🌄 Central Valley, Costa Rica

(Atenas, Grecia, San Ramón, Escazú)
Explore the Heart of Costa Rican Life — Before You Move

🌎 Why Visit the Central Valley as a Future Expat?

The Central Valley is Costa Rica’s most popular region for long-term expats — and for good reason. It’s the ideal base if you're looking for:

• 🏡 Comfortable year-round weather (spring-like temps)

• 💰 Lower cost of living than beach areas

• 🏥 Access to top hospitals, clinics, and specialists

• 🛫 Close proximity to San José International Airport (SJO)

• 🛒 Modern amenities including malls, dining, public transit, and fiber internet

• 👥 Welcoming expat communities with a peaceful, authentic vibe

Whether you're retiring, working remotely, or exploring a new chapter, the Central Valley offers convenience, stability, and culture.

🏡 Top Towns to Explore

🌿 Atenas

Distance from SJO Airport: ~35 minutes
Elevation: 2,300 ft (700 m)
Province: Alajuela
Known for: “Best climate in the world,” peaceful lifestyle, small-town charm

Why visit?
Atenas is often rated as one of the best retirement destinations in the world. Spend a week renting a small house or condo and explore local farmer’s markets, coffee farms, and friendly neighborhoods.

Top Places to Stay:

• The Retreat Costa Rica

• Eden Atenas

• Atenas Bed & Breakfast

Where to Eat:

• Pizzeria La Finca

• Kay’s Gringo Postres

• Don Yayo Café

Things to Do:

• Tour El Toledo Coffee Farm

• Visit local markets

• Explore waterfalls and nearby hiking trails

🌸 Grecia

Distance from SJO Airport: ~40 minutes
Elevation: 3,600 ft (1,100 m)
Province: Alajuela
Known for: A friendly local vibe, historic metal church, clean streets

Why visit?
Grecia combines Costa Rican culture with strong infrastructure and a large expat community. Perfect for expats wanting to live among locals without sacrificing modern amenities.

Top Places to Stay:

• Hotel Mango Valley

• B&B Grecia

• Villas Escondidas

Where to Eat:

• Cafetería Delicias

• Café y Macadamia

• La Casa de Miguel

Things to Do:

• Explore Los Chorros Waterfalls

• Visit Metal Church of Grecia

• Take a day trip to Poás Volcano

🌄 San Ramón

Distance from SJO Airport: ~1 hour
Elevation: 3,450 ft (1,050 m)
Province: Alajuela
Known for: University town vibe, local markets, intellectual community

Why visit?
San Ramón is less touristy, yet culturally rich. Enjoy a slower pace of life and easy access to both coasts. This is a great base for digital nomads or early retirees.

Top Places to Stay:

• Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel

• La Posada Hotel

• EcoVida B&B

Where to Eat:

• Las Delicias del Maíz

• Rancho Juancho

• Aroma Café

Things to Do:

• Explore Museo de San Ramón

• Visit waterfalls and farms

• Drive to nearby beaches or volcanoes for the day

🏙️ Escazú

Distance from SJO Airport: ~25 minutes
Elevation: 3,700 ft (1,130 m)
Province: San José
Known for: Upscale suburb of San José, shopping, medical care, international schools

Why visit?
If you're used to a metropolitan lifestyle, Escazú is Costa Rica’s most modern area. High-end condos, world-class hospitals, embassies, and international businesses make this a top pick for luxury-minded expats.

Top Places to Stay:

• AC Hotel by Marriott

• Real InterContinental

• Casa Cristal Boutique Hotel

Where to Eat:

• La Posada de Las Brujas

• Sisso

• Restaurante Saga

Things to Do:

• Shop at Multiplaza Escazú

• Get health checkups at CIMA Hospital

• Enjoy nearby golf, yoga, or fitness centers

🌦 Climate Overview (Central Valley)

• ☀️ Dry Season: Mid-December to April

• 🌧️ Rainy Season: May to November (heaviest in Sept–Oct)

• 🌡️ Daytime Temps: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 🌙 Nighttime Temps: 60–68°F (15–20°C)

• 🌧️ Annual Rainfall: ~75–100 in (1,900–2,500 mm) depending on location

The weather is comfortably mild, rarely needing A/C or heat — one of the biggest draws for expats from North America and Europe.