Popular Expat Neighborhoods in Costa Rica

Published on April 23, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Nestled between the lush landscapes and idyllic beaches of Central America, Costa Rica attracts a growing number of expatriates seeking an exceptional quality of life and a harmonious living environment.

Among the countless options the country offers, certain neighborhoods stand out for their cosmopolitan vibe, tailored services, and very welcoming international community. From the bustling cities of the Central Valley to the peaceful peninsulas, each location reveals a unique charm that captivates newcomers.

Whether drawn to the vitality of urban centers, preserved ecosystems, or a bohemian atmosphere, this guide explores the most popular areas where those who have chosen to make Costa Rica their new home are thriving.

Discover the Neighborhoods Most Popular with Expatriates in Costa Rica

The most attractive neighborhoods in Costa Rica for expatriates are distinguished by their proximity to amenities, a high level of security, a dynamic social and cultural life, and remarkable natural beauty. These criteria are essential in choosing a place to live for those who wish to integrate while enjoying the exceptional setting offered by the country.

Main Attractiveness Criteria for Expatriates:

• International or French-speaking communities, facilitating integration and the creation of social networks.
• Bilingual or international schools, particularly sought after by families.
• Quick access to private hospitals, international supermarkets, and essential services, offering comfort and peace of mind.
• Modern infrastructure: reliable internet, indispensable for remote work or managing business from a distance.
• Enhanced security in certain residential neighborhoods, often with private security.
• Proximity to nature: Pacific beaches, green mountains, or tropical forests depending on the location.

Neighborhood	Main Assets	Social/Cultural Life	Natural Beauty	Cost of Living/Real Estate
Escazú	Western lifestyle, shopping malls, intl. schools	Trendy cafés-restaurants	Mountain views	High (modern apartments)
Santa Ana	Chic family neighborhood, recent infrastructure	Private clubs, green spaces	Temperate climate	Moderate to high
Tamarindo	Lively beach resort	International nightlife	Paradise beaches	Variable (high tourist demand)
Nosara	Surf/yoga/spiritual	Tight-knit expat community	Nature reserve/beaches	Rising (but cheaper than Tamarindo)

Anecdotes & Expatriate Testimonials:

“In Escazú, I find everything I need for daily life. The international supermarkets allow me to cook like I did in France. The security is reassuring; you meet many other expats in the cafés after school.”

— Camille B., settled for three years

“Santa Ana is ideal for my family: bilingual schools within walking distance and many green spaces. The neighbors are very welcoming.”

— Jean-Marc L., father of two

“Living in Tamarindo means choosing a relaxed pace where surfing and multicultural encounters set the rhythm of our days. You can work online with a reliable connection and then enjoy the sunset on the beach.”

— Sarah G., nomadic remote worker

“Nosara changed our way of life: here everything revolves around yoga, well-being… You really feel the community spirit among expats who came seeking a different quality of life.”

— Philippe R., active retiree

List of Financial Benefits:

Real estate in these neighborhoods is experiencing annual growth estimated between 5% and 10%, especially on the coast due to tourism development.

• In Escazú/Santa Ana: modern apartments from ~$1,500/month rent; purchase possible from ~$250,000 depending on standard
• In Tamarindo/Nosara: seasonal rental in high demand (>$1,000/month), sale price varies based on proximity to the beach

The overall cost remains lower than in major European capitals but varies greatly depending on the chosen lifestyle (modern villa vs. traditional house).

Other Attractive Aspects:

• Easy access to cultural activities (San José museums), local sporting events
• Numerous entrepreneurial opportunities linked to tourism
• Preserved natural setting allowing for volcanic hikes or beach excursions year-round

Costa Rica thus offers a rare diversity between sophisticated urbanism (Escazú/Santa Ana) and paradisiacal coastal villages with a genuine international community (Tamarindo/Nosara).

Tips for Finding the Ideal Home in Trendy Neighborhoods

Neighborhood / City	Main Attractions	International Community	Infrastructure & Amenities
Escazú / Santa Ana (San José)	Western lifestyle, shopping malls, international schools, security, temperate climate	Very strong	Private hospitals, supermarkets, high-speed internet
Tamarindo	Beaches, surfing, nightlife, international vibe, nature	Strong	Tourism, shops, restaurants
Jacó	Surfing, relaxed atmosphere, proximity to San José	Moderate	Numerous shops, easy access
Nosara	Surfing, yoga, eco-conscious community, preserved nature	Present	Tourist infrastructure, alternative schools
Manuel Antonio	Nature, beaches, national parks, exceptional wildlife	Present	Hotels, tourism, local transport
Atenas / Grecia	Temperate climate, peaceful life, proximity to capital	Moderate	Local services, quick access to San José

Specific Points of Attractiveness:

• Very present expatriate communities (facilitating integration)
• International or bilingual schools
• Quick access to private hospitals and essential services
• Modern infrastructure in urban neighborhoods
• Nature and privileged climate on the coast or at altitude

Reliable Platforms and Agencies for Finding Housing:

• Online platforms:
  • Encuentra24
  • Craigslist Costa Rica
  • Facebook Marketplace (expatriate or specialized housing groups)
  • CasaCostaRica
  • Airbnb (for temporary rentals or to test a neighborhood)
• Recognized local real estate agencies:
  • Century 21 Costa Rica
  • Coldwell Banker Costa Rica
  • RE/MAX Costa Rica
  • Keller Williams Costa Rica

