The west end of Costa Rica’s capital city of San José, stretching from Rohrmoser through Escazú to Santa Ana, continues to be a preferred area for clients looking for high-end homes. We spoke with several of The Agency Costa Rica’s real estate agents and asked them about the market, what is drawing such a diverse range of buyers to these sought-after neighborhoods and what are they buying. Whether it’s the stunning natural surroundings, the year-round temperate climate, or the proximity to San José’s business and entertainment hubs, buying property in Escazú and Santa Ana seems to have appeal for discerning buyer’s in Costa Rica’s capital city.
Who is buying property in Escazú and Santa Ana right now?
The luxury home market priced between $900,000 and $1.5 million has been especially active, drawing both local and international buyers. While the $2 million and above segment has maintained steady, though limited, there’s also growing interest from buyers looking to acquire lots within high-end residential condominiums to custom-design and build their ideal homes. And these lots with new construction add up to luxury home values reaching the $2M mark.
The luxury home market priced between $900,000 and $1.5 million has been especially active, drawing both local and international buyers. While the $2 million and above segment has maintained steady, though limited, there’s also growing interest from buyers looking to acquire lots within high-end residential condominiums to custom-design and build their ideal homes. And these lots with new construction add up to luxury home values reaching the $2M mark.
Vicki Klunk, agent and luxury specialist at The Agency Costa Rica, noted “The residential market in Escazú and Santa Ana appeals to a wide spectrum of people. These areas attract professionals looking for proximity to the city while enjoying a more relaxed suburban lifestyle. Entrepreneurs, expatriates, and retirees are among those choosing these areas for their luxurious homes, great views, and easy access to international schools and medical facilities.”
There has also been a surge in long-term, high-end home rentals, with monthly rentals ranging from $4,000 to $9,000. With dwindling rental inventory in both Escazú and Santa Ana, rental prices are being driven upward. This trend has sparked interest from investors focused on the $1 million to $2 million range, where they perceive strong potential for rental income.
There has also been a surge in long-term, high-end home rentals, with monthly rentals ranging from $4,000 to $9,000 per month. With dwindling rental inventory in both Escazú and Santa Ana, rental prices are being driven upward. This trend has sparked interest from investors focused on the $1 million to $2 million range, where they perceive strong potential for rental income.
What do you hear from clients as to why they want to either relocate or purchase property in Escazú or Santa Ana?
“Our clients often mention that they’re drawn to the quality of life here,” says agent Juliane Maurach from The Agency Costa Rica, “Many are looking for a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle while remaining close to the conveniences of the city. As a financial and well-being investment, the stability of the Costa Rican real estate market, combined with strong income potential, makes these areas an attractive long-term investment.”
Clari also highlights another emerging trend among property buyers: “The market growth and increased attention in luxury homes on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, in areas like Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Papagayo have driven a significant number of foreigners—who have spent 5 to 10 years living at the beach—to purchase a second or third home in San José, or even move back now that they have growing families and need greater access to services or other school options. This has created a unique community of newly-relocated foreigners in the capital, many with deep coastal living experience.”
This expat move from the beach has created a significant group of luxury home buyers we call The Coast-to-City Movers. These are interesting buyers with market knowledge and purchase capacity. They turn to The Agency Costa Rica’s local luxury specialists who understand the transition from the beach and the breadth of services they seek for their family.
This expat move from the beach has created a significant group of luxury home buyers we call The Coast-to-City Movers. These are interesting buyers with market knowledge and purchase capacity. They turn to The Agency Costa Rica’s local luxury specialists who understand the transition from the beach and the breadth of services they seek for their family.
What areas of Escazú and Santa Ana are attracting buyers most right now?
All the agents interviewed highlighted the variety of high-end residential inventory that’s been sold over the past 12 months. This includes apartments and penthouses in vertical condominiums, stand alone estates, pre-construction luxury home purchases within residential communities in Escazú and Santa Ana, and a combination of both contemporary homes and tropical modern single family homes.
→ explore Penthouses in Escazú and Santa Ana
The traditional high-end areas seem to have expanded a bit, but there are large concentrations in the San Rafael and Guachipelín areas of Escazú as well as the valley area of Lindora in Santa Ana with many high end homes. The hills right between Escazú and Santa Ana that include luxury homes in Villa Real, Alto de Las Palomas, Guachipelín norte, and surrounding areas, are sought-after for the ease of access and views.
