Where Do Expatriates Live in Costa Rica?
More Americans live in Costa Rica per capita than any other country in the world (with the exception of the United States). Most cite the stable democracy, commitment to peace, climate, friendly people and the cost of living.
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Central Valley
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More than half of the people of Costa Rica live in the Central Valley. It has 70 degree Fahrenheit weather year round, with the amenities many expatriates expect. Popular cities include San José, Escazú, Rohrmoser, Santa Ana, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cuidad Cariari, which is primarily a gated community. A little further out is San Ramón, Atenas, Grecia and Sarchí.
Lake Arenal Area
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A small but active group of expatriates live around Lake Arenal. The major cities here are Tilarán, Nuevo Arenal and La Fortuna. Monteverde, on the other side of the lake, also has an active community.
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Northern Pacific Beaches
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There are 50 beaches in what has been termed Costa Rica's gold coast. Expatriates live in most of them, but the largest groupings are in Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Sámara, Nosara and Malpaís.
Central Pacific
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This is the beach area that is closest to the Central Valley. Jacó and Quepos, adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park, are the big expatriate communities here.
South Pacific
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This area is less expensive and less populated than the other two beach areas. Dominical and San Isidro de El General are the most popular cities.
Caribbean
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The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is less populated. Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo are the main places expatriates live.
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