
Central Valley, Costa Rica
Curridabat, or Curri to locals, is San José's east-side alternative to Escazú. It's educated and full of good restaurants, right next to the university district, and homes often cost less than comparable places on the west side. It's convenient to downtown and Tres Ríos, but traffic on the main roads can be heavy.
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Belén
Belén is a practical, well-run suburb between the airport and Escazú. It's home to tech companies and international schools, and to foreign residents who care more about an easy commute than a famous address. It's flat and warm, with good parks and services. It won't feel exotic, and for a lot of people that's the point.
Alajuela
Alajuela is Costa Rica's second city, right next to the international airport. It's warmer than the western suburbs, lined with mango trees and full of local life around its central park. Plenty of foreigners live here for the airport access and lower costs than Escazú. It's busy and very Tico, and traffic near the center can crawl.
Heredia
Heredia is the City of Flowers, a provincial capital about 10 km north of San José. The National University keeps it young, and the tech companies nearby keep it busy, while the old colonial center still has its charm. Foreigners who live here want city life at a moderate cost. It's crowded, traffic is heavy, and it's very Tico.
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