All you need to know is that you are minutes from the 'action'. You will spend half the money also as everything is literally half the price once you get away from Escazu and Santa Ana.
The girls get hotter and cooler the closer you get to el centro. While it may be a little unsettling being outside the comforts of 'Americana' in Escazu, your life will be far more enjoyable not having to be exposed to the snobby tico scene or obnoxious gringos.
The money you save you can spend on spanish lessons or a local girlfriend who dosen't speak english, and your enjoyment level will go through the roof. Play it right, don't make the mistake that 90% of gringos make in Costa Rica. If you thrive on 'Americana' and being around gringos, you should stay in America as everything American is way better in America.
The only way to do it right IMO is to totally immerse yourself in the belly of the beast.
Going downtown (ie. anywhere fun, because there is no fun in Escazu) is about a $5 cab ride to the center of action. From Escazu expect to pay closer to $20, and even more from Santa Ana. Double that from Ciudad Colon. Trust me when I say there is no fun in Escazu (unless you count hanging around a bunch of dudes watching sports who are sweating every point). Everything is more fun with hoes around.
I have lived in Escazu, Belen, and Carriari at the present time. You will never be "surrounded by Americans" in Costa Rica unless you deliberately try to. Even then, that would be hard. Escazu does have the Time Out Tavern which is the best place to watch sports in CR. The food is amazing and the owner is a great guy. That is the only thing I miss about Escazu.
Cabs are cheap and buses are fast and they go everywhere.
http://www.sesteo.com/
I've had a couple people stay there extended less than a year ago. Its changed ownership and is now Chinese owned. No idea how that has affected it.
I've had a couple people stay there extended less than a year ago. Its changed ownership and is now Chinese owned. No idea how that has affected it.
