In October of 2021, I packed up my life and moved to Costa Rica to start a new chapter with my Costa Rican husband. We landed in the small community of San Pedro de Poas, nestled in the mountains of Alajuela. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but over time, I have come to appreciate the slower pace of life and the unique charm of this small town.

Poas is your typical mountain town in Costa Rica. It is located just a short drive from San Jose, the capital city, and is home to a population of around 9,000 people. The town is known for its scenic beauty, including the Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which are popular tourist attractions. Despite its proximity to San Jose, life in Poas feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you are considering a move to Costa Rica and are interested in what life is like in the mountains, then keep reading. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences living in Poas and offer insights into the pros and cons of this unique town.

Weather

Growing up in the northern United States I experienced some very cold winters. It did not take long to fall in love with the Costa Rican climate. Generally, Costa Rica experiences two seasons: rainy and dry. The level of precipitation and temperatures vary by region. In the mountainous region of Poas, the dry season typically spans from November to March, with October and April serving as transitional months. During this period, the weather is simply beautiful with temperatures hovering around the 70s Fahrenheit. Poas is known for being windy, and some days the gusts can be strong. It is not uncommon for me to throw on a sweater in the mornings only to drive down to Alajuela and be sweltering in the heat. On a day-to-day basis though, the dry season up here is heaven.

The rainy season is completely different. The mornings are typically sunny, and the sky is clear. However, by early afternoon, the clouds start to gather, and rain will fall hard until late into the night. As such, it is advisable to spend time outdoors in the mornings as the rainy season days can be dreary and long.

Amenities

Living in San Pedro de Poas, we are fortunate to have access to a number of local amenities. The town center, located within walking distance from our home, has a grand old Catholic church, overlooking the park. In addition, there are four local grocery stores, as well as little stalls throughout the town, each with its own specialty in meat, vegetables, or bakery items. There are a few casual restaurants and a number of local “sodas” which serve traditional Costa Rican cuisine. We also have several ice cream shops and quaint little cafes. For families, there is a preschool, elementary school, and a high school, making it a convenient location to raise children.

While Poas may not have all the conveniences of larger cities, the community’s charm and warmth more than make up for it. The downtown is often host to parades and events, which add to the community’s lively atmosphere. I particularly enjoy taking walks through the streets in the evenings, seeing locals playing dominoes in the park or parents walking with their children to the stores.

However, there are certain things we do not have in Poas, such as a mall, movie theater, or sports arena. For a wider range of options and cheaper groceries, we often drive 30+ minutes to Alajuela. Unlike nearby communities like Grecia and Atenas, Poas does not have a large expat community. Nonetheless, the tight-knit community of Poas provides a welcoming and friendly environment to call home.

Views and Natural Surroundings

Poas, located high in the mountains, offers breathtaking views of the central valley below. A drive up the mountain from San Pedro de Poas towards Poas Volcano provides an opportunity to enjoy a picnic along the road while admiring the surrounding landscapes. As you ascend higher, you’ll witness the fields and vibrant hydrangeas that the area is famous for, as well as strawberry farms.

Poas Volcano itself is a stunning park that is approximately a 30-minute drive from San Pedro de Poas. La Paz Waterfall Gardens, another popular tourist destination, is just 45 minutes away by car. Both attractions make for an enjoyable day trip.

Pros and Cons

Living in Poas has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the town’s scenic beauty and natural surroundings offer breathtaking views of the central valley, making it a great place for nature enthusiasts. The slower pace of life and tight-knit community also create a warm and welcoming environment for residents. Local amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and schools provide convenience for families.

On the other hand, Poas may not have all the conveniences of larger cities, such as a mall, movie theater, or sports arena. While the lack of a large expat community adds to the town’s charm, it may be difficult for newcomers to adjust to the language and cultural differences.

San Pedro de Poas, nestled in the mountains of Alajuela in Costa Rica, offers a new lifestyle for those looking for a slower pace of life and more natural surroundings. The town’s beautiful weather, local amenities, and tight-knit community provide a warm and welcoming environment for residents. However, the lack of some conveniences, such as a mall or sports arena, and language and cultural differences may pose challenges for newcomers. Overall, living in Poas can be a great fit for those who appreciate nature and a close-knit community, but may not be suitable for those who require the amenities of a larger city.