Climate and Location

Santa Barbara is popular with expat residents and tourists due to its geographic location and close proximity to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Only 20 minutes down the mountain, one can be on the autopista highway that connects the capital city of San Jose with other major points of interest in the country. The mountain road winds from Santa Barbara to the main city of Heredia, only 6 miles away, and is a lovely 10-15 drive through coffee and agricultural fields.

As is true of most Costa Rican towns, daily life revolves around Santa Barbara's central park with the ubiquitous church across the road.  A newer commercial center has expanded on the north side of the park, with banking, boutiques, a modern pharmacy (with doctor on-site) and an office supply business.

A large, family owned grocery store, Super Viquez, caters to locals and the large population of foreigners residing here.  It's a one-stop shopping experience offering imported foods, fresh local produce and a wide selection of quality wines and spirits.  The second level of Super Viquez houses everything from furniture to lawn mowers and a spacious coffee shop with windows over-looking the town center. Lined along the walls to the entrance of the market are old, sepia-toned photos depicting the family and Santa Barbara during the 1800's. The Viquez family has a rich agricultural heritage with a strong commitment to the community, and both the owners and their staff warmly welcome new residents to town.