Escazu

Just 7 kilometers west of San Jose, the canton of Escazú and its capital, San Miguel de Escazú, stand tall in the mountains at 1,101 meters (3612 feet), looking down on the neighboring valley. Because of its Central Valley location and elevation, Escazú; enjoys a year-round mild climate that boasts endless blue skies in summer and slightly less rain than many of its neighbors in winter.

Escazú's history is rich, and its name is derived from the indigenous word, Izt-kat-zu, which means "resting stone." The story goes that native Costa Ricans used to travel from Aserrí; to Pacaca, using this mountaintop location as their stopping place. The city later became known as La Ciudad de las Brujas, or "City of the Witches," said to derive from the local tradition of mixing cures from herbs and spice blends to cure any ailment. Because their powers were used for good, legend says that Escazú witches were all good witches, which helped inspire the local soccer team, Brujas F.C., to adopt a name and logo that reflects their cultural heritage.

Today, Escazú is home to many ticos and expats who appreciate its colonial feel, relative quiet when compared to San Jose's noisy streets, and huge variety of amenities aimed to fulfill your every desire. The area is divided into three separate towns -- San Antonio de Escazú, San Miguel de Escazú, and San Rafael de Escazú -- each with its own patron saint and distinct ambiance.

In fact, each year, San Antonio de Escazú hosts its Día de los Boyeros, the Oxcart Festival, paying homage to the region's agricultural heritage. Proud Costa Rican farmers pull traditional, intricately-painted, beautiful oxcarts behind their own oxen, displaying the merge of art and agriculture that has so long been a symbol of the country. Hundreds of people pour into town to witness the event, drinking agua de pipa (coconut milk), munching on refreshing copos (snow cones) and other traditional fare, and enjoying the festivities, including traditional dancing and parades.

Since an agricultural heritage and modern amenities go hand-in-hand here, luxurious country clubs enjoy a healthy presence in Escazú, as do bowling alleys, delicious cuisine, and homes that are aimed toward the more expensive tastes of relocating expatriates and wealthy elite. And because of a strong North American influence, many ticos in Escazú speak English, helping ease the transition and calm the concerns of many foreigners moving to Costa Rica.

Escazú is very suburban, offering the ideal mix of residential and commercial. Beautiful mansions, luxury condominiums, and more budget-friendly options are interspersed throughout the canton, and Escazú central is home to many stores and restaurants, including the palatial Multiplaza de Escazú, the largest mall in Costa Rica, stocked with most of your North American and European favorites.

Escazú's sophistication and high standard of living attract people from all over the world to its streets. With tantalizing scents wafting through the air from local restaurants, relative peace and safety in its neighborhoods, and a long, rich cultural heritage, even the recently relocated are proud to say they're escazuceño.

• Escazu Restaurants