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Do you know what makes Escazu unique? Living in Escazu is different than it is elsewhere in Costa Rica, anywhere, really. I moved to Escazu in the 80s, when we had cows and horses in the streets. Now, living in Escazu is comparable to urban living in other parts of the world.
Don’t try driving around in Escazu during Christmas time just for fun; you’ll go crazy. I knew all the shortcuts, but they’re all gone; shortcuts don’t exist anymore. Using Waze helps a bit, but traffic is bad everywhere. Don’t try to go to Multiplaza Escazu to do your Christmas shopping unless it’s October.
So why the HECK do I live in Escazu? Because Escazu is unique! I’m sorry, but the best answer I can come up with is that Escazu can give you that awesome lifestyle. Living in Escazu is about location, location, location, and the lifestyle that Escazu offers.
Those expats who move to Costa Rica look for a laid-back lifestyle in the countryside. If that’s you, Escazu is not for you.
The photos in this blog give you a better idea of what Escazu is about without being here. Check out the photo below. I took it from my office. That is the view I enjoy daily from my desk (when I’m not looking at my computer screen); who would guess I’m in the middle of a city? See if you like it as much as I do, and contact us to purchase the house of your dreams.
Our arrival
I didn’t speak a word of Spanish and nobody spoke a word of English. And crazy enough, no Dutch either… Today, you can probably get around without Spanish without too much trouble.
My mom & dad had rented a house for the six of us on a coffee farm in Salitral de Santa Ana. Our landlord picked us up from the airport when we arrived. They stopped at the Mas X Menos grocery store in Escazu to buy some food (the store is still there; see the image below).
We got out of the car and I thought, what the hell is this place here. I felt like being in the movie “Once Upon a Time in the West”, arriving at the train station.
Of course, I didn’t know what awaited us in Salitral de Santa Ana yet. THAT was really the middle of nowhere. That’s when I decided that Escazu would suit me perfectly for my needs. In 40 years, Escazu has changed from a small township with cows in the streets, three catholic churches, 2 soccer fields, and 4 cantinas into a real city. Let me make it easy for you and summarize 13 unique facts about why living in Escazu is a unique choice.
1. The best private hospital(s) in Costa Rica
Not feeling well or needing a check-up? Escazu is a unique place for healthcare. The CIMA private hospital is only minutes away.
Other 1st class private hospitals like the Clinica Biblica and Metropolitan Hospital are only 15 minutes away. The closest public hospital, San Juan de Dios, is less than 30 minutes away. Be aware of the great discounts members of Medismart receive at the Metropolitan Hospital.
2. The best shopping in Costa Rica
Multiplaza Escazu and Avenida Escazu make up for the finest shopping in the country. Between those two shopping options, you will find department stores and boutiques such as GAP, Zara, Carolina Herrera, Salvatore Ferragamo, Adolfo Dominquez, and even stores like Lego and Barbie.
I know it’s not necessary to go shopping every day. But living in Escazu gives you that exceptional lifestyle and the option to shop without driving much.
3. Central location
Escazu is a unique location for sightseeing in the Central Valley, day trips, and international travel. Hit Highway 27, and in just over an hour, you’re at the beach, 20 minutes to the International Airport, and only 10 minutes to San Jose. Planning to do any day trips? Volcanoes Poas and Irazu, Orosi Valley, Valle de Los Santos, and Puriscal are within an hour’s drive from Escazu.
4. Golf
Do you play golf? You can play golf in Escazu as a Costa Rica country club member. This country club also has tennis courts, a bowling alley, a huge gym, and a swimming pool. Living in Escazu is your best choice to enjoy the lifestyle that includes playing golf.
You can also play golf at Parque Valle del Sol and play tennis at the Costa Rica Tennis Club, both less than 15 minutes from Escazu. Cariari Country Club and Los Reyes are only 25 minutes away for even more golf.
5. Movie Theaters
Catch a movie at the Cinemark Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks in Multiplaza Mall Escazu or 2D & 3D Nova Cinema in Avenida Escazu.
6. Major grocery stores
Escazu offers an incredible choice of supermarkets and grocery stores like 2 Automercados, 2 Mas X Menos, Walmart, Perimercado, and Pali, and many 7/11-type stores like AM/PM, Vindi, and Fresh Market everywhere.
Escazu also offers membership shopping at PriceSmart. Many carry all the traditional and imported food products we, as hungry expats, always seek.
7. Hotels & Bed and Breakfast
You have guests but you don’t want them in your house? Your kids have a party and you don’t want to be there? In that case, Escazu has the best hotels in Costa Rica in just a short couple of miles:
- Intercontinental,
- Sheraton,
- Marriot’s Courtyard,
- Marriot’s Residence Inn,
- Wyndham Garden,
- Holiday Inn,
and the town of Santa Ana, only 10 minutes away, offers several other great hotels.
There are several B & B’s but my favorite is Casa de las Tías. It’s a beautiful place; Xavier and Pilar are great hosts and the breakfast is the best. You can invite me!
8. Gym – Fitness Center, Pilates, and Yoga
I prefer working out at Smartfit, an American-style gym with two locations in Escazu. But there is also the World Gym or Multispa and a few smaller ones, depending on your budget and lifestyle.
For Pilates, try Contrology Pilates, Concept, or Toolbox in nearby Santa Ana.
9. Dancing
Learn to dance Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, and Break Dance at Warehouse Dance Center or Dance 4 Real.
10. Cultural attractions nearby
You can enjoy the Philharmonic Orchestra, the opera, and many museums and other cultural events in San José, which is only 15 minutes away. Unfortunately, the Little Theater Club closed when COVID-19 started and has not reopened. If you’re fluent enough in Spanish (or want to learn quickly, check this site.
11. Incredible dining opportunities in Escazu
If you like just finger food or fancy dining, Escazu has all the restaurants you might be looking for. From the best hotdogs at Perro Loco, burgers at Chubbs or Hamburguesia, Chicken at Rosti Pollos or Malé, Pizza at Felippo, Aussi style barbecue at Outback, Oriental & sushi at P.F. Changs, sushi at Nau or at Nacionsushi, steak at La Cascada, Doris Metropolitan, Terruño, Tintos y Blancos, Chinese at Villa Rey, Lotus or Mil Sabores, Indian at the Taj Majal and Taste of India 506.
Mediterranean tapas and seafood at Porto8, Spanish at Plaza España, Peruvian at Pescatore, la Divina Comida, Chancay, Italian at Sale e Pepe, or Terraza Toscana, French at L’ile de France, French bakery & Bistro, tacos at Tacobar and everything sooo different at Cocina Eclectica. And here, I’m not covering more than 10% of the options for lunch or dinner.
12. The best bars
Try the Jazz Caféfor live music, just off 27. Hooters, Henry’s Beach Café and Grill, Hooligan’s, or Taphouse are fun sportsbars. A good combination of food or just a cocktail is 8ctavo Rooftop Bar at Sheraton.
13. Other quite different things to do
Unique people will enjoy living in Escazu. The city offers fencing at Athos and Martial Arts at Genbukan/Bushikai Dojo. For Sexx Toys, Escazu is also the place to go
I could come up with a few more than those 13 reasons that make Escazu unique, but that will make this article too long to read. If you agree with me and want to buy property in Escazu, contact me now.
Image by 8photo on Freepik
