Best cities to live in Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo is home to me now, leaving the states to escape the rat race with a CVS, McDonald's, Starbucks on every corner has lead me to this peaceful place. It all depends on what you want I guess.

Atenas, it has very low crime.
This a blog post about crime rates by city or town.
http://outlierlegal.com/2015/12/11/tico … osta-rica/

I live in LaFlor de Chiteria, which is about an hour from Turrialba.  Very peaceful, in the jungle with mostly natives, not other Americans.  There are some Canadians here too, but we are in the minority.  I'd suggest you learn as much Spanish as you can before coming here.  I'm retired so employment and schools are not important to me.   i guess it will depend on what you do for a living and whether you prefer rural areas or cities/towns.

Cariari residential,San Antonio de Belen

Grecia and surrounding area.

I think Atenas has all its needed for a quiet and relaxing life style, good weather, good services and still very safe.

Concepcion de San Rafael de Heredia  in the Hills .I lived in MANY places before settling in my 3 acres of Heaven    MIld  climate year round not hot and humid like our beaches, and not cold like 15 minutes North of here.  Country lay back tranquility but 2 stores on our road in case we don't want to drive 10 minute to local or upscale supermarkets or town of Heredia .Bus at gate is 15 minute ride there,  with all cafes. sodas  .restaurants, Mall and cinemas within 20 minutes Airport and San Sose also 20 minutes Awesome VIEWS of Volcano and city lights
Best of all worlds, no crime unlike  San Jose. Been here 25 years . guess wom't move.

1. Palmares
2. San Ramon Area
3. Heredia
4. Atenas
5. Puerto JImenez
6. Junquillal
7. La Fortuna

since this is a site for ex-pats THAT must prove that most of them are LIVING  in the  top rated  city or towns onthos list,  which may not make those places the most desirable  for many of us who want to absorb the culture and learn  Spanish as opposed to being surrounded by Gringos ...Yes?   

Having lived here in Costa Rica for over 8 years there are many  factors to be considered.

MAIN REASON FOR WANTING TO LIVE HERE AND IF TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT
What do you expect to gain from living here?
You must learn at the very least Basic Spanish,English is spoken by many but not the best.
You must be willing to accept  and assimilate into this culture
You must go through the process of applying for whatever type of residence you want
MARRIED OR SINGLE
Do you have school age children?
There are many private schools but are costly
AGE
HEALTH (good hospitals nearby for major medical) 3 IN SAN JOSE  BIBLICA, ,CIMA, and CATOLICO
FINANCIAL INCOME (retired on pension and or social security)
BUSINESS  (wanting to expand a USA business or start up a new business here)
TEMPORARY RESIDENT (which I first was  called  PENSIONADO REQUIRING MIN  $1200 per month )   Usually precedes Temporary Residence application
PERMANENT RESIDENT (which I am ) because I have a child born here NO RESTRICTIONS ON work
Do not buy a house here until you have lived here for at least 6mo to 1 year continuously
YOU NEED  A TRUSTWORTHY TICO FRIEND TO SEARCH FOR A GOOD RENT OR HOUSE FOR YOU
Stay away from the beaches because it is hot and not CHEAP on rent or if buying
Live in a mountain community- the climate is cool NOT COLD  and you do not need air onditioning
ELECTRICITY consumption will determine whether you are in normal or commercial range
Water is relatively cheap
My water bill is never higher than $12
My electric is never higher than $65
I cook with a gas stove using bottled propane which cost about $15 every 3 months
I also have a very large microwave oven
I also have a very large Toaster oven
I have a Maytag refrigerator
All of my furniture was either new American made or bought 2nd hand on Craigslist
I IMPORTED NOTHING BUT MY PERSONAL THINGS
Because I am retired from Delta Airlines I used flight benefits to make over 30 trips in 1 year
to bring in my personal things such as bath towels etc
You can buy tvs etc from the Panama  Costa Rica free zone border much cheaper than in Costa Rica

