Relocation Hotspot: Jaco
Just over an hour from San Jose on the central Pacific coast, Jaco is an easy escape for city dwellers and one of Costa Rica’s hottest relocation destinations. The town’s myriad amenities complement its seaside setting, offering residents the perfect blend of beach locale and city conveniences.
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Jaco’s popularity guarantees it a wealth of modern services, including high-speed Internet, cable television, and 3G cell phone service. Public transportation is inexpensive and includes hourly bus service to Playa Herradura and neighboring towns. Cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as pharmacies, banks and shops are within walking distance of almost any residence within the city limits.
While the area’s cost of living is higher than some sections of the Central Valley, its beachfront location and wealth of activities lure expats of all ages. New construction projects, especially condominiums, pop up every year, and American-style residences are widely available. Expect to pay at least $500 per month for a 1-bedroom condo close to downtown; a 2-bedroom condo with ocean views could easily run $1,500 or more monthly.
Amenities run the gamut from large grocery stores like Max por Menos to small Costa Rican-run restaurants. An Auto Mercado supermarket, which imports many high-end products, is located just five miles north in Herradura. Jaco’s entertainment scene offers something for everyone, from fine dining to sunset walks on the beach. The Pacific Ocean is the star of the show – surfing, swimming and sunbathing are all popular ways to spend an afternoon. At night, Jaco’s natural attractions fade into the glitter of city nightlife: discos and bars take center stage, and live music can be found every night of the week.
Families with children choose Jaco for its easy access to bilingual private schools. Falcon International School is situated just outside Los Suenos Marriot in Herradura, and offers elementary and middle school curriculums that follow the North American school year. Jaco’s Las Nubes Bilingual School provides elementary education and has plans to open a secondary school in the future.
Private clinics and local physicians see to everyday illnesses and well visits, while the large, public Hospital Monsenor Sanabria is less than an hour away in Puntarenas. For emergencies, a medical airlift is available to San Jose’s CIMA Hospital, one of Costa Rica’s premier medical facilities.
Jaco is a popular relocation destination thanks to its enviable beachfront location and city resources. With fast access to San Jose, modern amenities and a vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder so many are proud to call Jaco home.