After living in Amon for three years, I just relocated.

First, let me say there were lots of reasons for the move. My apartment in Amon had 3-floors; garage, living/dining, bedrooms. Going up and down the stairs multiple times a day was becoming more difficult on my back and knees, so I started looking for a single level apartment with reliable elevators. Since I would be there at least three years, I wanted a walkable neighborhood with good sidewalks in case I need a wheelchair in the future. Also, since the HDR closed a lot of the "scene" moved to the Taormina. I don't mind the extra putas, but it also increased the number of homeless and addicts in the area. They are easy enough to avoid when visiting, but more of a issue when you live next door. It was more a nuisance than a security concern.

I began by looking online and found properties in Sabanilla (LoftsXL), Guayabos (Golfside), Curridabat (Torres las Loras), Sabana (Torre del Lago) and Pavas (Vistas de Nunciatura). I built a checklist of characteristics and hired Pops to go onsite and check them out for me. I also really liked Torre Paseo Colon which I consider to offer the best value, but in the end was not the best fit for me. I decided on an apartment in the Nunciatura area of Rohrmoser in Pavas District. There are a lot of embassies nearby, so it tends to be safe with plenty of restaurants but without a lot of families. A discreet monger can entertain socially presentable regulars without problem. If I feel like something less socially presentable, I use a short-term location like Oficina or a love motel like Eden. My apartment has two bedrooms, modern kitchen, etc. The building has 25+ stories, heated pool, gym, sky deck, 24x7 security, etc, etc, etc. I pay $1,100 a month

Uber fare back to the "new gulch" area can run between c2,000 and c5,000 depending on the day and time. Most times it runs around c2,500 and you learn to avoid rush hours. I get most my chicas online or via personal contacts, so my main reason to go to SL, Castillo, etc is to socialize. Those who have met me know that I am not particularly social, so a $6 round trip Uber ride is not a problem.

I am very glad I chose the barrio Amon as my first location. Lots of chicas, lots of party. Had I moved to my current location right off the bat, I think I would have been disappointed. Each monger should consider his own circumstances, but also remain flexible. The best fit for me might not be the best fit for you. In the same manner, the best fit for me today might not be the right one 3 years from now. Rent, don't buy.

Generally, my opinion is tourists should stick to SL or Castillo. New residents should get an apartment in District Cármen (Amon, Otoya, Escalante) for the first three years. If/when that gets stale, find the right place for you. My next stop, health permitting, will likely be Cartago/Paraíso. There is prime poon all over this country once you know how to hunt.

The mountainy area in Orosi just past Lankester Botanical Gardens (in Paraiso) is probably my favorite area in CR. I spend 4 to 5 days there every visit. As I approach semi-retirement in the coming months I am strongly considering buying a lot there and building my home. I wasn't aware that there is "action" available in the Paraiso area until I read about it recently in another thread.
I've also thought how cool it might be to have a nice apartment in the Amon area but I never really found anything for rent there. Probably looking in the wrong places.

The mountainy area in Orosi just past Lankester Botanical Gardens (in Paraiso) is probably my favorite area in CR. I spend 4 to 5 days there every visit.

Where is the coolest (by temperature) place to live in Costa Rica? A place that is consistently in low 70s or lower?

The Orosi Valley is certainly I option. On the other side of San Jose Sarchi is probably another good option.