Beach town at sunset
Beach living
Warm weather, surf, sunsets and a relaxed small-town rhythm. Good for vacation homes and rental investment.
Popular areas: Tamarindo, Nosara, Jacó, Dominical, Uvita
See beach homesWhy Costa Rica
A slower, greener way to live, close to home.
Two coasts, mountains, volcanoes and rainforest in a country you can cross in a day, with direct flights to North America and Europe. Here is what life here looks like, and what to know before you move.
Wide landscape · mountains meeting the coast
Lifestyle and natural surroundings
Costa Rica is known for protecting its nature: a large share of the country is national parks and reserves, and most electricity comes from renewable sources. Daily life tends to happen outdoors, from morning surf to afternoon hikes.
The local idea of “pura vida” is less a slogan than a pace: friendly, unhurried and focused on family and community.
Rainforest trail
Local farmers market
Beach, mountain or city?
Each setting brings a different climate, pace and daily routine. Most buyers know which one fits after a single visit.
Hillside home in the mountains
Mountain living
Cooler, spring-like temperatures, big views and quiet. A favorite for retirees and full-time living.
Popular areas: Atenas, Grecia, Monteverde, San Ramón
See mountain homesCondo terrace with city view
City living
International schools, hospitals, shopping and restaurants, with the airport close by. Ideal for relocating families.
Popular areas: Escazú, Santa Ana, Rohrmoser, Heredia
See city homesRegions and communities
A quick guide to where our clients most often look.
01
Guanacaste
The dry northwest, with long beaches, a pronounced dry season and its own international airport in Liberia.
Tamarindo · Nosara · Playa Flamingo · Playas del Coco
02
Central Pacific
The closest beaches to San José, with established towns, marinas and national parks.
Jacó · Herradura · Manuel Antonio · Quepos
03
South Pacific
Greener and quieter, where jungle meets the ocean and communities stay small.
Dominical · Uvita · Ojochal
04
Central Valley
The country’s heart: mild climate, the best access to services and the main international airport.
Escazú · Santa Ana · Atenas · Grecia · Heredia
05
Caribbean
A distinct Afro-Caribbean culture, laid-back beach towns and a different rainy-season pattern from the Pacific.
Puerto Viejo · Cahuita · Manzanillo
06
Northern Plains
Volcanoes, lakes and hot springs, with lower land prices and a strong eco-tourism economy.
La Fortuna · Lake Arenal · Nuevo Arenal
Practical information
Relocating and everyday life
General guidance only. Rules and requirements change, so we always connect you with licensed attorneys and specialists for your specific case.
Buying as a foreigner
Foreigners can generally own titled property with the same rights as citizens, and you do not need residency to buy. Sales are closed before a notary public and registered in the National Registry.
Coastal property rules
Land within 200 m of the high-tide line is the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone. The first 50 m are public, and the rest is usually held as a concession, with limits on foreign holders. We flag this early on any beach property.
Residency options
Programs exist for retirees (pensionado), people with steady income (rentista), investors (inversionista) and remote workers. Requirements change, so an immigration attorney confirms your path.
Healthcare
Legal residents join the public system (CCSS, known as “the Caja”). Private hospitals and clinics are available in San José and in larger towns, and many people use both.
Money and banking
The local currency is the colón, but real estate is usually priced and paid in US dollars. Opening a local bank account takes documentation, which we help you prepare.
Getting around
Two main international airports serve the country: Juan Santamaría (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste. Roads can be slow, so plan travel times generously.
Still deciding between regions?
Tell us how you want to live and we will suggest the communities that fit, with homes to match.