Best expat communities in Costa Rica

Let’s dive right into it and take a closer look at where the best expat communities in Costa Rica are

1. Atenas – A small town with a big heart

First on our list might surprise you since it’s not actually located by the beach, but among the central valley Costa Rica retirement communities Atenas is considered the best place to live in Costa Rica for expats.

Located in the central valley of Costa Rica, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the capital city of San José, with an elevation of 698m, Atenas is home to about 8,000 people, and boasts one of the best Costa Rica expat communities. Most expats here are retired, not looking to party, and rather socialize with other fellow expats.

The climate is also very nice, with warm weather with fresh mountain air all year round. It’s often referred to as “The best climate in the WORLD” Yes! In the world! Making it one of the best places to live in Costa Rica. 

You can explore the many hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. You can also go zip-lining, horseback riding, and ATVing, if that’s your thing. There are also many cultural activities to enjoy, such as visiting the museums and art galleries, or attending a traditional Costa Rican dance performance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Friendly people
• Large expat presence
• Perfect climate
• Very safe
• Only 40 minutes to San Jose
• Beautiful mountain views

Cons

• No beach
• Not as developed

Common Questions

• Is Atenas Costa Rica safe? Atenas, Costa Rica is a safe place to live and travel. The town has a low crime rate and is generally peaceful. There are a few simple safety precautions that visitors should take, such as not walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight, but overall Atenas is a safe place to be.
  
• Are there lots of expats in Atenas? Yes, there is a large expat presence in Atenas
  
• How far is Atenas from the SJO airport? Roughly a 45 minute drive.

2. Tamarindo – A lively beach town

Located in the Province of Guanacaste, Tamarindo is a beautiful beach town in Costa Rica that is known for its surfing, fishing, and party scene. 

When it comes to Costa Rica retirement areas,many expats find that Tamarindo is a great place to live. The town has a laid-back vibe, a beautiful beach (with others close by), and plenty of activities and amenities to keep residents entertained. Additionally, the cost of living in Tamarindo is relatively affordable, and the town is located close to other popular expat destinations in Costa Rica.

If you’re wondering, is Tamarindo good for expats? It is at the top of our list as one of the best retirement communities in Costa Rica.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful beaches
• Vibrant nightlife
• Second most developed beach town (2nd to Jaco)
• Big expat/tourist presence

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Can be noisy
• 4 hours from San Jose
  

Common Questions

• Best food in Tamarindo Costa Rica? Some of the best food in Tamarindo Costa Rica can be found at the following restaurants: El Lagarto Cha Cha Cha, Panga’s Restaurant, and La Laguna del Cocodrilo.
  
  If you are willing to make the 30 minute [dirt road] drive, the very BEST restaurant you can eat at when you’re in Tamarindo is a magical place called “Villa Deveena”. Not only does it have the best food we’ve tried in the area, but the owners are absolutely terrific people. 

• Best places to go in Tamarindo Costa Rica? The best places to go in Tamarindo Costa Rica are the beaches, the restaurants, and the nightlife.
  
• Is Tamarindo Costa Rica a good place to retire? Yes! Tamarindo Costa Rica is a great place to retire because it is a beautiful beach town, in a country with a strong economy. The cost of living is relatively low, and there are many activities and amenities available for retirees.
  
• Best beaches near Tamarindo Costa Rica? The best beaches near Tamarindo, Costa Rica are Playa Grande, Playa Langosta, Playa Flamingo, and Playa Conchal.
  
• Best way to get to Tamarindo Costa Rica? The best way to get to Tamarindo Costa Rica is to fly into the Liberia International Airport and then take a shuttle or taxi to your final destination.

3. Jaco / Hermosa – Perfect place to retire

Jaco is a great place for expats, considered by some the best area to retire in Costa Rica. The cost of living in Jaco Costa Rica is relatively low, the weather is perfect year-round, the people are friendly and welcoming, the scenery is gorgeous, and there are plenty of things to do and see.. You will also find some of the best beaches near Jaco

Located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, about an hour and a half drive from the capital city of San Jose.

I hear a lot of people ask “is Jaco Costa Rica safe” and I always tell them absolutely, yes! Jaco has one of the best police forces in Costa Rica dedicated to protecting foreigners. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful beaches
• Very safe for foreigners
• Vibrant nightlife
• Lots of activities
• Big expat presence
• Only 1.5 hours from San Jose

Cons

• Cost of living can be high
• Can be noisy
  

Common Questions

• Is Jaco Costa Rica expensive? Jaco is cheaper than most other beach towns in Costa Rica, but it is still more expensive than other parts of the country. However, it is worth noting that Costa Rica is not a cheap country to visit. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider visiting another country in Central America.
  
