Move to the coast

@fisherj1012....There is a simple formula for what you are looking for.Look for the most expensive and that is what is considered the best places on the coast.They don't call Guanacaste/Peninsula de Nicoya 'The Gold Coast' for nothing ! Even with that status,you still get 3rd world services----water shortages, power outages,spotty wifi and unchecked crime.

Buenas Tardes, A little tongue in cheek comment from Edwinemora about the most expensive places being the best,but he's correct about crime,water, power outages,and bad internet service. Rent first for six months in the location you choose,because don't commit before you understand how it really is here,hint; it's not like being on vacation. If you do want to stay permanently please respect the culture,environment,country and our citizens. Learn Spanish, pick up trash at the beach,be patient on the roads,slow down literally, and figuratively. Once you get used to things Tico,you'll remember why you moved here in the first place. We are free here,not like where I'm from originally  where it's looking more like the Soviet Union.

I just bought on the coast and will now plan building a home. It's not going to be as easy as building in the states but if you know that, you can ready yourself for all the problems and then do the best you can. Good luck!

@surfdog12

And good luck to you! We are interested in long-term rentals to start. We figure we'll want to stay a while in different parts of the country before making a final decision on exact locations.

@edwinemora

Thanks. I guess it depends on one's definition of "best".