NOW  WHERE TO LIVE
Never live segregated from the community  You expose yourself to house burglary when not home
Know your neighbors and they will respect you and watch over your place when away
I used to have a motorcycle touring byke and traveled a lot  visiting many cities but none are better
I live in San Ramon Alajuela which is a mountain community
      about 40 miles from the airport
      about 1 hour from San Jose central without traffic
      about 1hr15minfrom Puntarenas west coast beaches
      about 1hr45 min from Jaco beach (California styled surfing town with a hotel casino)
      about 1hr45min from La Fortuna (very beautiful but expensive) and Arenal volcano
      There is a multitude of businesses here including a  couple WALMART OWNED supermarkets
      The people are very friendly
      Many Americans here and in nearby villages   
      Very conservative town
      Excellent bus service locally intermountain or to Puntarenas with connections north or south
      public hospital which is ok for small problems-better to use the 3 privates i mentioned in San Jose
      Many specialized doctors here that do major surgery in San Jose if needed
      My dentist is  a UCLA DENTAL GRADUATE AND EXTREMELY GOOD,ENGLISG, fees are 1/2 usa
      My Filipina wife uses a very good gynochologist who speaks english
      My child uses a very good english speaking pediatric doctor
      I own a 1999 Chevy Blazer NEVER buy a new car here   I have the best mechanic when needed
      Very little crime REMEMER THIS- there are many poor people in CR who are extremely nice
            BUT there are a few who will take advantage of an oportunistic situation  and steal to feed
            their families. I am not talking about armed robbery but house burglaries Not like drugs in USA
            Never leave your vehicle unlocked or have anything exposed from outside to invite thieves
      Follow and obey the traffic rules or the TRANSITOS (traffic police) will issue expensive tickets
     Until you have a RESIDENT CARD  Americans usually get 90 day passport stamp REGARDLESS
     of your required return ticket date. Be sure to ask immigrations for a 90 day stamp before they 
     stamp your passport. If questioned about when you are returning tell them you may stay longer
     than the ticket reads and will be changed. Very simple explanation.   
ALSO  you do not need to be out of CR  for 3 days before reentering. THAT IS OLD AND ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TAXING IMPORTED GOODS.     
I think I have covered a lot but can provide much more including reputable immigration lawyers etc. Stay away from ACR  They will eat you up with their fees   
            The list goes on and on

Tingo Rick 'PENSIONADO REQUIRING MIN  $1200 per  is incorrect'.
$1000 minimum is required....but it is not enough to live on.

TRUE it is $1000 but WRONG  you CAN live on it IT and some live on less after their debt,,,OLD STORY It  Depends WHERE you live AND how extravegant you are on food .
Many of us do not  eat  meat (expensive )  and shop at our local "Ferias" organic Farmers Markets . If you avoid the Gringo Gulches , it IS possible to live here in $1000 per month especially ONE person.
Many spend most of their pension on Booze then wonder Where it went   Its all relative.

Yes, location and owning a home will make a big difference. But I don't suggest that anyone move here thinking you will 'live' and thrive in the country on $1000...

I have little doubt that you CAN live on $1000 per month, but do you want to?  Will you be enjoying yourself?   I spend a lot more than I would anywhere else being near Tamarindo, but I have the beach, the whole coast for sailing, activities, tons of restaurants that don't sell casados, and a large English-speaking community as well as lots of Ticos.  There's more to life than saving money.   

Of course, everybody's different, and if you enjoy being in an isolated Tico mountain village, that's fine, too!

San Ramon has an active community with lotsts of  activities, perfect weather and great friends.

The Wizz ,,
True if you have it you spend it BUT  if on SS not many Have  it,  and if they did many would not spend more to live at the beach, but  prefer the lush greenery of  the  Central Valley  and  manage to live a nice, though  not extravagent life here on $1000 per month ..and remember many of us, I for one,  would not live at the beaches here Rent Free, too hot and Humid. and more crime than most places.

.Tamarindo has lots of drugs. I lived there for a month...not for me, or many other "non beach lovers"
But then I also lived right on the ocean in Barbados. now THERE are gorgeous beaches. and better climate,  VERY expensive and after 2 months of scorching my skin, it got old quick.  How much snorkling can one do without the skin damage  and  sheer Boredom.  My husband was working there for 2 years and we were thrilled to get away from it.  I prefer the lush greenery of the countryside.and mountain fresh air.
So you see we all have different taste, and do not envy those living at the beaches. here especially. and black sand is the pits.
  If you doubt my word  about beach crime, just visit the US Embassy ANY day and  ASK where the MANY tourists  were mugged, and lost their passports and all valuables. Most  answer  " The beach areas and
San Jose "  and Tamarindo is answered a LOT"  (lots of drugs there yes? )

I would not dissuade people who want the nice weather and tranquil life style. from  moving  to Costa Rica if only earning a pension of $1000 a month.I know lots of happy folk doing so.
In our lovely area you can rent a cozy apartment with safety and lovely views for $400 per month including all utilities and wifi internet , so no need to spend much on entertainment.
That leaves them with $600 a month for food and misc, PLENTY if you do not need to spend on drugs or alcohol. and yes we also love the local "Plata del dia" ..for $4 to $5 for eating out  and, no it is not always rice and beans. Many serve a  choice of meat , chicken or delicious fish (Breaded or with garlic ) and comparable to many fancy restaurants in the Gringo Gulches , We  can  also afford the occassionlal fancy restaurant for a $12 Garlic shrimp  or REALLY good  thick  tender steak  ( Hard to find in CR without paying a fortune) , I had the Garlic shrimp last week  with a lovely  couple from this site,  who will attest to the delicious food,  in a restaurant right here in our village of San Rafael de Heredia.
You cannot live on $1000 in USA or maybe Canada.or Europe  even if being really frugal, and here we have the gorgeous MILD warm and sunny climate,  and FRESH air, so what more do we need ?
Come on down folks just CHOOSE your  location  carefully.
NO need to follow the leaders to GG's  and  dont be fearful about not speaking Spanish  (We didn't) but  be adventurous  and like many of us ... you maybe speaking Spanish without schooling in a few months