• Is Jaco Costa Rica worth visiting? Jaco Costa Rica is definitely worth visiting. The beaches are beautiful, the locals are friendly and there is plenty to do.
  
• Best places to eat Jaco Costa Rica? There are many great places to eat in Jaco Costa Rica. Some of our favorites include El Jardin, La Casa del Marisco, and Pura Vida Restaurant. The best thing we can recommend is take a walk down the strip, you will find a lot of great options!

• Best places in Jaco Costa Rica? The best places in Jaco Costa Rica would have to be the beaches. Playa Hermosa is a popular destination for surfers, while Playa del Coco is perfect for swimming and relaxing. Playa Jaco is the busiest beach in the area and is perfect for people watching.
  
• Jaco Costa Rica time zone? Jaco shares the same time zone as the rest of the country, GMT-6. (1 hour behind EST when in Fall, and 2 hours behind EST when in spring time)

4. Flamingo – An Exotic Paradise

Flamingo Costa Rica is located on the north-west coast of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste. Flamingo is considered one of the best areas in Costa Rica to retire because of its beautiful beaches, its great weather, and its many amenities.

People especially love Flamingo for Flamingo beach, a beautiful white sand beach, known for its clear turquoise waters and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. It is also very close to our 2nd favorite beach in Costa Rica, Playa Conchal. 

Flamingo recently finished their large new marina project, which has been the subject of debate and regulatory difficulties for the past 20 years – but finally it’s here! Making it one of our favorite expat communities in Guanacaste Costa Rica, perfect to retire to Costa Rica from USA.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Best beaches in Costa Rica
• Very safe for foreigners
• Friendly people
• Lots of activities
• New marina
• Big expat presence

Cons

• Can be expensive
• 4.5 Hours from San Jose
  

Common Questions

• Is Playa Flamingo Costa Rica safe? Yes, Playa Flamingo is considered safe for travelers. Costa Rica has a relatively low crime rate and there are no safety concerns specific to Playa Flamingo.
  
• Best things to do in Playa Flamingo Costa Rica?
  1. Visit the Las Baulas National Marine Park
  2. Go scuba diving or snorkeling
  3. Take a boat tour to see the turtles
  4. Visit the Playa Flamingo Wildlife Refuge
  5. Go on a nature hike
  6. Visit the Playa Flamingo Beach
  7. Take a dip in the pool at the Playa Flamingo Beach Resort
  8. Enjoy the views from the Playa Flamingo lookout point
  
• Best Playa Flamingo Costa Rica activities? There are many activities to enjoy in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica including swimming, horseback riding, ATV tours, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing.
  
• How to get to playa Flamingo Costa Rica? There are a few different ways to get to Playa Flamingo in Costa Rica. The most common way is to fly into the Liberia International Airport and then take a shuttle or taxi to the beach. You can also fly into the San Jose International Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Playa Flamingo.

5. Los Suenos – Did someone say Marina AND Golf course?

Located close to Jaco, Los Suenos Costa Rica is one of the best areas in Costa Rica for expats. The people are friendly and welcoming and the scenery is absolutely stunning. 

With its very own marina, country club and golf course, there is always something to do and the weather is perfect year-round. Los Suenos in Jaco, is one of the best gated retirement communities in Costa Rica, considered the best place to live in Costa Rica 2021.

I absolutely love it here and would highly recommend it to anyone considering making a move.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful beaches
• Very safe for foreigners
• Golf course
• Marina
• Good amenities
• Only 1 hour from San Jose

Cons

• Can be expensive

6. Manuel Antonio – Costa Rica’s National Treasure

One of the fan favorites is Manuel Antonio, home to Manuel Antonio national park, which many locals refer to as a National treasure. Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas Costa Rica is among the best areas in Costa Rica to live because of its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly locals. The town is also a great base for exploring the rest of Costa Rica.

If someone asks me, is Manuel Antonio Costa Rica safe, I always tell them it’s one of the safest beach towns in Costa Rica!

7. Dominical – Relaxed beach life

Dominical is located in the southern zone of Costa Rica, specifically in the canton of Dominical, Puntarenas province. 

