San José is not what some people say

Recently, I received a message from someone who expressed interest in taking one of my monthly relocation tours. In his letter, the gentleman stated why he was reluctant to move to Costa Rica at this time. He stated bluntly that “San José is a pit.” He is not the first person to demonize Costa Rica’s capital city. Granted living in downtown San José is not for everyone but some foreigners do since there is a lot to see and do.

Here is what one expat living in San José said:

“I can understand every expat has a different perspective about San José. After living in New York City for so many years without a car, I have no intention of buying one to live in the suburbs of San José. The city suits me fine. Buses and taxis are always available if I want to travel outside the city. I have a home just a block north of Torre Mercedes, off Paseo, Colón, and easily walk to most things I need such as the weekend flea market in the Cementerio district, theaters, and art galleries in downtown San José and Sabana Park.

A block or less from my house there’s a supermarket, several interesting restaurants, a major bank and a few bakeries. I know the neighbors on my little street as well as the guys who knock on the door to offer the daily newspapers or a pushcart full of vegetables.”

Another expat stated,

“I find San Jose’s air to be much cleaner than eleven years ago. I go from San Antonio de Coronado to downtown San José every day Monday through Sunday. I have walked from Sabana Park to the Central Market many days and then all over the downtown area and never had a problem. Today I went to the U.S. Embassy by taking two buses from central San José and then went back on another bus. I also did a few errands. Then I took the bus back to my house and was home by 2 pm. I know about 20 words in Spanish. For me, the city is great. You could not pay me to return to the little town I came from in the U.S. I have been living here less than a month and have accomplished a lot in a little time — a Costa Rican driver’s license, a bank, a post office box and a girlfriend. So, if a 66-year-old man with no Spanish can do it, anyone can.”

The city offers a beautiful National Theater which is considered a national treasure because of its architecture. During the concert season, the National Symphony Orchestra performs live concerts there. There is also a spectacular pre-Colombian Jade Museum, a Gold Museum, an Art Museum, and a National Historic Museum.

Outdoor events like the annual Transitarte Festival are held in the city’s beautiful parks. March 19th is San José Day with many scheduled events.

Around Christmas time there are three incredible parades in the downtown San José area: The Festival of the Lights (El Festival de Las Luces), The Horse Parade (El Tope), and the Carnival Parade.

Nearby are historic Barrio Amon noted for its beautiful architecture. Just to the east is Barrio Escalante which is the “foodie” capital of the country. Scores of restaurants and microbreweries can be found there.

There is also a two-mile walking street called Avenida Central which is dotted with every imaginable kind of store. The Central Market is perhaps the best attraction along this thoroughfare. It is a virtual labyrinth filled with interesting shops and things to see. The food is also affordable. On my relocation tours, It make it a point to take my clients there.

Just west of downtown is Sabana Park (el Parque La Sabana), which is the largest urban park in the country. The National Stadium (Estadio Nacional) is located at the west end of the park and hosts year-round live concerts and sporting events.

For those with health concerns the four best public (La Caja) and private hospitals are located in or near downtown San José.

There are many walking tours of San José, for those who want to become familiar with the city. A couple combines walking and gastronomy.

Yes, the city does have a lot of traffic and noise at times, but the positives far outweigh any negatives about its reputation.