An Expat Talks about Living in Playa Potrero, Costa Rica

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Playa Potrero

How long have you lived there?

1 Year

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Playa Potrero is a pretty small town. Unless you have children in one of the private, bi-lingual schools, meeting others happens at restaurants, bars and beaches in the area. Neighbors are happy to introduce new comers to others.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Difficult to answer. If by diverse you mean are there all types of North Americans living here, then yes. Basically, most of the expats seem to enjoy the idea of a very North American community in a semi-exotic local. Not a great deal of integration between the Costa Rican locals and the expats. There are an abundance of expats here who have never learned more Spanish than "Hola" and who insist on shopping for North American stuff at North American type grocery stores and such. On the whole, both expats and locals here seem accepting of differences.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

It is a beach side tourist town so it revolves around tourism and real estate. Most people are retired or have invested in a business they attend too. Most expats do not work a real job as their residency visa [if they have one] prevents them from working.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Life revolves around beach activities, socializing with friends, some volunteer work. Very active community with lots of diving, surfing, hiking and water related activities.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Rent first. It may not be the lifestyle for you. Make sure you are comfortably with the idea of a tiny community, in particular, a tiny community of North Americans.