A small mountain community northwest of San José was identified as the canton with the highest quality of life by the University of Costa Rica (UCR) this week.

Valverde Vega, whose principal population center is the crafts mecca of Sarchí, sits on the western slope of the Poás Volcano and, according to the study, has the most favorable statistics relating to health, crime and municipal efficiency.

Two other agriculture-based communities, Alvarado – in the hills above Cartago, and Palmares – west of San José – followed closely behind.

The report ranks Heredia 50th for quality of life. Escazú came in at 74 and San José was second to last at 80. The Caribbean port city of Limón occupies the final spot, at 81.

But the study didn't just evaluate quality of life. Researchers also ranked communities based on business environment, quality of local governments, employment, infrastructure, innovation and the environment.

“The idea is for it to be used as a political instrument, to help local leaders of similar towns share ideas,” said Anabelle Ulate, director of UCR's Development Observatory, which created the Canton Competitiveness Index.

Asked whether any part of the study surprised her, Quirós pointed to the innovation rankings. While one might expect the communities that play host to foreign technology giants like Intel, HP or Boston Scientific would top the list, she said, those localities didn't quite make it to first place.

It turns out that Montes de Oca, home of the UCR, is Costa Rica's Silicon Valley.

The report, which was released on Tuesday, received praise from the government. Minister of the Presidency Rodrigo Arias held it up to reporters Wednesday as an important document and offered to get them a copy.

See the complete report here