There are many reasons why people might choose to live in Dominical, Costa Rica. Some might be drawn to the area for its natural beauty, with its rainforests, beaches, and mountains. Others might appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. And still others might be attracted to the many opportunities for outdoor activities, like surfing, hiking, and fishing. Whatever the reason, Dominical is definitely a great place to live.

Dominical is among the best place to live in Costa Rica, expat friendly. The climate is perfect, the scenery is beautiful, and the people are friendly. There are also many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as surfing, hiking, and fishing.

If you’re wondering, is Dominical Costa Rica safe, rest assured it is one of the safest places for expats to live!

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful beaches
• Wonderful climate
• Friendly people
• Lots of activities

Cons

• Can be expensive
• 3.5 hours from San Jose

Honorable mentions

1. Escazu

Escazu is a small city located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its close proximity to the capital city of San Jose, and having all the creature comforts, including its shopping center, Multiplaza. It is, however, a 2 hour drive to any beach. 

The cost of living in Escazu, Costa Rica is relatively affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $500-$700 per month. Utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet, can cost an additional $100-$200 per month. Food and transportation costs are also reasonable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant averaging around $10 and a one-way bus ticket costing $1.50.

2. La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a small town located in the Northern Region of Costa Rica. The town is situated in the middle of a lush, green valley and is surrounded by mountains. The climate is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 18-25 degrees Celsius, and high humidity. 

It’s most known for its once active (now dormant) volcano, Arenal, which on a good day, when there are no clouds, can be seen in its entirety and it is majestic! To arrive at a beach however, you will have to drive at least 3 hours.

The cost of living in La Fortuna, Costa Rica is similar to that of other small towns in Costa Rica. The average cost of a meal is around $10, and a typical rental costs around $500 per month.

3. Playa Samara

Playa Samara Costa Rica is a beautiful place with a lot to offer. It is very relaxed and laid back. There is a strong sense of community and everyone is very friendly. The cost of living is very affordable and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. The weather is absolutely perfect year-round and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous.

The cost of living in Playa Samara is relatively affordable. A single person can expect to spend around $1,200 per month on rent, utilities, food, and entertainment.

4. Grecia

Grecia is a great place to live because it is a small town with a lot of charm. The people are friendly and there are many things to do. The town is also very safe and there is a low crime rate. It is however a 2 hour drive away from any beach.

The cost of living in Grecia, Costa Rica is relatively affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $300-$500, while a three-bedroom apartment in the suburbs may cost around $700. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, can add an additional $100-$150 to your monthly expenses. Food costs will also vary depending on your diet, but a modest grocery bill for a single person can be as low as $150 per month.

5. Coco Beach

Coco Beach, Costa Rica is a great place to live because of its beautiful beaches, its friendly people, and its laid-back atmosphere. The weather is tropical and the beaches are beautiful. The people are friendly and there is a lot to do. There are also many good schools and medical facilities.

The cost of living in Coco Beach, Costa Rica varies depending on your lifestyle. A modest lifestyle would cost around $1,500 per month, while a more luxurious lifestyle would cost around $3,000 per month.

Conclusion:

If you’re wondering, is Costa Rica is good for expats, or is Costa Rica safe for expats, the short answer is definitely Yes. Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanoes, Costa Rica is a beautiful country to retire to. 

The cost of living in Costa Rica is relatively low, and the country has a high quality of life. English is widely spoken in Costa Rica, making it a great place to retire for any expat.

Common Questions

1. Where do expats live in Costa Rica? Some popular areas for expats to live in Costa Rica are: Atenas, San Jose, Jaco, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Manuel Antonio, Los Suenos, Dominical, Escazu, La Fortuna, Playa Samara, Grecia, Coco Beach, and still many more other great options!
   
2. Where do most American expats live in Costa Rica? Most Americans live in Escazu, Atenas, Jaco, Flamingo, or Tamarindo
   
3. Where is the best place to retire in Costa Rica? If you like the mountains / fresh air, I would say Atenas, Escazu or Santa Ana. If you want to retire to the beach, places like Jaco, Tamarindo and Flamingo are top choices.
   
4. What city in Costa Rica has the most expats? Based on volume alone, Escazu has the most expats living in it.
   
5. What is the best beach town to live in Costa Rica? Tamarindo is our favorite beach town in Costa rica, with Jaco coming in a close second.