Pacific Hills
Idyllic Home
Fun Facts
- San Ramón (pop. ~60,000) was declared a city in 1902.
- Costa Rica is less than 20,000 square miles total.
- Jose (Don Pepe) Figueres Ferrer established a new constitution in 1949, abolishing the military and he was a San Ramón native!
- Four other presidents were born in San Ramón, as well as three of the country’s most well known poets, leading to the moniker "the city of Poets and Presidents."
- Costa Rica achieved independance from Spain in 1823.
- San Ramón accounts for 2% of the total area of Costa Rica.
- The city's original system of illumination featured kerosen lamps, and was installed in 1879. It was replaced with electric bulbs in 1907. The city's water pipeline system was inaugurated in 1911
San Ramón, Costa Rica is an inspired place to live given its terrrific climate, friendly people, wide array of services, and promixity to both the Pacific Ocean and to the capital, San José. Additionally, the area’s under-priced real estate makes it one of the best places to invest in Costa Rica. Listed below are a few factors in considering why the San Ramón area may be an excellent area for retirement, vacationing, or investment.
Location
San Ramón is directly off the Pan-American Highway, the best roadway in the country. It is only a 35-minute drive from the airport to San Ramón, and another 35 minutes to the nearest beach. Due to its central location, getting around and experiencing all of the scenic beauty and activities Costa Rica has to offer is never a hassle. It is home to some of the country’s best infrastructure, including many wide, paved roads, meticulously planned by expert urban planners from Germany. San Ramón also boasts a shopping mall, three-screen movie theatre, many supermarkets and a wide variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. San Ramón also has a major hospital, many clinics and doctors’ offices, and the only branch of the University of Costa Rica outside of San José.
Climate
San Ramón is surrounded by lush mountains, and is at about 3400 feet above sea level. Due to its elevation, you can expect temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees every day of the year! Air conditioners or heaters are not required. At night it gets a little cooler, making for excellent sleeping conditions. During the rainy season, from June through December, you can expect beautiful blue skies in the morning and some rain in the afternoon. The rainy season, better known as the “green season,” in Costa Rica, does not mean it rains all day, everyday. It is, however, a time of the year when virtually every patch of land is green. It’s lush tropical Costa Rica at its finest! During the dry season, January through May, it almost never rains.
Views
Epic is the only word that comes close to describing some of the views here. Until recently, many people didn’t realize there are parts of San Ramón that directly face the Pacific Ocean. There are home sites that have full views of the Ireland-like mountains and valleys and Gulf of Nicoya, which spills out into the Pacific Ocean. At night, you can see the city lights of the bustling port city of Puntarenas, some 30 miles from San Ramón.
The People
San Ramón boasts some of the kindest and friendliest people in the world. They are patient and polite when it comes to your Spanish (or lack thereof), and many people speak at least some English. Probably the most apparent cultural aspect of the Costa Ricans, is their dedication to family life. It is common to see teenagers holding hands with their parents in public. It is also common for a family to live together until the children have married. Many people say that San Ramón reminds them of what is truly important in life.
Cost of Living
Building a house in San Ramón usually costs between $30-$50 per square foot. It is realistic to build a luxurious home, fully finished with all costs considered, for less than $75,000. With the land, you could own a stunning home with Pacific Ocean views for less than $150,000. That is unheard of in the United States and even other parts of Costa Rica. Filet mignon at a restaurant in San Ramón will cost about $7. It is easy to spend less than $30 dollars a month on electricity and water. Costa Rican real estate taxes are based on the value of your property, and are very low at .25% of the value of your home. If you are planning to retire, and depending on Social Security or a pension for your living expenses, you will feel guilty at how much you recieve per month versus how much you spend.
Hotels
Angel Valley Farm Bed & Breakfast
Telephone: 506-456-4084
E-mail: avf1@hotmail.com
www.angelfalleyfarmbandb.com
View from Angel Valley Farm
This friendly, American-owned and operated bed and breakfast is our pick for a place to stay in San Ramón. Located near the Los Angeles Forest Reserve, seven minutes from downtown San Ramón, AVF combines great personal service with a reasonable price. Included among its amenities are satellite TV, individual DVD players, horseback riding, and amazing views of the mountains and valleys. Angel Valley Farm is more than just a place to stay for the night - it's a place where you can make new friends, and enrich your Costa Rica experience.
Rates start at $30 per night, and include breakfast.
Villa Blanca
Telephone: 506-461-0300/1
E-mail: information@villablanca-costarica.com
www.villablanca-costarica.com
Originally built by former Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo, this tourist lodge offers its guests luxury while in the heart of nature. Located 15 minutes north of San Ramón, in the center of the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, Villa Blanca combines the best of easy living with all the beauty that nature has to offer. Rehabilitated, restored, and re-opened in late 2004 under new management, Villa Blanca is a class of excellence without comparison in the region. The main lodge features a lobby bar, two restaurants, themed sitting rooms and spa facilities - all with gorgeous views of the surrounding reserve. Nights are spent in one of 35 full-featured casitas, each with fireplace, bath, kitchenette, and a large private veranda. During the day, guests have a number of options. They can visit the famous wedding chapel, built by Carazo to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary. The hotel will also arrange for horseback riding, and guided tours of the surrounding Cloud Forest, nearby Arenal Volcano, or downtown San Ramón. For those looking to just relax, the private movie theater onsite provides the chance to watch first-run films in comfort, along with nightly showings of Al Gore's global warming documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth."
