escazú, Costa Rica is higher than other parts of the country. Escazú’s location in the Central Valley combines the more moderate climate ( low 80s during the days and low to mid 60s at night) of the region with a standard of living comparable to many modern U.S. cities.

Rents for apartments/condos in the city center can range from $740 to $2,220 per month.  The price will depend, in large part, on the number of bedrooms, amenities, etc. that are included.

Utilities in Escazú are also higher than other parts of the country. Basic heat, water, electricity, and garbage for a 900 square foot apartment can be expected to average between $65 and $70 per month. Extras, such as internet, phone, and cable will add to the cost depending on usage and bandwidth desired.

There is a wider range of grocery and food options in Escazú than most of the rest of Costa Rica. There are a number of “western” style stores that carry American and other imported products (with higher prices) as well as local markets, such as Maxi Pali and Mega Super, with more local flavor and price points.

Top Quality Health Care at Affordable Prices

Escazú has the distinction of being the location for CIMA Hospital. This facility is one of the highest ranked in Central America and the only one accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. In addition to being one of the most prestigious centers in the region, CIMA has also become the “go-to” location for the growing medical tourism industry in Costa Rica.

Escazú May Not Be Your Tropical Escape

For all the positive aspects of living in Escazú, this urban mecca may not be for everyone seeking a true Central American/Costa Rican experience.

As the city has continued to expand, the amount of congestion, both in terms of foot and vehicular traffic, has also increased. As a result getting from point A to point B can seem more like rush hour than a leisurely jaunt.

The emphasis on modernization has erased much of the rustic feel of Escazú. If a slower-paced, less frenetic environment is a must-have, Escazú will not be high on the list.

With the higher cost of living and higher property prices (rent or purchase), Escazú may be too pricey for some. Budget concerns are a definite consideration in moving here.

Lastly, Escazú is not a beach town. Getting to one of Costa Rica’s fine oceanside locations will involve either a lengthy drive or a commuter flight from the Central Valley.  The lack of closeness to the ocean may be a deal-breaker for those needing ready access to surf, sand, and sun.

Buying and Investing in Escazú, Costa Rica

With a solid infrastructure, increasing property values, a growing expat community, and high-end amenities, property in Escazú promises a solid return on investment. With the revitalized real estate market and an increasing interest in relocation outside of the U.S., Europe, and Canada, Escazú’s potential for continued growth is very bright indeed.

Escazú Has Opportunities for Every Dream

Looking for property to purchase for personal use or long-term investment in the Escazú area may seem daunting at first. It is true that real property in Escazú does carry a higher price tag. At the same time, the Central Valley and Escazú in particular offers a quality of life not easily matched elsewhere.

Perhaps the best place to begin is to decide what kind of property is desired and what its use will be. Undeveloped lots and farms, modern detached turn-key homes, condos, and apartments are all possibilities both in Escazú proper and in the surrounding areas. Looking to see what is on the market can provide clarity to bring a long term plan into focus.

Visit Escazú and the Central Valley and See the Possibilities That Await

An important aspect of relocating, buying or investing anywhere is to physically visit the location to experience it for yourself.  Seeing firsthand what Escazú has to offer is the best way to decide if this affluent and unique Costa Rican community is a place that could fulfill the “Pura Vida” dream.

Equally important is to communicate with others who have already taken the journey. There are many expat blogs and social media connections that can give valuable insight on the ins and outs of expat living and investing in Escazú and elsewhere in Costa Rica.

Asking questions, doing the research, and visiting Escazú itself are the foundations for both a successful relocation and making the most of a great investment opportunity.

Map of Escazú , Costa Rica

Escazú , Costa Rica Fast Facts

• Population: 14,815
• Typical temperature: average maximum temperature is 70 to 81°F
• Nearest airport with U.S. flights: San Jose, Costa Rica
• Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica