Costa Rica Real Estate Magazine

T he Central Valley of Costa Rica, also known as the GAM (Greater Metropolitan Area) is made up of San Jose, Costa Rica´s capital city and the provincial capital cities of Heredia, Alajuela and Cartago along with their respective surrounding smaller cities and towns. The GAM offers many advantages such as a year-round temperate climate for the most part. Heredia and Cartago tend to be cooler and Alajuela warmer than San Jose. In addition to a great climate most of the population lives in this area which in turn means that the amplest variety of amenities, cultural and entertainment offerings, shops, restaurants and all manner of activities are available. Also, some of the best Medical and Dental care in the country can be found here. On the West side we have the areas of La Sabana (location of Costa Rica´s mini-clone of NY´s Central Park), Rohrmoser, Escazu, Bello Horizonte and the Santa Ana-Lindora area. This is where the largest concentration of high end homes and private schools can be found as well as the largest Mall in the Country, the Escazu Multiplaza Mall. Continuing past Santa Ana on Highway 27, you can veer off to the right and go visit Ciudad Colón, a cute small town with some high end residentials with great views. Just a little further is the World-famous University for Peace. If you don´t veer to the right but instead continue onward on the highway you will pass exits for La Garita, which has many Quintas (large residential estates) and an endless choice of nurseries. Further on you find exits that can take you to Grecia, Sarchi and Naranjo, three semi-rural colorful towns which offer a great option for living and are growing in popularity with expats.

Continue the highway and you will pass an exit for Atenas, another quiet small town that is a favorite for expats to live in. San Jose lies at an altitude of just over 3,750 feet above sea level which contributes to its year-round springlike weather. It offers a blend of new and old and is basically a small town that grew in all directions as its population growth increased. There are not that many tall buildings in general although in the upscale Rohrmoser-Nunciatura area several have sprung up in the last decade. In the center of town, you will find historical buildings like the Central Post Office and the National Theater as well as the recently remodeled Hotel Costa Rica. You can also find several museums including the very interesting Gold and Numismatic Museum housed in a unique architectural gem built underground. Several parks also dot the landscape and an interesting place to visit is the Mercado Central, a market under roof founded in the 1860´s which occupies a square block and has a large variety of items on sale as well as many small sodas (small restaurants) where you can have a tasty and inexpensive lunch. From San Jose you can head to the Central Pacific Beaches and reach the closest ones, Herradura and Jaco beaches, via the highway 27 toll road in under 90 minutes. From there you can continue South and reach the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio Quepos and another 45 minutes further South are the beaches of Dominical, Uvita, Ballena and Ojochal where the jungle and mountains reach the sea. Continue further South and you will reach the Osa Peninsula, described by National Geographic as the place with the most biological intensity per square foot on the Planet!

COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 11 11