Sheila C. Says:
Where is a great place to live in Costa Rica?
I’m retired and just want to wake up to beautiful scenery and meet a few people. Can you give me some insight where to relocate?
IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says:
Hi Sheila,
Costa Rica has so much to offer, and with everybody’s tastes being different, it’s tough to say where might suit you best.
The Central Valley, which lies at an elevation of 3,000 to 5,000 feet, is the area of Costa Rica where the majority of expat retirees settle due to its eternal spring weather and close proximity to healthcare, major shopping, and the main international airport. Days are warm and evenings are delightful. It doesn’t get above the mid-80s F during the day and dips into the 60s F at night.
In the Arenal region, about three hours northwest of the capital in the Northern Highlands region, you’ll find Lake Arenal and the charming villages of Nuevo Arenal and Tilarán. Here expats have settled on the green hills rising from the lakeshore. It’s quiet and the views are spectacular. Restaurants, art galleries, cafés, and more line the narrow two-lane road that hugs the lakeshore.
The lake itself, all 33 square miles, is virtually free of boat traffic (although if you have a boat there are several small marinas and boat ramps available to you). And the setting is rural and bucolic. There is a growing and active expat community here.
The North Pacific coast, also known as the Gold Coast, attracts expats who enjoy spectacular ocean views, gorgeous beaches, world-class sport fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, and surfing.
Beach towns here offer plenty of amenities, like restaurants (from high-end to casual), medical and dental care, high-speed internet, and more. The weather is warm year-round. And this is the sunniest region in the country and receives the least rainfall.
The Central Pacific coast is the closest beach area to the Central Valley. It is an established seaside destination, a favorite spot for both Costa Ricans and expats. You can choose between busy beach resorts, small surf towns, and working fishing villages where the fisherman still head out early for the daily catch… and the beaches are nearly deserted.
Go another hour or so south and you hit the Southern Zone. Those in search of a life on a “wild” coast surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, with plenty of creature comforts like gourmet restaurants and modern amenities like good cell phone service, flock here.
I would recommend you take advantage of all the insight and advice available for free on our website to help you narrow your search.
Go to our dedicated Costa Rica resource page and scroll right to the bottom for the City and Area Guide – there you can read about all of the communities we recommend in Costa Rica to see which appeals best to you.
You should also save the date for our upcoming Fast Track Costa Rica Conference taking place July 18-20 at the InterContinental Costa Rica Hotel in San José.
I will be on-hand along with the rest of IL’s Costa Rica experts to help zero in on the community ticks all your boxes. Find the details here.
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