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How do you know to look for expat communities in Costa Rica? Well, you don’t. It always happens the same way. You take a week-long trip to Costa Rica (two, at the max). You see sunsets and sloths and the fact that the post office closes for coffee. By day three, you’re searching for real estate listings and asking the café barista, “So… what is it like living here year-round?”
Then a few months—a year—later, you’re in a beach town, dodging potholes and Spanish and questioning why you ever thought a microwave was necessary.
This is the joy of expat communities in Costa Rica—because it happens to everyone, one way or another.
Expat Communities in Costa Rica
Let’s be honest; no one would up and relocate their whole life for no reason. Relocating to a new country is complicated. Yet somehow, at the same time, it’s relatively easy to relocate here.
The country is stable. Peaceful. Safe. It boasts beautiful scenery, respectable healthcare systems, a slower pace of life and genuine eye contact when greeting strangers.
Then the logistics—relatively decent infrastructure (for Central America), access to airports reaching North America and residency options that won’t make you lose your mind.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a retiree, a remote worker, or just someone looking to change their lifestyle, Costa Rica is the ideal mix of adventure and tranquility.
Top Expat Hubs: From Beach Vibes to Mountain Calm
Here’s the truth: expat communities in Costa Rica are not all created equal. Some are beachy and barefoot. Others are tucked in misty mountains with wool sweaters and craft beer. It all depends on your vibe.
Tamarindo
Surfer town meets startup hub. Fast Wi-Fi, trendy cafés, yoga on the beach, and yes—plenty of English speakers. It’s not cheap, but it’s social and great for networking.
Nosara
Zen central. Think wellness retreats, jungle bungalows, and green smoothies. You’ll find a strong U.S. and European presence here, especially among creatives and young families.
Grecia
Clean, quiet, and surprisingly charming. Grecia is a small mountain town in the Central Valley, known for its iconic red metal church and well-kept streets. It’s a favorite among retirees and slow-living seekers thanks to the mild climate, walkability, and strong local community.
Expat Communities – Atenas
Nestled in the hills with “the best climate in the world” (they really say that). It’s popular with retirees and long-term expats looking for a slower, quieter lifestyle with mountain views and fresh produce.
San Ramón
A less obvious pick, but a growing favorite. Affordable, close to the airport, and full of culture and authenticity. Here, expats blend in a bit more—and that’s a good thing.
Puerto Viejo (Caribbean side)
Totally different vibe. Reggae, Afro-Caribbean food, a slower beat. Diverse community, beautiful beaches, and a mix of expats who really want to disconnect and live local.
And of course, Uvita, Ojochal, and parts of the Central Valley are also becoming popular for people who want nature, privacy, and a bit of comfort without being completely off-grid.
Expat Communities in Costa Rica: What to Expect in Daily Life
Living in Costa Rica isn’t the same as vacationing here. And expat communities have their own rhythm.
You’ll probably learn to love early mornings (because the birds will wake you up anyway). You’ll find yourself planning your errands around the rain. And you’ll slowly adapt to Tico time—aka, everything happening a little later than expected.
Yes, some things will test your patience. The bureaucracy. The driving. The occasional gecko in your blender. But on the flip side—you’ll also find yourself drinking better coffee, taking longer lunches, and appreciating simplicity in a way you forgot was possible.
What Expats Love—and What They Miss
Ask anyone who’s been here a while, and they’ll tell you the same thing: They love the nature. The pace. The people. The fact that life here doesn’t revolve around work.
But they’ll also admit to missing a few things—reliable shipping, central heating, cheddar cheese. (Trust me, cheese is a topic of deep emotional debate in most expat forums.)
Yeah… It’s clear that life in Costa Rica also has its drawbacks.
The key is to come with an open mind—and to understand that Costa Rica isn’t a cheaper version of where you came from. It’s its own world, and that’s the whole point.
Tips for Finding Expat Communities in Costa Rica
If you’re thinking about making the move, or even just trying a longer stay, here are a few quick tips from folks who’ve been there:
- Rent first. Always. Feel the place before you commit.
- Join local groups online, but also show up in person—at markets, yoga classes, language exchanges.
- Learn some Spanish. You don’t need to be fluent, but even a little helps.
- Don’t isolate. It’s easy to stick to other expats, but Costa Rica becomes way more rewarding when you connect with locals.
- Take it slow. Things move at a different pace here. And that’s part of the charm.
Want to Discover the Hidden Corners Expats Love?
If you’re drawn to quiet towns, off-grid living, or just curious about where expats go when they really want to escape—check out our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.”
It’s full of small towns, jungle spots, and peaceful places where life moves slowly and sunsets steal the show. Download it now, and find the Costa Rica that doesn’t show up on glossy travel brochures.
