Best Places to Live
Costa Rica consistently ranks highly in various quality of life indices due to its strong focus on education and healthcare. In the country, it is very popular to hear the phrase „Pura Vida,“ which promotes a relaxed and positive outlook on life. This philosophy characterizes the way most residents live and has earned Costa Rica the title of the „Happiest Country in the World.“ Costa Ricans are also known for their friendliness and hospitality.
Costa Rica offers a variety of attractive places to live, each with its own unique characteristics. The best place for you will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, and priorities, as well as the duration of your stay.
Here some of the most sought-after places in the country, to help you decide where to go:
1. Santa Ana
Santa Ana is located in the San Jose Province, making it an ideal location due to its proximity to the capital. It is situated about a 10-15 minute drive from San Jose, which provides residents with easy access to various facilities while still being able to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Santa Ana boasts some of the best private schools in the country, which is particularly advantageous for those relocating with children.
In terms of the cost of living in Santa Ana, it can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. However, it is considered one of the most affluent areas in the country; therefore, the cost of living tends to be higher than in other areas of the country.
Here’s an overview of the house prices in Santa Ana:
Rental Prices
Purchase Prices
2. Escazu
Escazú is also located in the San Jose Province and is known for its affluent neighborhoods, making it the most desirable place to live for both local residents and expats. Escazú offers a range of amenities, including shopping centers, supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment, including the most popular mall in the country, Multiplaza Escazú, which is home to a variety of restaurants, cinemas, and stores. Escazú is also considered one of the safest areas in Costa Rica, which is an important aspect to consider when moving to a city.
It’s important to note that the cost of living in Escazú is higher than many other areas in Costa Rica due to its reputation, but the quality of life and access to amenities certainly justify the higher financial outlay.
Here’s an overview of the housing prices in Escazu:
Rental Prices
Purchase Prices
3. Heredia
Living in the Heredia Province offers a pleasant and more affordable lifestyle than some of the other cities in Costa Rica, making it attractive for those seeking affordability. It is still located a short distance from San Jose, meaning that there is easy access to the amenities in the capital.
Heredia is also renowned for being home to several prestigious universities, such as the National University of Costa Rica and the Latin University of Costa Rica.
Heredia is also famous for its beautiful landscapes, with mountains, forests, and coffee plantations, as well as favorable weather conditions.
Here’s an overview of the housing prices in Heredia:
Rental Prices
Purchase Prices
4. Tamarindo
If you are looking to live by the coast, Tamarindo is a good option. The town is located in the Guanacaste province and is famous for its beautiful beach, making it an ideal place for seaside lovers. Living in Tamarindo allows you to enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach volleyball from your door. Despite being a small town, there are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, banks, and healthcare facilities. You can also easily visit the many other beaches located near the town.
A very important aspect to consider is that Tamarindo is a popular tourist destination, particularly during peak seasons and holidays. This can lead to crowded beaches and higher prices for certain goods and services during those times. Another aspect to consider is that Tamarindo is located quite far from the city.
The cost of housing in Tamarindo can vary depending on factors such as location, proximity to the beach, property size, amenities, and condition.
Here is an overview of housing prices in Tamarindo:
Rental Prices
Purchase Prices
5. Arenal
Arenal is the best option if you are looking to live surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The town is close to the Arenal Volcano, offering picturesque landscapes that include the majestic volcano itself, lush rainforests, and the beautiful Lake Arenal.
Arenal is a more relaxed and peaceful setting compared with some of the other bustling beach towns and urban areas in Costa Rica. There, you can enjoy various activities such as hiking in the Arenal Volcano National Park, taking zipline tours, kayaking or fishing in Lake Arenal, or simply relaxing in the natural hot springs.However, it is important to consider that Arenal is located far away from San Jose and the main cities of the country.
The cost of housing in Arenal varies depending on location, property size, amenities, and proximity to the volcano or lake.
Rental Prices
Purchase Prices
Note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on market conditions, property features, negotiations, personal choices, lifestyle, and individual circumstances.
If you are considering living in any of the above areas in Costa Rica, we recommend you visit the country first, and assess how well it aligns with your lifestyle preferences and priorities. Also, you need to consider factors such as weather, access to amenities, healthcare, education, safety, and the balance between natural beauty and urban convenience.
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