Costa Rica stands out as a prime destination for expats globally, cherished not only for its stunning natural landscapes but also for the enriching lifestyle it provides. From beachfront retreats to Latin American hubs, expat communities have discovered places where they can truly connect and flourish. Daily life offers beautiful sunsets, jungle mornings, strong networking, and a balance of relaxation and opportunity.
Below are five favorite expat locations in Costa Rica, each with its own different way of daily life and sense of community. Alongside each, we’ve highlighted a property that captures the essence of living there.
If you’re an expat or soon-to-be Costa Rican searching for luxury properties for sale , contact the 2Costa Rica Real Estate Team today to book your private viewing.
1. Santa Teresa: Surf, Wellness, and Bohemian Energy
Santa Teresa blends wellness and an international community. Expats love its relaxed pace of life, with surfing, yoga, and beach gatherings. This remote yet charming town boasts incredible cafes, restaurants, and a small-town appeal.
This Modern Two Bedroom House in Santiago, Santa Teresa, offers expats a perfect combination, tucked away in the hills above Playa Hermosa. The main home, which feels suspended in the forest canopy, sits on the top floor, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors framing views, and a guest apartment on the lower level. The property is situated on a 5,000 m2 site with lush tropical gardens. The house has a calm master suite with an office area perfect for working remotely, and open living and dining areas. A deck, house net, and pool outside provide comfortable areas for entertaining and resting. For expats looking for a genuine Costa Rican lifestyle in Santa Teresa, this house is a unique opportunity, within a ten-minute drive from the white-sand Playa Hermosa.
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2. Tamarindo: Family-Friendly Beach Town with Energy
A popular expat destination, Tamarindo is an active town on the Pacific coast. It offers an attractive lifestyle for a number of reasons: senior citizens appreciate the wide range of services nearby, young professionals are drawn to the vibrant social atmosphere, and families enjoy the outstanding bilingual schools. Its diverse night scene, vibrant community activities, and foreign cuisine all show its cultural diversity.
Casa Linia, the perfect Ocean View Modern Home with a luxurious four-bedroom property close to Tamarindo, is ideal for expats looking for privacy, comfort, and modern coastal living in Costa Rica. The 743 m2 home, situated on a double property with views of the ocean and space for development, blends innovative layout with resort-style features like a yoga deck, covered balconies, a saltwater infinity pool, and even a full gym. The exterior areas welcome year-round enjoyment and spectacular sunset views, while the interiors have luxurious finishes, open-concept living, and two master suites.
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3. Escazú: The City with Comfort and Culture
Not all expats choose the coast. Escazú, located on the outer limits of San José, is an attractive option for expats seeking urban comforts and breathtaking mountain views. It features world-class hospitals, international schools, shopping malls, and food options ranging from traditional sodas to gourmet cuisine. The expat community in Escazú is well-established, providing a strong sense of security and support.
This Exclusive Apartment with Views spans over 439 m2 third-floor property in Valle de Tamarindo, Jaboncillos, Escazú. It combines traditional beauty with timeless design. It has huge formal dining areas, multiple living spaces, and elegant finishes that suggest a traditional, high-end taste. A private elevator leads right inside the property, displaying three en-suite bedrooms, the main suite including a private lounge terrace, and spectacular Central Valley views.
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4. Dominical or Uvita: Jungle Seclusion Meets Surf Lifestyle
Dominical attracts expats looking for peace and closeness to nature. Homes are frequently built on jungle slopes, giving panoramic views of the ocean. The community is close-knit, consisting of surfers, nature lovers, and entrepreneurs who respect both peace and authenticity. Life here is slower, wilder, and inextricably linked to the landscape.
Located in the luxurious Guapil Tropical Estates on a 12-acre hill only 10 minutes from Dominical, Villa Picasso gives expats an exceptional legacy home that offers unparalleled seclusion and a panoramic view of the ocean spanning 25 miles from Playa Guapil to Manuel Antonio. The One of a Kind State , Guapil Tropical States 600-square-meter home, which was completely renovated two years ago, has four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a large dining area with an expanded kitchen, and a transition between indoor and outdoor living. For full-time residence or luxury rental in Costa Rica's highly desirable coastal area, this estate blends modern comfort and natural scenery. This spot is ideal for families relocating to Dominical's primary coastal hub, or for expats seeking a new home or investors looking int beachfront property listings
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5. Manuel Antonio: Growth, Nature, and International Community
Manuel Antonio is a top expat spot due to its accessibility and large, supportive foreign community. This vibrant network offers social interaction, practical advice, and a sense of belonging, with English widely spoken.
This Ocean View Ocean State unique 3,000 m2 estate in Manuel Antonio with an ocean view gives nature, seclusion, and development opportunities for foreigners. It's a private spot and an excellent investment, with views of the Pacific. The current two-bedroom house is a pleasant starting point for remodeling, and its proximity to the town, beaches, and resorts ensures its long-term worth. It may be expanded to a one-acre development with an alternative neighboring property that includes an apartment with an ocean view. This would make it perfect for a profitable rental, a family getaway, or a luxurious home.
The Expat Lifestyle in Costa Rica
The combination of lifestyle and community is what keeps foreigners in Costa Rica, whether it's the surf towns, the peaceful remoteness of the jungle, the incredible design of the Costa Rica real estate, or the urban comfort. Every town has its own personality, but they all offer the same things: culture is respected, relationships are important, and life is enjoyed outside.
The expat communities in Costa Rica demonstrate that relocating here is about establishing a new way of life rooted in the Pura Vida lifestyle.