Founded in 2006, this car-free town has rapidly gained attention for its commitment to classical town planning principles, creating a sustainable, beautiful environment where people can live, work, and enjoy life in harmony with their surroundings.

The town’s design, led by urban planner Andrés Duany and developer Charles Brewer, prioritizes walkability and human-scaled architecture. Streets are narrow, encouraging interaction between neighbors, and designed for pedestrians and cyclists rather than cars. This layout fosters a strong sense of community, with residents frequently encountering each other in the town’s plazas, parks, and beaches. The car-free environment not only makes the town safer but also creates a more peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.

Las Catalinas is deeply integrated with the natural landscape, featuring a network of trails that connect the town with the surrounding forests and hills. These trails offer breathtaking views and access to outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, making nature a central part of life in Las Catalinas. The town’s architecture complements this natural beauty, with buildings designed in a traditional style that reflects the local vernacular, using materials that blend with the landscape and create a timeless aesthetic.

One of the key successes of Las Catalinas is its focus on sustainability. The car-free design not only reduces the town’s carbon footprint but also allows for greater density, meaning more people can live in close proximity without the need for sprawling infrastructure. Additionally, the town has been built with a strong emphasis on conservation, ensuring that its natural surroundings remain protected and accessible for generations to come.

The architectural style in Las Catalinas is a mix of Mediterranean and colonial influences, with a focus on creating beautiful, functional buildings that contribute to the overall sense of place. Public spaces are carefully designed to be inviting and vibrant, with many buildings featuring arcades, courtyards, and balconies that open onto streets and squares, encouraging interaction and a sense of community.

Despite being a relatively new development, Las Catalinas has already proven to be a success, drawing both residents and visitors who are drawn to its blend of traditional town planning, environmental sustainability, and the beauty of the Costa Rican coast. The town is a shining example of how traditional urbanism can be applied in modern contexts to create places that are not only functional but also deeply connected to both people and nature.

Las Catalinas demonstrates that a return to human-centered, walkable urban design is not only possible but highly desirable in today’s world. It offers a model for how new developments can prioritize beauty, sustainability, and community, all while respecting the natural environment.