The answer goes back to the Spanish colonial times. More than 500 years ago the Spanish started coming to Costa Rica, entering from the Caribbean side, a wild and humid rainy forest area. Most of them settled in the central area of the country. Why? Mainly because of the good weather, not so warm, not so humid, never too cold, higher lands protected by mountains and irrigated by rivers, all perfect for agriculture and peaceful living. The first capital city of Costa Rica was Cartago. Later, in 1823, the capital city was moved to San Jose. More Europeans followed, coffee became the main product, and by 1884, San Jose became the third city in the world to have electric light. Since then, everything happens in San Jose: from business and all kinds of companies or services, to congresses, concerts, cultural and diplomatic events.

The Central Valley, also called the GAM (Great Metropolitan Area) embraces the Provinces of Cartago, San Jose, Alajuela and Heredia, making it the most populated area of the country. Therefore, in the GAM, apart from industry, shopping and services, you will find private schools of all kinds (including the British, German and French schools), and the biggest campuses for the 4 public universities, the main one being the University of Costa Rica (UCR) in San Pedro, where interesting lectures, concerts and events happen every week. The other public Universities are Universidad Nacional (UNA) in Heredia, UNED (for distance learning) and the Technological Institute of Cartago (TEC) located mainly in Cartago. Private universities are also everywhere in the GAM, some of them are well respected in their fields, like UACA, ULACIT, U LATINA, UCIMED. Also, renowned international universities like INCAE Business School, the University for Peace and the CATIE institute are also located within the GAM area.

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All of these benefits are the reason why most people live in the Central Valley, especially when doing business, seeking medical assistance, having kids at school, or enjoying cultural events. On another article, we focus on gastronomy, arts and culture.

San Jose is the home of the best public hospitals: San Juan de Dios (downtown), Hospital Mexico (for the West side), Hospital Calderón Guardia (for the East side), where any person paying for Social Security (CCSS or “Caja”) may get medical assistance, but more importantly: where any emergency should be taken. For instance, if a bad car accident happens or someone calls 911, the ambulance will take anyone to one of those big hospitals, the best equipment and professionals are there. The children’s hospital  or“Hospital de Ninos” is the best in the region and any kid, local or foreign, resident or not, will be taken care of, free of any charge. That is one of the biggest things that make Ticos very proud.

There are also very well-known private hospitals for minor things, preventive or optional medical procedures, and where you may pay for an immediate appointment with a specialist, these are mainly Hospital Cima, Catolica, Biblica and Metropolitano.

With high population, limited roads, and poor public transportation, bad traffic is the main problem in the main cities of the GAM but being stuck in there may depend on each persons’ needs, work or schedule. For people working from home on a nice mountain overlooking the valley, or at a high rise with city views, traffic may not be an issue. When one can choose at what time to drive, do any errands or go shopping, late mornings are the perfect time to do so. People would also choose a school located in the area, as well as a sports club or gym, and other main activities, around the same side of the city.

It is for all these reasons that living in the central valley or having a small “pied-a-terre” to come and enjoy all of what the city has to offer, is, on our opinion a very good choice for socially and intellectually active people and for the ones needing some time outside the heat of the jungles or beaches.