Thinking of retiring to Costa Rica

@GuesTPoster1307233

Hello Millie!!!

So... as far as real 'urban' is considered... San Jose is the only 'metropolitan' area in CR.  It's like many other Latin American cities... there are good areas and bad areas... The urban center can be a bit sketchy... and of course, not very pretty.  Daytime is safer than nighttime... but most of the neighborhoods or 'barrios' that surround the center of SJ can be not so kosher at night... or even during the day in spots.  There are lovely 'suburbs' that aren't too far away, or even good solid 'working class' areas that aren't pretty, but not considered dangerous.  Expats that end up in SJ are generally living in the really nice suburbs. 

To the immediate west of SJ are 'towns' that feel authentic and 'country'... but are WITHIN a close enough proximity to San Jose to enjoy amenities like Hospitals, shopping, airport, etc.   Look at posts from people in Grecia, or Sarchi, or even Atenas (a bit further away).

CR does have a few smaller cities...

Liberia in the north is in the province of Guanacaste and has it's own Int'l airport.  It's the 'gateway' to the beaches of the north Pacific coast, as well as being a travel 'point' for going to/from Nicaragua.  The US state dept. quite often puts Liberia on the 'list' of places that are not safe for tourists.  It is hot there; just so you know.

More central in the 'north' are the cities of San Ramon (one hour west of the SJ airport) and ciudad Quesada... about 2.5 hours north of the airport.  They are busy towns with lots of activity, as they are the county 'seats' of their Cantons (like a small state) and provide all services that one would need.  I believe San Ramon has around 85K people, and Quesada around 65K people.  Both 'cities' are hubs for public transportation to their surrounding areas... as well as multiple busses daily to the Airport and San Jose... like more than 2 per hour.  The cities themselves are considered safe... there may be an iffy neighborhood here and there... but you'll know it when you see it.  I know both places and like being there.  San Ramon is a 'market' town that is good for walking in...and everybody is selling things everywhere you look... good food options; hospital, etc.  It feels 'young' to me.  Very nice central park. 

Quesada is a 'rich' town on the side of an extinct volcano.  It is meat and Dairy country... and the official 'gateway' to the north.  People all across central northern CR use Quesada for their needs... from healthcare to banking, legal services, higher education,  shopping; Auto dealerships; good migracion office; etc.  The surrounding area offers a plethora of interesting towns and hamlets... both high up for cooler temps, as well as in the, lower, massive valley to it's west.   about 90 minutes to the NW is La Fortuna... you can see the Volcano there (Arenal) from the city of Quesada.  You can find a lot of 'wilderness' type things to see and do within an hour of Quesada... from natural hot water termales, to impressive waterfalls, river-rafting, rainforests, volcanos, and nature/wildlife reserves.

I don't think Quesada is a 'pretty' town in the least... but it delivers when it comes to amenities.  They have a professional soccer team... and like I said... it's rich.  Nothing to see Rangerovers, porches, BMW's and all sorts of massive pickup trucks and such.  I would, in the future, Happily move to either Quesada or San Ramon.

Central South you'll find San Isidro-General... a good elevation for reasonable temps, and is the 'location' for amenities for that general part of southern CR that is west of the mountains.  People who live in/near the southern pacific coast towns use SIG for hospital; shopping and such.   I was there and I liked it too.  4 hours to airport???  not sure.

On the Caribbean coast is Limon city.  There isn't much else on that coast... some smallish beach villages to the south until you get to Puerto Viejo which isn't a city... but a great place to take a relaxing break from the world.  Limon is also on the state dept's list of places to avoid as a tourist.  ???   We hear very little about it on the forum... the local news covers food and music festivals there... it has a more Afro-Carib feel to it.  North of Limon is pretty much all a coastal wetland and is either a nature preserve (Tortuguerro) or protected indigenous lands.

There are other smaller cities and big towns... Nicoya (town) is further west; Cartago is a high-up suburb/town east of San Jose (popular retirement place for Ticos returning to their native CR from abroad for retirement) ... but mostly the country has towns and villages. 

Not sure what you consider 'urban' to be... but if you want skyscrapers, museums, opera houses and theatres...    Maybe Spain??

Enjoy your search.