A couple weeks ago, I highlighted the Costa Rican expat havens near San José, including Escazú, Santa Ana, Grecia, and Alajuela. I got a comment on social media from an expat in Costa Rica with this tip:
Don’t sleep on San Ramón.
San Ramón hadn’t been on my radar, so I decided to look into it (I love my job). Turns out, there’s a lot to like about this lesser-known Central Valley location that’s also popular with expats.
The town is a little farther out than those we previously looked at, creating separation from the hustle and bustle (and traffic) of San José and its nearby suburbs. This also means lower real estate prices.
Still only 36 miles from San Jose and 19 miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport, San Ramón benefits from the Central Valley’s cooler climate at 3,468 ft above sea level. As a bonus, it’s only 34 miles from the beaches of Puntarenas on the Gulf of Nicoya.
The Perfect Balance of Connection and Calm
San Ramón doesn’t get as much attention as other Central Valley locations, and that’s precisely part of its appeal. It offers something increasingly rare, which is a location with metropolitan amenities without the metropolitan drawbacks.
Many “remote work destinations” force you to choose between infrastructure and authenticity. As Jason Holland notes in International Living, San Ramón “has many of the advantages of big-town life… but still retains that unique Costa Rican flavor.”
You’ve heard the stories of promising destinations that transform from hidden gems to overpriced tourist traps. San Ramón still exists in that sweet spot that’s connected enough for serious business (you’re close to the capital city and even closer to an international airport) but authentic enough to deliver the lifestyle upgrade you’re actually seeking.
Plus, the climate seals the deal for entrepreneurs tired of extreme temperatures affecting productivity. Thanks to the elevation, daytime temperatures hover around 75°F with evenings in the 60s.
No heating bills. No air conditioning costs. No seasonal business disruptions.
Beyond the Home Office
San Ramón makes particular sense for location-independent business owners looking for their next chapter. Why? It offers the perfect blend of professional infrastructure and purposeful community.
The town supports a vibrant expat ecosystem that’s notably different from the typical digital nomad scene. Instead of 20-somethings planning their next move, you’ll find experienced professionals building lasting connections and contributing meaningfully to the community.
The Community Action Alliance, a joint expat/Costa Rican organization, exemplifies this approach. Nancy Sperry and Andy Robinson, two San Ramón expats, found unexpected purpose through this group.
Andy explained that the community organization “answered the question we didn’t know we had: What the heck are we going to do when we retire?”
This community engagement matters. The established pathways for involvement in San Ramón provide immediate social and professional integration.
The university’s presence adds another dimension. With a University of Costa Rica campus in town, San Ramón benefits from cultural enrichment and youthful energy without becoming a party destination.
Regular concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural events provide the intellectual stimulation that many location-independent business people crave once they’ve achieved financial stability.
The Financial Reality
Let’s face it — stretching our entrepreneurial runway matters, especially when planning for long-term sustainability. San Ramón delivers exceptional value while maintaining quality of life.
A couple can live comfortably for around $2,000 monthly, including rent and healthcare contributions. Furnished rentals typically range from $550 to $1,000 monthly, which is a fraction of comparable properties in North American tech hubs or even more popular Costa Rican “Gold Coast” destinations.
Healthcare represents perhaps the most significant financial advantage. Membership in the Caja (national healthcare system) costs approximately $200 monthly for a couple.
Meanwhile, private healthcare remains remarkably affordable. A knee replacement that would cost $50,000 to $70,000 in the States runs between $11,000 and $20,000 at Costa Rica’s private hospitals.
For those balancing income opportunities with personal financial security, this healthcare equation creates substantial breathing room. The combination of quality care at reasonable prices removes one of the biggest uncertainties from the location-independent equation.
A New Kind of Status
The San Ramón experience ultimately transcends the practical considerations.
John Buford, who has lived in San Ramón with his wife Caryl for seven years, captures this perfectly when he explains what drew them to the area:
High on our wish list was an organized expat presence that was integrated with the Costa Rican community. We wanted a social setting where we could immediately plug in and begin our ‘pure life’ adventure.
Pura Vida represents something deeper than a marketing slogan for tourism. It embodies a culture where success is measured differently. Where community contribution receives as much respect as business achievement. Where sunset views over green valleys take priority over materialist symbols of status.
For Gen Xers who’ve spent decades chasing conventional measures of success, this recalibration of priorities offers something increasingly precious — perspective. You now have the opportunity to build a business that supports your life rather than consumes it.
