Digital Nomad Life in Escazu, Costa Rica

"There are many ways to meet people in Escazu. You can attend local events and festivals, join a local sports team or club, take classes at a nearby college, explore the nightlife scene, join a volunteer organization, go to community gatherings, or just ask to be introduced to someone in the area. Additionally, you can join online social networks or social media platforms like Meetup and Facebook to meet people with similar interests," explained one expat living in Escazu, Costa Rica.

"We have enjoyed the weekly farmers' market in Escazu and have met many of the farmers. We live in a condo and have met many of our neighbors and picked up helpful tips from them. Our realtor was a very helpful resource and has put us in touch with others he has helped. A driver that we frequently use has been an invaluable source of information," said one person in Escazu.

"People seem to enjoy their families and church. We have met many interesting and friendly restaurant owners and enjoy going out to eat. The sodas are a great place to meet people both from Escazu and the rest of the world. Soccer is a favorite sport with the men for sure," said one person in Escazu.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Escazu is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the nearby rainforest to visiting the local markets. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also well-connected, with easy access to the rest of the country and the world. With its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Escazu is an ideal place for expats and digital nomads to call home," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Escazu.

"There are a variety of rental accommodation options available in Escazú. You can browse online real estate sites, such as Encuentra24, Casaideas, or Piso21, where you can view listings and contact landlords directly. Additionally, there are a number of property management companies who can help you in your search, such as Amor Inmobiliaria and Global Real Estate," said one expat who made the move to Escazu.

"We spent 4 years staying for short time in a number of areas. We recognize CA prices are not reflective of Florida or Texas prices. Adjust accordingly. 3 choices: The beach areas: Ridiculously hot & damp; humid so A/C runs non-stop, Where as in Escazu we rarely need it as the temperatures in the Central Valley at 4,000 feet rarely go above 80 or below 63. Rarely use A/C but if we do electricity is crazy cheap in CR unlike CA. The water is great here too, No need anywhere in CR for bottled water like CA. We still love to visit the beach which is only 2 hours away (Pacific side) but just not live there. Central Valley: 3 choices Heredia (nice but a little too rural), Santa Anna (a little too hot & too small, (Although the golf course is amazing there!), and the best in our mind Escazu. The perfect location in Escazu is anywhere close to the Costa Rica Country Club (no we could never afford to belong). Five years ago, we stayed in La Sabana (loved it) first as our home base and after many stays all around CR returned and bought a beautiful condo with high security in Escazu. The cost was 20% of what our condo was in San Diego and 4 times the size! We can walk (or a truly short drive) to so many restaurants, large supermarkets, shops and even two great movie theatres showing films in English! Food was a big worry, yet in Escazu we can buy the same foods we enjoy in the states (and lots of great Italian restaurants!). And virtually no mosquitoes at this elevation unlike the beaches! Also, best hospital in central America only 2 miles away (CIMA, JCHO accredited, many English-speaking docs). Ditto for dentistry. All much cheaper than the states. If you do not know any Spanish (like us) and now retired in your late 60’s, learning a new language can be stressful, Hence Escazu. Our culture shock has been minimal which has been a big relief, but we like the challenges of learning Spanish, & have learned the patience it takes (Tico Time) like spending 3 hours in a bank just to get a new debit card, which stopped working for some unknown reason after a month, needing an attorney to buy a car, etc. But some things are very fast like walking 3 blocks to our internet/TV provider (by the way great hi-speed) and getting service sent to our condo, multiple times, within the hour! And everyone is soooo happy and helpful! The politest most respectful drivers we have ever seen. We have traveled all over the world and have never experienced such absolute courtesy on such a grand scale. Certainly not in the states. And we have made a number of Tico professional friends here, been to their homes (very welcoming) and they have been nothing but helpful, sincere and trustworthy. They truly are the happiest people in the world! By the way we have spent a lot of time in Mexico (my brother lives there) and that is a dangerous unpredictable place compared to CR, but certainly cheaper as is Belize (truly scary)," explained one foreigner living in Escazu, Costa Rica.

"Before retiring in Escazu, it is important to research the cost of living, healthcare, and local laws and taxes. You should also consider the amount of leisure and cultural activities available, or where you would be able to purchase supplies that you need. You should also research the climate to make sure it is suitable for your lifestyle. It is also important to research security protocols in the area. Additionally, having a good knowledge of the local language is recommended, or at the least be able to identify basic communication and directional signs to help you find your way around the city," explained one expat living in Escazu, Costa Rica.

