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in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
The Sardinal district, part of the Carrillo canton in the Guanacaste province, Costa Rica, is a community in full transformation, where rural traditions intertwine with tourism...
What's New?
Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
The Sardinal district, part of the Carrillo canton in the Guanacaste province, Costa Rica, is a community in full transformation, where rural traditions intertwine with tourism...
Analysis by Cantons - Alajuela
Area: 391.62 km2 / Population: 322,143
Alajuela Canton – between tradition, airport and expanding city
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, but also a city that is trying to keep up with development without losing its identity.
Administrative data:
Number of districts: 14
Capital: Alajuela City
Average altitude: ~950 m
Climate: tropical with altitude influence – hot but bearable
Districts (most famous):
– Alajuela – the urban core, with old buildings, parks, markets and traffic.
– Desamparados – a more residential, quiet area.
– La Garita – preferred by expats, dry climate and large houses.
– Turrúcares – rural, expanding, green and quiet.
– San Rafael – a growing suburban area.
– Carrizal and Tambor – with cleaner air, ideal for those looking for peace and quiet.
✅ Strengths:
- The airport is right here – easy to get to from any direction
- Large stores, malls, hospitals, private clinics, schools
- Decent public transportation to the capital and other provinces
- Green areas on the outskirts, ideal for living
- Rich history and a well-defined local identity (Alajuela used to be the capital of the country)
❌ Weak points:
- Heavy traffic in the city and around the airport
- Pollution and congestion in the central area
- Occasional crime in some neighborhoods (but not a high-risk area)
- In some districts, urban development is chaotic
Main income
Commerce, airport, residential areas, services.
Development & infrastructure
Very good, roads, malls, hospitals, private schools
Standard of living
High (and costs to match).
Recommendation
For those who want to be close to the city and the airport (Juan Santamaría).
Observations
Good for business or transit, but it’s not “nature.”
Alajuela Canton
Investment Opportunities
(one of the most dynamic and developed urban centers in the country)
Why Alajuela?
The canton of Alajuela, capital of the province of the same name, is one of the most dynamic and developed urban centers in the country. Located just a few kilometers from San José and with direct access to Juan Santamaría International Airport, it offers an excellent setting for both local and international investments.
What areas offer real opportunities?
An important advantage: direct access to the largest airport in Costa Rica and road infrastructure that quickly connects Alajuela to the Pacific (route 27) and the rest of the country.
– Services & Commerce – The city is constantly growing, and small retailers, repair shops, hairdressers, IT services, education centers, wellness centers and private clinics are increasingly in demand.
– Technology & outsourcing – Being close to the capital and having a decent digital infrastructure, Alajuela attracts freelancers, BPO companies and small startups. You can work remotely or open a small hub.
– Real Estate – The demand for housing continues to grow, and small residential and commercial projects can be a viable option. However, a clear analysis of the INSTITUTIONAL area and regulations is important.
– Tourism & Hospitality – The area attracts tourists all year round, and the demand for cabinas, local restaurants, private tours and rental services is constant. Small and medium-sized investments can have a good return if they are thought out intelligently.
– Agriculture & agro-industry – Alajuela is known for its coffee, tropical fruits, flowers and dairy production. Those who want to start a sustainable business related to local processing (artisanal coffee, organic products, etc.) have access to raw materials and local markets.
real estate investments
Real estate sector in the Alajuela Canton
The canton of Alajuela is one of the most dynamic in Costa Rica in terms of real estate market. Strategically located near the capital and home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, Alajuela constantly attracts investors, expats and local developers.
Key areas of interest
– Central area (Alajuela Centro): sought after for offices, clinics, cafes and apartments for rent. Constant movement, but crowded.
– La Garita and Turrúcares: preferred by foreigners for their climate, tranquility and proximity to the highway. Here you will find many gated communities.
– Desamparados, San Antonio, El Coyol: areas in development, with available land, industrial parks and great logistics potential.
– Tambor, San Rafael and Sabanilla: ideal for residential, commercial or ecotourism projects.
Possible investment types
– Short-term rental projects (Airbnb, especially near the airport)
– Micro-condominiums or duplexes for the middle class
– Small commercial developments (cafes, coworking spaces, offices)
– Land held as a medium-term investment (especially in El Coyol, an expanding industrial area)
To remember
– Check the property title carefully (escritura vs posizione).
– Watch out for flood zone or instability (some developers build without scruples).
– There is high demand for short and medium term rentals, especially for expats or skilled workers.
Alajuela, a canton where urban hustle and bustle meets rural tranquility
Safety in Alajuela Canton
In the first 5 months of 2025, 866 crimes were registered in the canton of Alajuela.
The most common are simple thefts and burglaries, but there is also a lack of robberies and vehicle thefts.
Official data from the OIJ shows:
- Simple theft – 240 cases
- Robbery – 189 cases
- Vehicle theft – 180 cases
- Aggravated theft – 169 cases
- Vehicle theft – 77 cases
- Homicide – 11 cases
🔴 High-risk areas
- Barrio El Infiernillo
- Downtown Alajuela
- Slums and areas with poor infrastructure
Significant reduction in crime, compared to the same period in 2024.
🟡 Note: I have been through the city of Alajuela many times, and although it seems “active” and lively, it is good to be careful especially in the center, in commercial areas, at traffic lights and in parking lots.
Especially at night. It is not a dangerous place in itself, but it is one of the most “targeted” by thieves and opportunists.
The heat map confirms that the most affected area is the center of Alajuela, where most of the incidents are concentrated.
No filters - No superficiality
Personal Observations
Alajuela is the city where many people “land” literally and figuratively. Although it is considered a “satellite” of the capital San José, it has its own personality. Alajuela’s Central Park is a classic place to stroll, where you can see locals drinking coffee and talking about life – a nice contrast to the stress of the capital.
It is a place of transition: between urban and rural, between tourism and ordinary life. Many foreigners move to La Garita or Turrúcares, precisely for this: peace, but close to everything that matters.
Neighboring cantons in the region
