Escazú Real Estate: Buy a House or Apartment West of San José

Escazú is split into three districts: Escazú centro, San Antonio and San Rafael. San Rafael is the modern, mall-and-tower district with gated communities and condo blocks; San Antonio is higher, cooler and more residential; the old centre around the church keeps a village feel. Traffic on the road into San José at rush hour is the main complaint, so test your commute before you fall for a view.

International schools, private hospitals and large supermarkets are all within a short drive. The Juan Santamaría airport is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away off-peak. Neighbouring Santa Ana sits just to the west and is often cheaper per square metre, with the toll road towards the Pacific coast on its doorstep.

Foreigners hold the same title rights as citizens over ordinary freehold property, so you can buy in your own name or through a Costa Rican company. Ask a lawyer to run a title search at the National Registry, check for liens and confirm water and access rights. Budget roughly 3% to 4% in total: the 1.5% transfer tax plus registry and notary costs (approx.; verify locally). Annual municipal property tax is low, around 0.25% of registered value.

Beachfront is different: the maritime zone has strict rules, which is why many buyers stick to inland cities like this one. For lending, local banks can finance foreigners but at higher rates than for residents; see our Costa Rica financing guide and the mortgage calculator. A real estate purchase of a set minimum can support a residency application, covered in the consultation guide. Wider context is on the Costa Rica country page.

If Escazú is above budget, compare Curridabat on the east side of the capital, Alajuela near the airport, or Atenas, a slower-paced town known for its climate. For the Pacific, Jacó is a long drive but a different product entirely.