"We (US/UK retired couple) are in the process of settling in Escazu. We will be applying for the rentista visa, having ruled out the pensionista because of how the Caja charge is calculated. We have chosen the central location in preference to the coast for reasons of climate (warm days, slightly less warm evenings, need for little, if any a/c). Also, San Jose/Central Valley offers accessibility to the variety of experiences Costa Rica has to offer. Proximity to the airport is also important for us. The downsides experienced so far have been the heavy traffic and the serious sticker shock in the supermarkets and restaurants. Nowhere is perfect and we are happy to adjust our daily routines to these local realities. We will be happy to share our experiences as we go through the retirement process here," said one person in Escazu.

"Expats in Escazu appreciate the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the beautiful weather, the abundant nature and wildlife, the sense of safety, the excellent restaurants, plentiful shopping venues, the great variety of outdoor activities, and the appreciation for art, music, and culture," said one expat in Escazu.

"Living in a foreign country can be difficult for expats, as they must adjust to a new culture, new language, different customs, a different climate, and more. Finding housing, transportation, and establishing a social network can be a challenge in the beginning. Navigating local bureaucracy, especially in terms of getting the appropriate permits and visas to stay in the country is often complicated. Additionally, the cultural nuances and traditions of the new country can be difficult to learn and adhere to. Expats may struggle to acclimate to the new environment, especially if their social network is limited, leading to loneliness and culture shock," said one expat who made the move to Escazu.

"If you plan to stay in Escazu for a longer period of time, you will need to apply for a Residency Card. This can be done through an authorized immigration office in Costa Rica. You will need to provide certain documents, such as a valid passport, birth certificate and proof of economic solvency. Additionally, you may need to obtain a visa prior to arriving in Escazu if you are from a country that requires a visa to enter the country. Requirements and visa application processes vary by country," said one expat who made the move to Escazu.

"We had our attorney help us with our residency. It is a bit of a tedious process," explained one foreigner living in Escazu, Costa Rica.

"When visiting Escazu, it is important to dress respectfully and maintain polite and friendly behaviour when interacting with locals. It is also considered impolite to mention the country’s past civil wars or even to make joke about them. Moreover, be careful with your body language as a sign of disrespect might be considered rude. Another thing to be mindful of is to avoid overt public displays of affection as this might be seen as inappropriate in the conservative society. It is also important to maintain a normal speaking volume when talking since raising your voice may be regarded as aggressive. Lastly, do not take photographs of people without their permission, especially of Indigenous people," said one expat who made the move to Escazu.

"Escazu is home to a variety of healthcare services. The area is home to several private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a range of services, from general medical care to specialized treatments. Many of these facilities are equipped with the latest technology and offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, laboratory tests, imaging, and surgery. Additionally, Escazu is home to a number of pharmacies, providing access to medications and other health-related products. The area also has a number of health centers and clinics that provide primary care services, such as vaccinations, physicals, and health screenings. Finally, Escazu is home to a number of specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and oncologists, who provide specialized care to patients," said one member in Escazu.

"The weather is absolutely perfect in Escazu! Much better then San Diego even. What has been the best is it does not rain as much as we were led to believe it would. It might say 100% chance of thunderstorms each day but then there is no rain. Love it! No need for heat or A/C ever. The town has everything that is familiar to being in the US. You can even see movies at the MultiPlaza in English! Some of the best Italian food we have ever had is here. We are close to the international airport which allows us to make our regular forays to Europe and Caribbean easy. It is also a relatively quick trip back to the US to see our large families and grandkids (and for them to come stay with us here). The closeness to the US, weather and cheap housing was why we chose CR, and once we spent time at the VERY hot and humid beaches, easily settled on the weather in Escazu. Everyone we have met is Pura Vida and so friendly and helpful, so different then the US. Yes we are probably being taken advantage of but we have so much and they have so little so that is not a negative to us. Yes you have to be very patient for anything involving citizenship, money transfers, setting up local bill paying and banking - not easy at all. And the language challenge is significant but Goggle Translator is an amazing help for this. Without it it would have been much more frustrating. And yes traffic and the condition of the roads are a negative compared to the US including how long it takes to get from Point A to Point B even though it is technically only 20 miles. We have yet to use a bus but love that they have Uber here and used it a lot until we bought a car. That purchase in itself was challenge but we used a English speaking service via our attorney group (Outlier Legal) and went well. We have used Outlier Legal for so many things. They have been (and continue to be) amazing. They even sent an agent with us to open a bank account 3 years ago! We could go on and on...," said one digital nomad in Escazu.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Escazu enjoy the city's close proximity to San Jose, the country's capital, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. They also appreciate the city's vibrant nightlife, its many restaurants and cafes, and its beautiful parks and gardens. Additionally, the city's low cost of living and its friendly locals make it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's traffic and pollution to be a downside," commented a person living in Escazu, Costa Rica.