“Both Escazú and Santa Ana have their unique appeal,” explains María José Barrios. “Santa Ana offers peaceful surroundings, modern communities, and a balance of nature and accessibility. Villa Real and Valle del Sol, highly sought-after gated communities, fall within Santa Ana and draw buyers looking for spacious homes with a variety of views and plenty of tropical surroundings.”
“Both Escazú and Santa Ana have their unique appeal,” explains María José Barrios. “Santa Ana offers peaceful surroundings, modern communities, and a balance of nature and accessibility. Villa Real and Valle del Sol, highly sought-after gated communities, fall within Santa Ana and draw buyers looking for spacious homes with a variety of views and plenty of tropical surroundings.”
Vicki Klunk, who covers the Rohrmoser area, adds, “Escazú remains popular among high-net-worth individuals looking for a refined community with established amenities, while areas like Rohrmoser are increasingly attracting buyers seeking more central, sophisticated living options.”
What types of luxury properties can people find in Escazú and Santa Ana today—what can buyers expect in terms of space, property size, and location?
“The luxury market here offers a variety of stunning properties,” says María José Barrios. “In Santa Ana, you’ll find modern homes on the golf course and expansive estates with panoramic views. Villa Real is one of the top residential communities, offering large homes in an exclusive, tranquil setting. Buyers looking for space and privacy can find homes that range from 400m² (4,300 SF) and up.”
Escazú, with its elevated terrain, features a mix of contemporary condominiums and traditional estates, many with lush gardens and private pools. “We’ve also seen growing interest in vertical living,” adds Melissa Lacayo. “Several new towers are under construction on both the Santa Ana and Escazú sides, offering large penthouses that range from $1.5 million to $3.5 million, with units as large as 850m² (9,150 SF) in exclusive, well-located developments.”
Both Escazú and Santa Ana offer unique appeal, with options ranging from luxury residential communities to independent estates on large plots. Many prefer the convenience and security of gated communities. Santa Ana’s warmer climate attracts those who enjoy more heat, while both areas feature cooler mountainside homes with panoramic Central Valley views. Both regions also provide urban living near business hubs, top schools, and shopping centers, ideal for families and professionals. Increasingly, vertical towers with stunning views are becoming popular for those seeking modern, easy living.
Both Escazú and Santa Ana offer unique appeal, with options ranging from luxury residential communities to independent estates on large plots. Many prefer the convenience and security of gated communities. Santa Ana’s warmer climate attracts those who enjoy more heat, while both areas feature cooler mountainside homes with panoramic Central Valley views. Both regions also provide urban living near business hubs, top schools, and shopping centers, ideal for families and professionals. Increasingly, vertical towers with stunning views are becoming popular for those seeking modern, easy living.
What are some of the unique perks, features, and amenities that properties in Escazú and Santa Ana offer buyers that they cannot find elsewhere in Costa Rica?
For many luxury home buyers, the simple ease of access on this side of San José means you’re not only connected to the beaches and the rest of Costa Rica, but you have easy access to Costa Rica’s international airport of SJO.
“These areas offer an unparalleled blend of luxury and convenience,” says Vicki Klunk. “Escazú features high-end communities with 24/7 security, private gyms, pools, and clubhouses, often with spectacular valley views. Santa Ana, on the other hand, also has the high-end communities but generally offers larger plots of land, modern architecture, and outdoor spaces designed to make the most of the excellent weather.”
Juliane explains that even in the relatively small areas of Escazú and Santa Ana, you can enjoy warmer or cooler climates right in the city. “Stand alone properties in Escazú offer a much cooler climate, more private and gives a secluded feeling without really leaving the San José city connection minutes away.
The proximity to international schools, top medical facilities, and San José’s business hubs makes these areas particularly attractive to families and professionals. And with easy access to both the city and nature and beaches just an hour away, buyers in Escazú and Santa Ana enjoy the best of both worlds.
The proximity to international schools, top medical facilities, and San José’s business hubs makes these areas particularly attractive to families and professionals. And with easy access to both the city and nature and beaches just an hour away, buyers in Escazú and Santa Ana enjoy the best of both worlds.