That is the TRUTH for sure

Thank you for the overview about San Remon de Alajuela! I am William, I can be reached at *** or E-Mail me at ***

I need a couple (2) realtors in the area or that really know the area and its offerings..

Thank you

Hello. I've read you live in Santiago de San Ramon. Do you know of a lot bigger than 300 m2, smaller than 1 hectare in the area? Prices?

free rad
I just read your bumper sticker and LAUGHED out loud I am not Homophoebic having been in show biz most if my life ,,BUT THAT IS FUNNY ...still giggling .. good luck in your search ,,better show your  'unlicenced realtors " that   just in case ,,,,

how long have you lived in costa rica and are you looking to rent or buy. I know of realtors that are reputable but one must be very careful. Many are not liscensed which is not uncommon here

For those of you that are Pizza Lovers,  the best I have ever eaten anywhere and i am part Italian e is at Antonios Pizza near the hospital in San Ramon Alajuela. Ivan the owner worked at a California pizza restaurant for many years before he moved back to Costa Rica. He knows his pizza and uses the best ingredients. I strongly recommend his pepperoni or Hawaiian or half and half. His prices are a little bit more than others here which are sub quality. A family size half and half as i said is about $15. My Filipina wife and I usually order this with an order of chicken wings (8) and it includes fresh celery sticks as well as real ranch dressing. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST YOU WILL EVER EAT   NEW YORK HAS NOTHING BETTER THAN THIS

Hi everyone,

Only a reminder that the initial topic is about suggesting the best cities in Costa Rica.

Please respect the main topic and feel free to create a new thread for other topics.

Thank You,
Best Regards,
Naomi.

I do not know of one that big at the moment but am sure they are available here. Bear in mind that Santiago properties are selling at a premium because of the popularity to the middle class and above. I personally feel that any price offered will be considered but the norm as in most places regardless of where  or what country is always high to start. I have a friend Mauricio who has been a realtor for a long time and whose mother is a famous woman in Costa R

Rican history and in Florida so I will ask him if he know of any propertie that size. Is it to be used for a residence and do you want a view of the Golfo Nicoya or just mountain views

Thank you, Tingo Rick for your answer. No, I do not want the Nicoya Gulf view, I saw a  5000 m2 near the ICE transmission towers, nice view, fair priced but a little too far for my likes. I budgeted $20/m2 on lots smaller than 3000 m2 and a lower  per m2 on bigger lots. seen many mainly in Palmares, some in San Ramon but I want to see more

This discussion has so many personal implications that it is hard for a third party person to post objectively.  We love where we live but I would never recommend it to another as it involves so many personal choices.  I will very gladly show anyone around our neck of the woods and let them compare.  What we found in 2010 was that we could not find many to do this and we had to mostly rely on our own judgement.  If others had offered up to spend a few hours or a day to show case their area we would have jumped on said offer.  Back then we had one person offer.

This is why I hesitate to respond, you are promoting your area as you have something to gain.  You are using this forum to advertise your business.  I do not have a business, just a happy place to be.  It was previously posted to be aware of posters that are out there for financial gain.  It is your right to do so.

TerrynViv wrote:

This is why I hesitate to respond, you are promoting your area as you have something to gain.  You are using this forum to advertise your business.  I do not have a business, just a happy place to be.  It was previously posted to be aware of posters that are out there for financial gain.  It is your right to do so.

To whom is your post dedicated to please? And which post did you mean is commercial?

Do not hesitate to anonymously report any posts you deem should not be on the site.

Regards
Kenjee
Expat.com

If you are referring to any  post I have inserted then you are entirely wrong about any business gain. I am a professional photographer and nothing more. Yes I am promoting my area of San Ramon because after 8 1/2 years living here I know of no other place that is as clean and offers all of the amenities that anyone could could want.
Close to the airport
wonderful mountain climate
close proximity to San Jose and the large malls available
local hospital
Excellent dentists who speak english and are reasonable in their fees
Great specialized doctors
the best pizza anywhere even outside of Costa  Rica
Rental apts and houses
Clean drinking water with no risks
relatively crime free
and so on

Kenny G
I agree If antine is v=being accused of wrong doing , the accusers should STATE who they are accusing of such yes? We are here to HELP and I do not think people here are desperate enough to have to premote their business eben if they have one.

