Escazú, officially San Miguel de Escazú, is the capital city of the canton of Escazú in the province of San José in Costa Rica. It is also the name of the district that includes the city. The district of San Miguel de Escazú covers an area of 4.38 km², and has a population of 13,426.  

The city lies at an elevation of 1,101 meters above sea level on the northeast slopes of the Cerros de Escazú, 9 kilometers west of the national capital city of San José.   Over the past couple of decades Escazú has become an expatriate enclave: several embassies have their residences located here, including the residence of the US Ambassador and the British Ambassador.
The past few years have seen a significant influx of newly arrived foreigners from North America, South America and Europe. It is home to many bars and restaurants, especially those of the more chic (and expensive) variety.

Rents and prices reflect this and Escazú is the most well-known upscale location in Costa Rica.   Many locations in the canton are prized for their scenic outlooks. This zone is one of the most developed parts in the metropolitan area, populated by families with high incomes and many apartment blocks and residential areas. Climate

The climate is moist tropical: it is not unknown for Escazú to experience rainfall on a day in which San José is dry and sunny. November and December frequently bring high winds.

The name Escazu derives from the indigenous word "Izt-kat-zu", which means "resting stone". The story tells of indians traveling from Aserrí (south of San Jose) to Pacaca (Near Ciudad Colon), who used to stop and rest at this location, which was about half way between the two villages. The first inhabitants were natives from the Guetaras or Huaca tribes. By 1755, villagers were ordered out of Escazu and moved to San Jose by force. From 1796 to 1799 the church of San Miguel was built with the cooperation of the people that had already re-established at this site. By 1801 the population of Escazu reached 1,325. On May 28, 1920, the government of Costa Rica granted Escazu the status of City, head of the Canton (County) of Escazu. In general terms, local people consider both city and county as a single political unit.

The total population at present exceeds 30,000 spread over approximately 13 sq.mi of land. There are many small villages scattered around the Canton. Some of them are mostly commercial, like San Rafael; others are centers of population but agricultural, like San Antonio; some are undergoing demographic changes, like Guachipelín. The rest of the small villages are agricultural and rustic. There are some neighborhoods where the residents are predominantly foreigners , because this beautiful area has attracted people from North America, Europe and Asia.

Escazu is called "The City of the Witches". According to legend, all the witches of Escazu are "good witches". Several historians have looked at the tradition and suggested the reputation comes from the use of herbs and blends, prepared by the indian "witches" to cure all kind of ailments. They also dispensed mysterious love potions and magic objects to repeal the evil. With the arrival of peasants from Galicia, Spain, the marriage of the old traditions and the indian legends gave birth to the late 19th century stories and characters that can be found in today´s literature.

Escazu is presently a mix of agricultural and suburban communities, less than 5 miles west from downtown San Jose. It takes only about 25 minutes to drive to the Juan Santamaria International Airport. The climate is beautiful and mild all year round, and the tropical rainy season (locally called "winter") lasts from April to November.

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Costa Rica is swiftly gaining popularity as an alternative place to reside for single adults and families who are looking for more out of life.
The obvious natural beauty of the land, the consolidated system of protecting the land, social and political stability and growing efficiency of infrastructure and services make Costa Rica a great place to live.
The 51,000 square kilometers that make up this small country have approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity.
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The government looks favorably to foreign investments and foreigners are treated with a mutual respect. There are excellent schools popping up all over the country side and no longer must you live in San Jose or the Central Valley to give your child a private college prep education.
Everything is adding up to life becoming a lot simpler in Costa Rica. Get back to real values and enjoy living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Once you make the decision to live here your world will begin to open and change.

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