Living in Escazú as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Foreigners planning to stay in Costa Rica for over ninety days need to apply for a ‘Permanent Residence’ visa. This can be applied through the Association of Residents of Costa Rica (AARCR), which can provide advice and legal assistance for residency renewals, RIFs, immigration papers, and more services. Additionally, they also provide information on taxation and dual citizenship requirements, which are crucial for anyone intending to live in Costa Rica long-term.

Language resources

Learning Spanish is highly recommended, even though English is widely spoken across Costa Rica. Instituto Cervantes offers comprehensive classes in the Escazú neighbourhood, events, and other cultural activities promoting the Spanish language. , Alternatively, community centers like Escazú Social Club, Espacio Quetzal, and Escazú Community Center offer elementary Spanish classes.

Housing

Escazú offers economical alternatives for accommodation that are reasonable enough for expats to fit into their budget. A room rental in a shared house costs around $200 - $300 USD ($73,000 - $110,000 CRC) per month, and a one-bedroom apartment starts at $300 - $450 USD ($110,000 - $162,000 CRC) per month. For families with two or more members, two-bedroom apartments can range from $450 - $1,100 USD ($162,000 - $405,000 CRC) per month, while three-bedroom plus homes cost from $700 - $2,500 USD ($250,000 - $915,000 CRC) per month. Newer apartments that offer basic amenities like water, electricity, and Wi-Fi, can be readily found at cheaper rates as well. It is a good idea to inquire about utility bills since those can vary depending upon the apartment.

Groceries

Escazú brims with supermarkets, malls and local markets that offer an array of grocery items at reasonable prices. The feria (outdoor market) in Plaza Juan Mora Fernandez is held on Saturday mornings in central Escazú and is a popular destination among expats, where they can find a wide selection of local produce, handicrafts, and other products. Several stores like the Denny's, Pali, Expeña, Auto Mercado, and Caja Rural offer groceries and household essentials at regular market prices. Foodies can enjoy an entirely different experience of shopping and dining at the Escazu Cuesta de Moras Farmers Market, 1 mile away from town.

Transportation

Escazú has a commendable network of transportation with reasonable fares. Hopping onto a bus is an economical and comfortable alternative for daily commute. Bus fares range between 550 – 1050 colones ($1 - $2 USD) for a one-way journey, and regular commuters should opt for ‘Libreta.’ It makes riding a ‘Microbus’ or ‘Combis’ cost-effective and inexpensive, even for travel between the provinces. Other transportation services include taxis, Uber, and local shuttles at higher fares.

Escazú's weather is tropical and enjoys a pleasant temperate climate due to its high altitude. Rainfall here is lower than the capital city of San José. The average temperature ranges between 16-25°C (60-77°F), with July and August being the driest months of the year and May to November experiencing occasional rain showers. Temperatures can descend considerably at night, especially during the dry season, leading to a cooler climate that is less humid than San José.

The job market in Escazú is buoyant, owing to the presence of several companies, restaurants, and bars in the area. Many foreign businesses service clients internationally in the Technology Park of Belen, Mercado Continental and in the posh Puerta De Sol. Renowned international companies like HSBC, Ericsson and Western Union have established a presence here.

Escazú is well-equipped with healthcare facilities, comprising of private and public hospitals/clinics. In fact, some of the country's most prestigious and highly regarded hospitals and medical centers are located here. Juan Rafael Ortiz Melendez Hospital, the National Children's Hospital, and Ciro nails are the more popular ones that offer a range of medical procedures at various levels of specializations, such as maternity, pediatrics, neurology, surgery, orthopedics, etc. Many expats opt for private healthcare facilities for their medical needs due to the better standards of care and quick appointments.

Escazú is connected to other urban areas by various modes of transportation. The area has multiple bus routes crisscrossing through it, making it easily accessible to areas like Santa Ana, Western Valleys, San José, and Downtown Districts. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station is situated in Escazú's Northwest corner, facilitating easy travel and commute to other areas like Lindora, Santa Ana to name a few. The ‘Microbus’ or ‘Combis’ shuttle vans are vans that pick up and drop passengers while making various stops and routes throughout the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widespread.

Escazú is relatively much safer than the city of San José. The area is particularly appealing since the crime rate is low compared to metropolitan cities. Yet, safety remains a top priority for expats, and people are advised to take certain precautions at night. Several high-end neighborhoods, security services, and gated communities offer an increased level of safety and security for residents. Gated Communities like Lindora, Escazángeles, Pavo Real, Los Robles, Lindora Gardens, Los Sueños and other popular neighborhoods have 24/7 security, which is considered reassuring by expats.