Playa Grande
The best beaches in Costa Rica are in the province of Guanacaste, with Playa Grande being one of the leading beach towns.
This region is one of the most popular areas for surfing, sport fishing and whale watching.
It is also well-known for its stunning beaches, where leatherback and loggerhead turtles lay eggs twice a year.
With first-class luxury homes and an abundance of affordable property for sale Costa Rica, Playa Grande is an ideal destination for families, retirees and young professionals looking to live near the beach.
Playas del Coco
Playas del Coco is a popular beach on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It has a population of around 10,000 people and has become well-known for its vibrant nightlife as well as its great variety of restaurants and hotels. It is also known for being one of the most popular spots in Costa Rica to go sport fishing.
If you are looking at moving to Costa Rica, Playas del Coco might be the perfect place for you!
Atenas
Atenas is the ideal place for people who want to be near the mountains and enjoy all of the beauty Costa Rica has to offer. It is a small town that sits on top of a hill, which offers incredible views, but also limits the size of the town. The population is fairly small and there are only about four main grocery stores in Atenas—but that’s part of its charm! This warm, friendly town is just 30 minutes from San Jose and beaches on either side of it. Because it sits on top of a mountain, Atenas rarely gets any rain and has beautiful weather almost year-round. Although you won’t find many big name restaurants or shopping centers here, you will encounter other expats who have made this their permanent home. Many foreigners come here because it is affordable (it’s a bit more expensive than other parts of Costa Rica) but still retains its authentic feel with tons of nature surrounding it (you’re not going to find any big box stores or sprawling shopping centers here).
The cost-of-living in Atenas can be higher compared to other parts in Costa Rica, due to its proximity to San Jose and beaches plus the cost savings associated with living in an area where most residents can get by without using an air conditioner thanks to perfect weather year-round.
San Miguel de Sarapiqui
This lush area of rainforests and waterfalls is known for its coffee plantations, cacao crops (chocolate) and beautiful natural resources. The town of Sarapiqui is settled in the heart of Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands. This area grows some of the world’s best coffee beans and also has a variety of outdoor activities that include zip lining, whitewater rafting, hiking and nature tours. This area is also home to La Selva Biological Station where scientists from around the world come to study nature in the rainforest. The largest national park in Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo National Park, is also located here. Sarapiqui River offers plenty of opportunities for river sports like kayaking or fishing.
Los Suenos Resort
If you prefer resort living, you can’t beat the luxury of Los Suenos Resort. Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, this resort has long been considered one of the best golfing destinations in Central America. The marina is a popular destination for both local and foreign residents. In addition to the beachfront location, residents have access to a wide range of amenities including swimming pools and fine restaurants.
The proximity to Jaco Beach and Carara National Park only enhances the quality of life at Los Suenos Resort
Escazu
Escazu has the highest concentration of foreigners in all of Costa Rica. It’s a high-end area with some of the wealthiest people of Costa Rica living here. It’s also a popular place for expats as it has all comforts and services you can expect from an American city: great shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, movie theatres, private hospitals and schools.
In addition to this Escazu is close to San Jose which makes it a perfect place to live if you love the city life and don’t want to be too far away from the amenities San Jose offers.
The downside? The price! Since Escazu is one of the wealthiest areas in Costa Rica property prices are comparable to those in Los Angeles or Miami which makes it one of the most expensive places to buy property in Costa Rica.
San Jose
San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is a beautiful city in the central valley. It is home to hundreds of thousands of people and offers a great place to live with plenty of restaurants and shops. The area also boasts an international airport that serves flights throughout the world and the Caribbean making it very accessible for travelers. San Jose is also the largest city in Costa Rica.
Nuevo Arenal
Nuevo Arenal is a small town located on the shores of Lake Arenal in Costa Rica. The town is surrounded by mountainous landscapes and lush forests, and it’s a popular destination for expats and retirees who want to live somewhere with a temperate climate. Most days are sunny, and the average temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to buy your home in Costa Rica, Nuevo Arenal should be at the top of your list.
Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park
If you’re looking for some beachfront property with a little more privacy than the crowded shores of Tamarindo, consider heading to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. The most popular national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio features picturesque beaches, great surfing and fishing, hiking trails that are perfect for families, and some of the best restaurants in the country.
Though it’s one of the most developed tourist destinations in Costa Rica, you can still find affordable property here. A three-bedroom house can be purchased for less than $250K USD. And if you want to build your own private vacation home from scratch, there are many lots available for under $150K USD.
Garabito – Jaco Beach
Jaco Beach is a great place to stay if you are planning on visiting the National Park of Manuel Antonio. It is also a beautiful surfing beach and popular with tourists and expats alike. There are many good restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in close proximity to Jaco Beach. Although it is not as cheap as some other places in Costa Rica, it is still a good value for those who want the comforts of home, but still want to be immersed in all that Costa Rica has to offer.
Costa Rica is a great place to take your family on vacation, or to retire.
Costa Rica is one of the most enviable places to live in the world. The climate is perfect, the infrastructure is reliable, and it’s perfectly safe for families. There’s more than enough modern conveniences, and you can enjoy some amazing natural vistas. The country is also very stable—it’s been a democracy since 1949!
The cost of living in Costa Rica is surprisingly low compared to the US, which makes it a great place to retire or take your family on vacation. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford property there, there are some notable tax benefits as well.