Cotia – A Peaceful Escape Just Outside São Paulo

Located just west of São Paulo, Cotia offers a welcome contrast to the fast-paced rhythm of the big city. It’s a place where things move a little slower—surrounded by green hills, quiet neighborhoods, and a touch of countryside charm.

While Cotia is part of the São Paulo metropolitan region, it feels like a different world. It’s known for its nature, open spaces, and a growing number of residential communities that attract those looking to stay close to São Paulo without living in its chaos.

But like many fast-developing areas in Brazil, Cotia is growing quickly, and that growth comes with challenges. Local authorities have sometimes welcomed large-scale housing developments—"prédios" that pack in a lot of people—but haven’t always kept up with infrastructure. As a result, traffic jams are a real issue, especially during rush hour when people head to or return from work.

Despite this, I find Cotia to have a peaceful and grounded vibe. Places like Templo Zu Lai, local parks, and stretches of quiet residential streets offer a sense of calm and connection with nature.

It may not have the energy of São Paulo or the coastlines of Santos, but Cotia has its own kind of beauty—quiet, green, and real. It's a place in transition, balancing growth with the peaceful lifestyle many seek.