True and I premote our lovely area of Heredia for all the same reasons. I do not to be serupticous about renting my 2 apts on my property, as I am usually full year round. We are here to help but not to TELL you how to live your lives or where to live
we maybe just want people with the same taste to also enjoy or discover our area

hello  yes in Tamarindo lots of thieves....
can you tell me about a rental with one bedroom and all equiped kitchen  ,living space with a terrace  and a pool  and in a protected community
I speak Spanish ,French,English,Italian and brazilian Portuguese are these languages useful here
monica

Regarding crime and drugs in Tamarindo, I think that there is some exaggeration in comments above.  There was a reference to "muggings" which I have rarely heard of during our 3 years in Tamarindo, although they can occur - usually late at night.  (We are not late night partiers.)  I do agree that petty theft and burglaries of unoccupied properties are fairly common.  We live in a condominium complex that has a fence and guards; and we pay very close to protection of our belongings when at the beach or parking a car.  We have not had anything stolen.  Regarding drugs, they are not "rampant" - yes there are some guys along the beach that will offer to sell you drugs.  If you politely answer "no thanks" they will not hassle you.

How much it costs to become a golf member? Initiation fees, monthly fees etc.Can I play golf , tennis & use gym if I rent something for a month there? My email is rajendesai12@ yahoo.com. We visited Guanacaste & Nicoya peninsula but found it warm& humid. Toured Carriari country club for 20 min. & we're impresses with the proximity to airport, gym, golf course, swimming pools.Thanks.

If you rent at the Villas de Cariari, I think you can use the facilities.

Membership used to be approx. $6000, plus unknown monthly fees.

My 2 colones:
The places I have known and looked at to live are the following. This is for my wife and I and we live on a little over $1300 month but do not pay rent.

San Ramon - where we chose. About 2850 feet and off the main highway about 4 miles. San Ramon has everything you need including a hospital, mall and movies, tons of stores etc. Lots here are around $50k-80k depending on size. Houses - $100k and up. Probably some cheaper but not with any size or views. Maybe in town? Not sure.

Palmares - nearby San Ramon and seems okay. I don't know it that well but it seems worth looking at. Probably similar prices to San Ramon.

Puriscal - I like this area because it's in the mountains. Can get somewhat cold there, as can San Ramon depending on how high up you are and where you are situated. Puriscal has a nice little town, very quiet as compared to San Ramon, at least it was a few years ago. Haven't been there recently. Maybe someone who lives there now can update us on how it is. Prices for property used to be good here, not sure now.

San Isidro del General or some call it Perez Zeledon - I never understood the 2 different names, lol. It's a mountain town too, and about 40 minutes or so above Playa Dominical. The area between San Isidro and the beaches are nice and a lot of gringos moved there and the prices went sky high imho.

Ojochal is another area a lot of gringos like down that way (past Dominical). Expect to pay for the ocean views and closeness.

Grecia has great weather but is a little too gringo-ized and "busy" for my taste. Some will like it, some won't (as with any).

Those are the areas I'd look at if I were going to move here now and was not looking at the beach.

For the beach, I'm not sure as I haven't looked lately but in the past Montezuma area was pretty nice but it's far away - very far away - and no nearby city and rains a lot. For me it's a nice place to visit but I probably wouldn't live there.

Tamarindo is popular with tourists and gringo expats/ immigrants.

Here know love the Jaco area  especially the Playa Hermosa beach for Surfing.....🏄🏽🗿

You are absolutely right about people havng their own perspective or opinions on what city is the best. I personally have lived in Alaska, California,Colorado, Florida.10 other states,and the  Philippines for 1 year,  Travel wise as an adult I have traveled to more than 100 countries and spent as long as month or more since I was a young child thru adulthood. Thus I have experienced more than the average person. So of course  I have multi opinions. Personally I hate beach living because of the expense and heat. When I left Florida after many years and leaving a 10 acre horse ranch with  a very big house and a very big swimming pool. This is why I chose San Ramon Santiago in the mountains. but only after traveling on my touring motorcycle to about 30 cities and villages. Some were near the beaches, some were higher up , and many were in the mountains.  I elected to start in San Ramon because of the conservative politics and friendliness of the people regardless of their economic status. I love the perfect climate and the amenities it offers are many with exception to any large malls such as in Escazu. However many would be very surprised to know that many famous Americans live in this area and I personally know one who is a semi retired rock star whose name I will not mention. There is a famous couple who are always in the entertainment news who own a large home here and occasionally stay for awhile to get away from their hectic lives and enjoy the freedom of venture and privacy So you see I am a LITTLE BIASED AND I LOVE IT.