Rates start at $155 per night, and include breakfast.
Hotel El Nuevo Jardin
Telephone: 506-445-5620
E-mail: eljardincr@ice.co.cr
Nuevo Jardin's low prices tend to appeal to younger tourists and Ticos. Located less than a hundred feet from the San Ramón bus terminal on a busy commercial street, this hotel offers easy access to Costa Rica's nightlife without draining your budget. El Nuevo Jardin features free secure parking, internet, cable TV and coffee. Despite the bargain prices, expect a comfortable stay in a clean room at the Jardin.
Rates start at $12 per night.
Restaurants
Rincon de Poeta
Just recently opened, this restaurant and bar features some of the finest dining in town. With great dishes ranging from steaks to seafood to pasta (including a delicious carbonara), Rincon de Poeta features something for everyone. And this is reflected in the crowd, which spans the spectrum of demographics - from young couples looking for a romantic dinner to families celebrating a birthday, and everything in between. And if the excellent food and plentiful drinks aren't enough for you, Rincon de Poeta is also a place where you can enjoy the arts. The restaurant features frequently changing artwork in a variety of styles and mediums, all by local artists, as well as the occasional live band.
Mi Choza
The entrées here are more than just good - they are plentiful. Restaurant Mi Choza is famed for some of the biggest portions in town. Which is not a bad thing, because savory dishes will have you cleaning your plate every time. And for those interested in a lighter snack, their extensive selection of bocas delivers equal satisfaction, without straining your belt. Most dishes come served on wooden cutting boards, adding to the attractive rustic feel of the place. And of course, Mi Choza features a full bar (complete with delicious smoothies) to help you wash your meal down.
Mi Casita
Open from 6am until 4pm, this little restaurant is far from par for San Ramón. Mi Casita offers the finest (if not the only) Italian dining in the area. Owned and run by Italian expat Francesco, "My Little House " is truly a treat. Especially if you're in the mood for pasta, as Francesco makes all of the delicious pasta himself. Staples on the menu include several italian classics (among them, fettucine alfredo and Bolonese), as well as offering several fresh daily specials. And if nothing on the menu looks appealing, he also takes requests!
Aroma's Café
Possibly the best joint in town for a quick lunch, or an afternoon injection of caffeine. The food at Aroma's is all fresh, and exquisitely delicious, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Its offerings include all the San Ramón standards (burritos, hamburgers, sandwiches etc.), and a few unique items (such as their fantastic crêpes). They also have one of the most extensive selections of fresh fruit smoothies in town, and milkshakes as well for those with a sweet tooth. And their deserts (especially their brownies with ice cream) are amongst the best in Costa Rica. Of course many come to Aroma's for just one of the numerous coffee drinks - none of which will disappoint. And best of all, Aroma's will not strain your budget, with most dishes costing less than $3.
Café Delicias
Café Delicias is the hangout of choice for many of the expats living in San Ramón. Their food is excellent, their coffee divine, and their prices are reasonable. Often said to have the best breakfast in town, this small café has a steady flow of customers all throughout the day. And while they're known for their breakfast, the rest of the menu is not far behind. Worthy of special notice is their lasagna, which is some of the best in Costa Rica. And of course their deserts, including the finest cheesecake in San Ramón, are reason enough to visit the bright orange restaurant.
Club Centro de Cultura Social -
San Ramón Social Club
One of the oldest bars in San Ramón, the Social Club is also one of the biggest. For the younger crowd, the upstairs features the Steel Disco, a large bar with a nice dance floor. Popular dance music accompanies the crowd as they drink, dance and socialize. There is often a small cover to go upstairs. For those looking for a more relaxing evening, the downstairs generally features traditional hispanic music and dance. The place to go for salsa afficionados! Additionally, some nights you will find karaoke (variety of spanish and english songs) and other events, including periodic live bands. And when an important fútbol (soccer) match is taking place, the San Ramón Social Club fills up as Costa Ricans come to support their team and watch on one of the many screens.
Secretos and System Sound Bar
These neighboring bars are the weekend destination of choice for the younger crowd in San Ramón. Both bars feature an almost identical setup - a downstairs bar/seating area, with an upstairs disco (there is sometimes a cover to get upstairs). During the week, come to relax and have a few drinks with friends. On the weekends, come looking to party. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights these bars fill up fast. And not just the bar - the crowd often overflows into the streets, often extending the party almost to the central park. Occasionally they feature special events, such as open bars, dancers, or live music. But they always offer a good time.
Excalibur
When everything else is closed, Excalibur is where the true party animals go to cap off the night. Open from midnight til morning, this recently remodeled bar/disco usually charges a cover for the luxury of drinking, dancing, or just hanging out until the sun comes up.
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