Essential Preliminary Checks Before Committing:

• Proximity to schools, medical centers, and supermarkets
• Neighborhood safety: ask residents, check local statistics
• Quality of transportation infrastructure (access to main roads, public transport, parking)
• Internet connection (especially for remote work)
• General condition of the property: check plumbing, electricity, insulation, presence of humidity
• Presence of a clear rental contract (legally drafted, with a precise inventory)

Tips for Negotiating Rents and Contracts:

• Compare prices of similar properties in the neighborhood to have a negotiation basis
• Prefer written contracts, ideally in Spanish and translated if needed
• Request an early termination clause without excessive penalties
• Negotiate the coverage of certain utilities (water, electricity, garden maintenance)
• For long-term rentals, ask for a discount or benefits (painting, repairs)
• Plan an entry and exit inspection with photos

Anecdotes and Expatriate Testimonials:

“We found our house in Santa Ana via Facebook Marketplace. The neighborhood is quiet, secure, close to a French school and international supermarkets. The rent negotiation was facilitated by the presence of a local agent recommended by other expatriates.”

“In Tamarindo, the first house we visited seemed ideal, but after talking with neighbors, we discovered recurring issues with drinking water in the area. We finally opted for a more central property, recommended by an agency specializing in expat relocations.”

Pitfalls to Avoid When Searching for Housing:

• Signing a contract without a complete inspection of the property or a detailed inventory
• Paying a significant deposit without verifying the legitimacy of the owner or agent
• Relying solely on listing photos without visiting in person
• Neglecting the issue of safety or noise (bars, traffic)
• Forgetting to check the stability of the internet connection (essential for remote work)
• Ignoring contract clauses that could lead to hidden fees or restrictions (pets, subletting)
• Settling in a neighborhood far from amenities or without reliable access to public transport

Highlighted Tip:

To maximize your chances, always visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and talk to residents before signing. Expatriates already settled in are often the best source of reliable information!

The Reasons for the Success of These Neighborhoods with Expatriates

The appeal of popular neighborhoods among expatriates in Costa Rica is based on a combination of structural, economic, and social factors that facilitate their integration and quality of life.

Accessibility and Infrastructure

• Efficient transport networks: Neighborhoods like Escazú, Santa Ana, or the outskirts of San José benefit from modern road infrastructure, facilitated access thanks to the development of the electric train, and proximity to the international airport.
• Local amenities: High-end shopping malls, international supermarkets, varied restaurants, green spaces, and sports facilities are widely available.
• Quality of services: Quick access to reputable private hospitals, pharmacies, banks, and administrative services facilitating daily life.

Cost of Living Compared to Other Regions

Escazú and Santa Ana have a higher cost of living, justified by the quality of services and security, while areas like Atenas, Grecia, or certain beach resorts offer a better value for money for housing and services.

Neighborhood	Cost of Living	Infrastructure	Security	Expat Community
Escazú	High	Very developed	High	Strong
Santa Ana	High	Very developed	High	Strong
Tamarindo	Moderate/High	Touristic	Medium	Present
Jacó	Moderate	Good	Medium	Moderate
Atenas/Grecia	Moderate	Adequate	Good	Growing

Security and Sense of Community

• Neighborhoods like Escazú, Santa Ana, or Rohrmoser are renowned for their security, thanks to the presence of private security services and increased surveillance.
• Tight-knit international communities: Facebook groups, community events, and support networks facilitate integration and create a strong sense of belonging.

Presence of International Schools and Educational Institutions

• Wide choice of international, bilingual, or French schools in areas dense with expatriates (Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia), often accredited and recognized for the quality of their teaching.
• Access to renowned private and public universities in San José.

Work and Networking Opportunities

• The central and peripheral neighborhoods of San José host numerous multinational headquarters, technology hubs, and coworking spaces, fostering remote work and qualified professional opportunities.
• Proximity to the tourism sector (Tamarindo, Jacó, Manuel Antonio) offers opportunities in hospitality, restaurants, and tourism-related services for English speakers.

Cultural Attractions and Leisure

• Cultural offerings: Museums, galleries, theaters, festivals, and lively nightlife in San José and its historic neighborhoods (Barrio Amón, Los Yoses).
• Nature and sports: Immediate access to the beach, surfing, hiking, yoga in Tamarindo, Nosara, Jacó, or Manuel Antonio.
• Community events: Organic markets, craft fairs, sports clubs, French or English-speaking associations.

Diversity of Services Offered

• Modern shopping malls (Multiplaza, Avenida Escazú), international private clinics and hospitals, wellness centers, language schools, concierge services tailored to expatriate needs.
• Support networks via forums, networking groups, and professional associations.

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Testimonials and Statistics

“What made us choose Escazú was the quality of the schools and the feeling of living in a safe neighborhood, while having access to all modern amenities.” (testimonial from a French family settled for 3 years)

According to the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce, the active population in the peripheral neighborhoods of San José has increased by over 10% in five years, driven by the arrival of expatriates and the development of educational and health infrastructure.

Real estate analyses anticipate a 5 to 10% price increase in these sought-after neighborhoods, reflecting sustained demand and growing attractiveness among expatriates.

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Summary of Attractiveness Factors

• Modern and accessible infrastructure
• Active international communities
• Security and environment conducive to family life
• Wide choice of international schools
• Professional and networking opportunities
• Rich cultural, sports, and leisure offerings
• Health services and commerce adapted to international needs