Out of a population of only 5 million inhabitants, approximately 2.6 million live in the Greater Metropolitan Area, which consists of the provinces and large cities within San José, Heredia, Alajuela and Cartago. It is estimated that 60% of the Costa Rican population lives here and most of the economic activity takes place in these cities. Despite being only 3.8% of the national territory, it is very crowded and congested.

The Canal and the town of Grecia are on the border of the G.A.M., which some specify is officially West San Ramon. Grecia is a town that is far enough away from urban life. Living in El Canal means being away from traffic, crime and the daily hustle and bustle, which has many advantages.

1.There is no pollution: neither visual, nor noise, and even less air pollution. San José and the big cities of Costa Rica are already saturated. You hear the sounds of cars, motorcycles and people almost all the time and there is invasive advertising everywhere. They block out the mountains and the beauty of the Central Valley. At the Canal, we maintain respect and value the views above all else. The noise from the main road does not reach the residential area because it was designed that way. If you stroll along our Canal, you will appreciate the sound of the water and the birds, the air is fresh and the greenery is abundant! Also, in the new towers, you can hear the noise of the river.

2. Healthier and more natural recreational activities: Living in the city can become toxic. Many social and recreational activities become so much about eating and drinking. You go out with friends and family for a beer or dinner and overindulge. This is normal in any city. In less urban environments, social activities are healthier. You will find friends who want to go for walks, visit nearby parks (article on activities near Alajuela outdoors, link here!) and occasionally go out for drinks and dinner. At El Canal we promote healthy lifestyles and have our own surf skate park, a recreational and sports area starting with the clubhouse and pools, tennis and basketball courts, soccer, and several trails around the property.

3. Disconnection: it is possible that you work in the G.A.M. (or in the free zone of Coyol) and you return home to the Canal, to disconnect. This is a luxury you can have if you invest in your own house or apartment in Greece. Little by little, there is a growing trend to live outside the city but work inside it. It allows you to unwind and disconnect as soon as you leave the office. You start your day in the calm of your home and enter the G.A.M. with strength and positive energy every morning. We know how uncomfortable it is to live in a city, with the traffic, the constant stimulation and the lack of silence. Mental and physical health begins to suffer. The disconnection offered here at the Canal is unique. You will have comfort, nature and space for your family to grow with health and wellness.

4. Lower costs: Capitals and big cities are always more expensive. Living in Greece, you can cut costs from the supermarket to the wedding to going out to restaurants.

5. Quiet sunsets: while in the G.A.M. there are many spots to watch the sunset from the mountains, most people watch the sun set sitting in their car over the traffic on the highway or not at all. At El Canal, every day you can see a beautiful sunset over the mountains of Alajuela.

6. Not so dense traffic: in 2014, 1,399,238 vehicles were reported in Costa Rica, of which the majority circulate within the G.A.M. We are the second country in Central America with the most cars. On a dense day, it will take you 15 to 20 minutes from Condominio El Canal to downtown Grecia. This does not compare to the dams in San Pedro, downtown Heredia, Curridabat, downtown San José, Tibás, La Sábana, Escazú, among other parts of the country.

7. Safety for the family: Compared to the cities, Greece and the Canal offer a great alternative to see your family grow up. The risk of being run over or robbed is much lower here than in the G.A.M. In this neighborhood next to a village, your children will grow up with landscapes full of mountains and nature, both neighborhood and village atmosphere, and in general, a lot of security and tranquility. They can learn to ride a bike without having to worry about cars or motorcycles. Sending them to the corner store will be possible and safe. Living out of town when you are about to have, or have started raising children, is a very logical and viable option. The Canal offers you this opportunity!

Sources:

• https://mujeresymadresmagazine.com/vivir-lejos-de-la-ciudad/
• https://www.nacion.com/revista-dominical/el-pequeno-pais-de-los-largos-viajes/ITBYPP4WXJENJFATHI7MAIAL7U/story/
• http://www.semillasdevida.com.ar/desarrollo-personal/como-y-porque-escapar-de-la-gran-ciudad/
• https://guiascostarica.com/gran-area-metropolitana/
• https://www.nacion.com/el-pais/infraestructura/conozca-cuales-son-los-10-sitios-calientes-de/FSBG4AXJVNCHTBI33L6IKT7HBU/story/