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Chinatown in San Jose, Costa Rica


10 Best Places for Families to Live in Costa Rica

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in Costa Rica.

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Costa Rica and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Costa Rica.

San Jose

San Jose

San Jose is an excellent place for international families to live due to its wide array of family-friendly activities and facilities. The city is home to the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), which offers interactive exhibits and educational activities for kids. For outdoor fun, families can visit La Sabana Metropolitan Park, a large urban park with a lake, sports fields, and a playground. The park also houses the National Stadium, which offers a variety of sports facilities, including a swimming pool and gym that are open to the public. Additionally, the city has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the San Jose Junior Football Club and the Costa Rica Tennis Club. These clubs provide a great opportunity for kids to learn new sports, make friends, and stay active. With its rich culture, beautiful scenery, and numerous recreational opportunities, San Jose, Costa Rica is a wonderful place for families to call home.

Escazu

Escazu

Escazu is a great place for international families to settle, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. The city is home to the Multiplaza Escazu, a large shopping center that often hosts children's events and activities. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Parque de Escazu is a popular spot, featuring a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. The city also boasts the Country Day School, an American International school that offers a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness enthusiasts, the World Gym Escazu provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the city has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Escazu Football Club and the Costa Rica Tennis Academy. These clubs offer children the chance to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, beautiful landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Escazu, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to reside.

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Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
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Santa Ana

Santa Ana is an ideal place for international families to reside, offering a plethora of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. The city is home to the Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center, which frequently hosts children's events and activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Parque Valle del Sol is a popular destination, featuring a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. The city also houses the Pan-American School, an international school that provides a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness aficionados, the Santa Ana Country Club offers a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the city has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Santa Ana Soccer Club and the Costa Rica Tennis Center. These clubs offer children the opportunity to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, stunning landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Santa Ana, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to live.

"Paying bills can be a big challenge so try to get auto pay set up where it is available. Most people wait in lines to pay bills at the bank or most markets offer computer bill pay. Cash only. Passport or other picture ID required. Costa Rica has no real street address system and the mail is terrible there. Some addresses are like 400 meters West of the World Gym," commented one member living in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

Heredia

Heredia

Heredia is an excellent destination for international families to settle, offering a wide range of activities and facilities for all ages. The city is home to the Interactive Museum of Science and Technology (Museo Interactivo de Ciencia y Tecnología), which provides engaging and educational activities for children. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Bosque de la Hoja Park is a popular spot, featuring a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. The city also boasts the Lincoln School, an international school that offers a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness enthusiasts, the Heredia Sports Center provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the city has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Heredia Football Club and the Costa Rica Tennis Academy. These clubs offer children the opportunity to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, lush landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Heredia, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to live.

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RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.

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RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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Atenas

Atenas is a good choice for international families looking to relocate, offering a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the El Toledo Coffee Tour, which provides educational and interactive activities for children to learn about sustainable farming. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Parque Central de Atenas is a popular spot, featuring a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. The town also houses the Green Valley School, an international school that offers a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness enthusiasts, the Atenas Gym provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the town has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Atenas Soccer Club and the Costa Rica Tennis Center. These clubs offer children the opportunity to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, stunning landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Atenas, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to live.

Grecia

Grecia

Grecia is a great place for international families to settle, offering a diverse range of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the World of Snakes, an interactive and educational exhibit that provides children with the opportunity to learn about different species of snakes. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Los Chorros Municipal Recreational Park is a popular spot, featuring waterfalls, picnic areas, and walking trails. The town also houses the Saint Francis School, an international school that offers a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness enthusiasts, the Grecia Gym provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the town has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Grecia Football Club and the Costa Rica Tennis Academy. These clubs offer children the opportunity to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, lush landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Grecia, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to live.

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Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Immigration Help Costa Rica

Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.

Learn MoreConnect

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Tamarindo

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is an ideal place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, which provides educational and interactive activities for children to learn about local wildlife. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Tamarindo Beach and Las Baulas National Marine Park are popular spots, featuring beautiful beaches, picnic areas, and walking trails. The town also houses the Country Day School, an international school that offers a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness enthusiasts, the Tamarindo Gym provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the town has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Tamarindo Soccer Club and the Costa Rica Surf Club. These clubs offer children the opportunity to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, stunning landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Tamarindo, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to live.

"Tamarindo condo is $1300 for a 1 bedroom 2 bedrooms are $1800. A house with a pool will cost you 3500+ if they are renting longer term. 90% of the market is Airbnb rental income properties. Condos that were 130k are selling for $290k now," commented one member living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Nosara

Nosara

Nosara is a great destination for international families to settle, offering a diverse range of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the Nosara Wildlife Rescue, an interactive and educational center that provides children with the opportunity to learn about local wildlife. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Nosara Beach and the Nosara Biological Reserve are popular spots, featuring stunning beaches, picnic areas, and walking trails. The town also houses the Del Mar Academy, an international school that offers a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness enthusiasts, the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the town has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Nosara Soccer Club and the Nosara Surf School. These clubs offer children the opportunity to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, breathtaking landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Nosara, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to live.

Immigration Help Costa RicaImmigration Help Costa Rica
Connect

Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Immigration Help Costa RicaImmigration Help Costa Rica

Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Jaco

Jaco is a great place for international families to live, offering a plethora of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the Neo Fauna, a fascinating and educational center that provides children with the opportunity to learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts. For outdoor enthusiasts, Jaco Beach and the Carara National Park are popular spots, featuring beautiful beaches, picnic areas, and walking trails. The town also houses the Jaco International School, an international school that offers a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness enthusiasts, the Jaco Fitness Center provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the town has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Jaco Soccer Club and the Jaco Surf School. These clubs offer children the opportunity to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, stunning landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Jaco, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to live.

Dominical

Dominical is a good place for international families to live, offering a wide range of activities and facilities for all ages. The town is home to the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, an educational center that provides children with the opportunity to learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Dominical Beach and the Marino Ballena National Park are popular spots, featuring stunning beaches, picnic areas, and walking trails. The town also houses the Costa Rica International Academy, an international school that offers a wide array of sports and extracurricular activities for children. For fitness enthusiasts, the Dominical Yoga Studio provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of workout equipment and classes. Additionally, the town has several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Dominical Soccer Club and the Dominical Surf School. These clubs offer children the opportunity to learn new sports, socialize, and stay active. With its welcoming community, breathtaking landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities, Dominical, Costa Rica is an ideal place for families to live.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Chinatown in San Jose, Costa Rica

Immigration Help Costa Rica
Immigration Help Costa Rica

Costa Rica Legal Residency is a bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience on Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship.
Learn More

Immigration Help Costa RicaImmigration Help Costa Rica

Costa Rica Legal Residency is a bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience on Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship.
Learn More

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