Belén is a small, well-run Central Valley canton between San José and the international airport, and a favourite with families and professionals. It is in the province of Heredia, home to Intel’s plant, the American International School in Cariari and the Ojo de Agua springs, and it has one of the highest human development scores of any area in Costa Rica. Few places in the Central Valley are closer to Juan Santamaría International Airport. Here is what living in Belén is like.
Looking at all your options? Read our complete guide to Costa Rica residency, with every category compared.
Why people choose Belén
- Right by the airport. Belén lies between San José and Juan Santamaría International Airport, along the General Cañas Highway (Route 1), so flights and the city are both close.
- Jobs and business. Intel’s plant in Belén helped make it the canton with the highest competitiveness index in Costa Rica in 2011, and the area is full of offices and business parks.
- Families and schools. The American International School of Costa Rica is in Cariari, and many bilingual and international schools are within a short drive.
- Quality of life. In 2020 Belén had the third-highest human development index of any area in Costa Rica.
- Weekend fun close by. The Ojo de Agua springs and pools are in La Ribera, and the beach is a day trip along Route 27.
Belén’s three districts
Belén is compact, about 12 square kilometres, with three districts:
- San Antonio: the head town, with the church, the municipality, shops and services.
- La Ribera: home to the Intel plant, business parks and the Ojo de Agua recreation centre.
- La Asunción: includes Cariari, with its gated communities, country club and the American International School.
Listings often say “Cariari” or “Belén” without the district, so ask for the exact location and drive the route at rush hour before you decide.
Healthcare
Belén’s public health services are part of the Caja (CCSS), which you will join as a legal resident; the public hospital for the area is Hospital San Vicente de Paúl in Heredia. Private clinics and pharmacies are close by, and the private hospitals in Santa Ana and Escazú are a short drive away. Our guide to healthcare in Costa Rica for expats explains how public and private care work together.
Daily life and getting around
Belén is small and organised, with supermarkets, restaurants, parks and sports facilities close together. Route 1 connects it to San José and the airport, and Route 27 to Santa Ana, Escazú and the Pacific coast. Rush-hour traffic on the main highways is the main thing to plan around, so test your daily routes before choosing a home.
Renting or buying a home in Belén
You will find condominiums and apartments in gated communities, family homes in the residential neighbourhoods and larger homes around Cariari. Ask about condominium fees and what they include, security, parking and internet at the exact address. Many people rent first to learn the area.
If you own a home in Belén and want to sell, see GAP Real Estate’s page on how to sell your home in Belén.
Moving to Belén: residency
To live in Belén long term you will need Costa Rican residency, for example as a pensionado, rentista or investor, or through a job with a Costa Rican company. Our residency requirements guide explains the categories, and our guide to work permits in Costa Rica covers working for a local employer. Comparing towns? See our guides to living in Heredia, living in Santa Ana and living in Escazú.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belén a good place for expats to live?
For many people, yes, especially families and professionals who want to be close to the airport, international schools and jobs, in one of Costa Rica’s highest-scoring areas for quality of life.
Where is Cariari?
Cariari is in the La Asunción district of Belén, known for its gated communities, country club and the American International School of Costa Rica.
How close is Belén to the airport?
Very close. Belén lies between San José and Juan Santamaría International Airport along Route 1, so it is one of the nearest Central Valley areas to the airport.
What is Ojo de Agua?
A popular recreation centre with natural spring-fed pools, in the La Ribera district of Belén.
Sources: Belén canton data (districts, area, Intel, human development index, the American International School, Ojo de Agua), checked 16 October 2026. Travel times depend on traffic.
Thinking about moving to Belén? CRIE is an immigration law firm in Costa Rica with over 20 years of experience. Talk to our immigration expert, Johanna: WhatsApp +506 8373 2085 or email info@crie.cr.