Heredia, the “City of Flowers”, is a lively university city in the Central Valley and one of the easiest places in Costa Rica to live without a car. It is the capital of Heredia province, home to the main campus of the Universidad Nacional, a public hospital and a train line to San José, and the airport is usually 20 to 45 minutes away. The hills above the city, towards Barva and San Rafael, are cooler, greener and full of coffee farms. Here is what living in Heredia is like.
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Why people choose Heredia
- A real city with a small-town heart. A central park, the historic El Fortín tower, markets, cafés and everyday services within walking distance in the centre.
- A university town. The Universidad Nacional’s main campus, Campus Omar Dengo, is in Heredia, which brings students, culture and a young energy.
- Healthcare in the city. Hospital San Vicente de Paúl, part of the Caja (CCSS), serves Heredia.
- Getting around. The Interurbano train connects Heredia with San José, and Juan Santamaría International Airport is usually 20 to 45 minutes away depending on where you live.
- Cool hills nearby. Higher up, the land climbs towards Braulio Carrillo National Park, with cooler air, forests and coffee farms.
El Fortín and the City of Flowers
Heredia’s symbol is El Fortín, the round tower beside the central park, built in 1876 and declared a national historic monument in 1974. “Ciudad de las Flores” (City of Flowers) is the city’s long-standing nickname, and you will see it on signs and in local pride everywhere.
Heredia’s five districts
The canton of Heredia has five districts: Heredia (the city centre), Mercedes, San Francisco, Ulloa and Varablanca. Varablanca is up in the mountains and includes a large part of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Expats often also look at the neighbouring cantons of the province, such as Santo Domingo, Barva and San Rafael, for quieter streets and cooler air. Listings that just say “Heredia” can mean any of these, so ask for the exact location.
Healthcare
Hospital San Vicente de Paúl is Heredia’s public hospital, part of the Caja (CCSS), which you will join as a legal resident. The city also has private clinics, dentists and pharmacies, and the private hospitals of the San José area 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
Heredia’s centre is walkable, with the market, banks, shops and cafés close together, and the Interurbano train runs to San José. Outside the centre, taxis and ride-hailing apps are common, and a car helps if you live up in the hills. The airport is usually 20 to 45 minutes away, depending on traffic and where you live.
Renting or buying a home in Heredia
You will find apartments and condominiums near the centre and the university, family homes in the residential districts, and houses with gardens and views in the cooler hills above the city. Ask about parking, internet at the exact address and how long the drive is at rush hour. Many people rent first to find the right altitude and neighbourhood.
If you own a home in Heredia and want to sell, see GAP Real Estate’s page on how to sell your home in Heredia.
Moving to Heredia: residency
To live in Heredia long term you will need Costa Rican residency, for example as a pensionado, rentista or investor. Our residency requirements guide explains the categories. Comparing towns? See our guides to living in Escazú, living in Santa Ana, living in Grecia, living in Atenas and living in Belén.
Frequently asked questions
Is Heredia a good place for expats to live?
For many people, yes, especially those who want a real Costa Rican city with a walkable centre, a university, a public hospital and the train to San José, close to the airport.
Why is Heredia called the City of Flowers?
“Ciudad de las Flores” is Heredia’s traditional nickname, used proudly on signs and by locals.
Is there a hospital in Heredia?
Yes. Hospital San Vicente de Paúl is the public Caja (CCSS) hospital in Heredia, and the city has private clinics too.
How far is Heredia from the airport?
Usually 20 to 45 minutes by car to Juan Santamaría International Airport, depending on traffic and where you live.
Sources: Heredia canton data (districts, Braulio Carrillo), El Fortín’s monument history, the Universidad Nacional and CCSS reporting on Hospital San Vicente de Paúl, checked 16 October 2026. Travel times depend on traffic.
Thinking about moving to Heredia? 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.