Costa Rica has a lot to offer expats with its tropical climate, eco-friendly culture, beautiful beaches, welcoming people, good healthcare system and relative safety. Many expats warn newcomers about the high cost of housing and food. In this updated version of the best places to live in Costa Rica we cover many more locations such as Playa Flamingo, Nosara, Lake Arenal, Jaco Beach and Ojochal. Below are three of the 17 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica from our article.
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste Province is sometimes confused with Playa Hermosa de Jaco (aka Jaco Beach) in Puntarenas Province, which is a popular surfing town. Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste is just north of Playas del Coco. Lakeside International School is located 15 minutes inland from Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. One expat described the area saying, "I bought my condo in Playas del Coco. I really like the ocean and I knew that's what I wanted. I watched some videos about Grecia and it seems a very nice place but to me there is something missing, the ocean. Not everybody likes the same things!
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Tamarindo
"My wife and I live in Tamarindo - it has a very nice beach with many restaurants close to the beach. The sand drops off very gradually into the ocean, so you can play in the waves in the shallow water, and perhaps body surf or rent a boogie board (if not a surfer). Just find a stretch where you will not be run over by the numerous surfers coming in from deeper water. There are many expats in Tamarindo, but there's no real "meeting places." Breakfast at Nogui's on the beach is sometimes popular with expats. Tamarindo has about 80 restaurants, so it is a good place to find a variety of choices for eating," described one expat living in Tamarindo.
Playa Jaco (Jaco Beach)
"Foreigners move to Playa Jaco for the beaches, fabulous sunsets, close proximity to an international airport (SJO) and convenient shopping. Additionally, the community has a relaxed vibe, full of great restaurants, plentiful beach access, recreational activities and other expats to socialize. Many beach locations in Costa Rica are expensive. However, Playa Jaco has a strong mix of locals and tourists which helps to keep the cost of living lower. You will find many types of housing here from single family, condominium complexes and beachfront homes in a multitude of price ranges to fit all budgets. The community has a local farmers market (feria) which is always a good deal to purchase locally from regional farmers. The price of fresh fish is an incredible value," wrote one expat living in Playa Jaco.
