14/08/2026
THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN COSTA RICA, ACCORDING TO A FULL LOCAL 🇨🇷
Warning, this is a long read. But if you are seriously considering moving to Costa Rica, retiring here or investing in Costa Rica real estate, it is worth it.
Before you start looking at pretty houses, you need to understand the areas. Costa Rica is a small country, but every region offers a completely different lifestyle. The weather, infrastructure, healthcare, schools, accessibility and real estate prices can change dramatically within a few hours.
So grab a coffee and let’s analyze some of the best places to live in Costa Rica from my completely local and unapologetic perspective.
I do not consider myself the “number one relocation expert in Costa Rica” because I don’t believe that person exists. Relocation is personal. Someone’s tropical paradise can easily become someone else’s sweaty personal crisis. 😂
I’m also not rating entire towns from one to ten as if Costa Rica were participating in a beauty pageant. My opinion should help you ask better questions, but it should never determine where you move your family or invest your savings.
TAMARINDO AND SURROUNDINGS 🌴
Tamarindo is my second home, and I love it. It is not everybody’s cup of tea because some people find it busy and commercial. If you hate it, you can simply skip it. We will all survive. 😂
For families relocating to Costa Rica, this area makes everyday life easier. You have excellent international schools, reliable internet, good infrastructure, healthcare, shopping, restaurants, beautiful beaches and amazing surfing.
You are also less than 90 minutes from Liberia International Airport and close to Flamingo, its marina and some of Guanacaste’s most stunning beaches.
If you want beach living with real convenience, Tamarindo is difficult to beat.
AVELLANAS, PLAYA NEGRA AND JUNQUILLAL 🌊
If Tamarindo feels too busy, but disappearing completely into the jungle sounds slightly inconvenient, let me introduce you to these communities.
They are quieter, more secluded and surrounded by nature, but still close enough to Tamarindo when you need schools, healthcare, shopping, restaurants or a little civilization.
The roads have improved, new residential projects are appearing and the entire area has enormous potential for growth. Soon everyone will claim they discovered it first, so please take screenshots now. 😂
You have stunning beaches, excellent surfing, beautiful weather and a peaceful lifestyle without living three business days away from basic amenities.
SANTA TERESA 🌅
Santa Teresa is one of the most magical places in Costa Rica. I had the pleasure of living and working there, and its energy feels completely different.
You have incredible surfing, beautiful beaches, natural tide pools, yoga studios, boutique hotels and fantastic restaurants hidden in the jungle.
It is boho chic in the most Santa Teresa way possible. You may be covered in dust and wearing flip flops, but the person drinking a $14 smoothie beside you could be a millionaire. 😂
Getting there is a complete journey. Do you drive? Take the ferry? Add a little 4x4 adventure? Possibly all three. It is secluded and the price tag is high, but it is absolutely worth the experience.
It is also an excellent market for short term rentals, boutique hotels, wellness retreats and luxury properties. One of my dreams is to retire there eventually, so that should tell you everything.
THE CENTRAL PACIFIC 🌴
Tárcoles, Punta Leona, Herradura and Jacó generally offer more inventory and better value than many famous beach markets. Your budget can often buy more land, more construction and more amenities.
The area is lush, close to San José and excellent for surfing and short term rentals. Herradura offers Los Sueños Marina, golf, sportfishing and upscale amenities. Punta Leona provides a quieter environment and beautiful beaches. Jacó brings restaurants, shopping, casinos, nightlife and plenty of social activity.
Personally, if an event begins after 9:00 p.m., it already conflicts with my pajamas. But if you enjoy entertainment, dining and nightlife, Jacó may be perfect for you. 😂
LA FORTUNA AND LAKE ARENAL 🌋
This area ranks very high on my list, especially for retirees, nature lovers and tourism investors.
The weather is pleasant, the volcanic soil is incredibly fertile, and you have hot springs, rivers, waterfalls, hiking, wildlife and spectacular views.
La Fortuna offers restaurants, supermarkets, medical services and tourism infrastructure. The communities around Lake Arenal provide more privacy, space and tranquility.
It is also one of Costa Rica’s most visited destinations, creating excellent potential for vacation rentals, eco lodges and wellness properties.
If your retirement plan includes growing fruit trees and accidentally becoming a farmer because you planted three pineapples, this might be your place. 😂
THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ⛰️
San Ramón, Grecia, Atenas and the Western Central Valley are very close to my heart because I was born and raised in the mountains. I am a highlands girl, and yes, this part comes with a little personal bias.
The weather is beautiful, many communities do not require air conditioning, and the mountain views are spectacular. You also have hospitals, universities, private schools, supermarkets, restaurants and easy access to Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Real estate often provides much better value than the coast. Your budget can buy larger homes, gardens, guesthouses, more land and incredible views.
The Central Highlands may not be the dramatic Costa Rica you see all over social media. It is the Costa Rica where you can build a comfortable, practical and sustainable everyday life.
Every time I visit somewhere hot and humid, my hair reminds me exactly why I live in the mountains. 😂
SAN JOSÉ AND SURROUNDINGS 🏙️
San José is not nearly as ugly as people make it look. There, I said it.
Please do not spend two hours downtown, take one questionable photo near Central Park and decide that the entire metropolitan area looks the same. Judging all of San José by downtown is like judging Costa Rica by the airport parking lot.
Explore Escazú, Santa Ana, Curridabat, Rohrmoser and Barrio Escalante. You will find beautiful neighborhoods, mountain views, excellent restaurants, modern condominiums and every convenience you could need.
For families, this can be the smoothest transition into life in Costa Rica. You have international schools, universities, excellent hospitals, specialists, malls, entertainment and professional opportunities.
In the right neighborhood, life can feel surprisingly similar to home, just with better weather and more gallo pinto. It is an excellent choice if you want to relocate without experiencing complete lifestyle shock.
Of course, there is traffic. Sometimes Route 27 gives you enough time to reconsider your career, your marriage and every decision that brought you there. 😂
THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC 🌿
I almost forgot Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal. My subconscious may have been protecting my hair from the humidity.
The South is undeniably gorgeous. You have lush jungle, waterfalls, wildlife, surfing, beautiful homes, privacy and a strong vacation rental market. Many people love it, and real estate performs very well there.
For me personally, the intense humidity, the distance from the main international airports, access to specialized healthcare and the developing infrastructure make it less practical.
It is peaceful, beautiful and perfect for someone who truly wants to disconnect. It is simply not my cup of very sweaty tea. My hair started expanding just from writing this paragraph. 😂
The truth is that there is no single best place to live in Costa Rica. Your ideal location depends on your budget, family, lifestyle, climate preferences, healthcare needs, travel habits and how emotionally attached you are to air conditioning.
If you are thinking about moving, retiring or investing in Costa Rica, send me your wish list.
Tell me whether you want beaches or mountains, peaceful retirement or nightlife, international schools or total jungle isolation. And please tell me your deal breakers. Humidity? Bad roads? Distance from the airport? Neighbors? Wearing pants? I need the full picture. 😂
I would love to help you explore the right communities and find a property that genuinely fits your life. I work throughout Costa Rica, and I also have an excellent Keller Williams network of local specialists across the country.
Comment COSTA RICA or send me a private message, and let’s start looking for your place. 🇨🇷
