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Escazu v Atenas

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HS8
  3/28/2014 16:09 EST

My wife and I are trying to decide between Escazu and Atenas. We have 2 small children and like the security, vibe and views in Atenas but Escazu has a great school we'd like to send them and while it seems about only 20-30 min drive from Atenas to Escazu, we wanted to get some insight on Escazu life for a young family.

Kohl
  3/29/2014 09:41 EST

Realize that most of us on this forum have probably have never lived in either place, had children in the schools there or driven the daily commute from one place to the to other.
While it looks to be a 30 minutes trip, don't expect it to actually be so.
It will be much easier on your children if they are 'reasonably near' some of the same students, although when a private school is involved, the students are often bused in.

Escazu has some very nice areas and offers more in the way of stores, restaurants, medical care and entertainment.

YOU need to do the footwork...and see if it fits with what you want in living here.

Unless you immediately purchase a home, you can move, quite easily to a different location.

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RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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DiscoveringAtenas
  3/29/2014 10:13 EST

Escazu is a very nice suburb outside San Jose. It is busy and offers everything from shopping to convenience. Atenas is a small town with a great location between busy San Jose and the beach, making it a low-key, "tranquilo" family town. Do you want big city or small town? Living in Atenas, with small children, we make a monthly trip to Escazu, but prefer Alajuela and Grecia for shopping since Escazu is so busy. Traffic gets much worse toward San Jose so I do not suggest commuting for school. Our neighbor drives his daughter to Lincoln every weekday and always complains. He loves living in Atenas, but sacrifices so she can attend the best school. They always drive her to parties and activities, giving him less time at home to work on the computer, more time on gas and car. Escazu offers nice views too, but plain and simple, big city vs. small town:) good luck! www.discoveringatenas.com

scstokes1
  3/31/2014 11:21 EST

I've live in Costa Rica, for 2 years and have been in and around both places. Escazu is a beehive/ ant bed of activity. For me, way way to much traffic, foot & vehicle, and based on the security I see there I might assume that it's not that safe?? Armed guards with shotguns at the grocery store, mucho razor wire, gates, bars everywhere. The gate attendants at communities will warn against walking outside of the gates at night. If you love KFC, Tony Roma's, Walmart, traffic, and shopping at very expensive/ upscale mall & stores Escazu is for you. Atenas is paradise. That's just me. Single w/ no kids. Sean

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