Best Places to Live in Costa Rica With a Family

Costa Rica is a wonderful place to explore, everyone who has entered its borders and has stayed long enough to visit a few of its wonders can confirm that. However, is it also a good place to live with a family? Keep reading to find the reasons why the answer to that question is absolutely yes!

It is not wise to pack up your things and move to a foreign country just because it is pretty. There are different aspects that need to be carefully weighed before making a life-changing decision for you and for your loved ones. If you are considering the possibility of relocating to Costa Rica with your family, you are meant to read the information shared below.

Reasons That Make Costa Rica the Perfect Place to Live with a Family

Moving to a new country implies considering a number of relevant factors to determine the quality of life and if such a move is a wise idea. Here are the main reasons that make Costa Rica a good place to live with a family.

#1

Safety

One thing you should know about Costa Rica is that although it is not crimeless (probably no country is) its crime rate is very low. In fact, the U.S. State Division has positioned Costa Rica as a “level 1” country, which is the most secure level there is. Also, in the Global Peace Index of 2022 Costa Rica ranks as the safest country in Latin America.

#2

Education

For all parents, one of the priorities to consider when moving with a family is to have access to a high level of education for their kids, and that is exactly the best word to describe Costa Rica’s education system. Having a population with 97.76% literacy says a lot about the level of Costa Rican education. There are public and private schools as well as bilingual schools scattered throughout the country, not only in the central valley.

#3

Healthcare

The United Nations has positioned the healthcare system in Costa Rica in the main 20 around the world, and as one of the finest in Latin America. There are both public and private options at affordable prices. You can be certain that your family’s well-being will be in capable hands thanks to Costa Rica’s medical care system.

#4

Great Tropical Weather Most of the Year

Costa Rica has a rainy season that lasts about 6 months or so, and although you might think that it means it has lousy weather, it’s not bad at all. It isn’t like it rains all day every day for 6 months. Mornings tend to be warm and sunny and rain tends to fall in the afternoon or at night. One thing is sure, you won’t be suffering from extreme temperatures here.

#5

House Market

The housing market in Costa Rica is very vast, you can find all types of houses and apartment sizes at reasonable costs everywhere in the country, especially during the rainy season. Our real estate experts at Special Places of Costa Rica can help you find the perfect spot within your budget. You can reach out to us!

#6

Low Cost of Living

Last, but certainly not least, the cost of living in Costa Rica is surely lower compared to the US or even Europe, especially with all the added benefits mentioned above. The rest of the countries in Central America are cheaper than Costa Rica but they present problems in regards to democracy, economy, safety, education, and the reasons that make Costa Rica such a great country to live in. After all, living in a peaceful country, with lovely weather, good education and healthcare systems surrounded by paradisiac natural landscapes is priceless right?

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica with a Family

#1

Guanacaste

Guanacaste is one of the favorite areas to live in Costa Rica. The weather is almost perfect most times of the year, even during the rainy season. For children and even adults perfect weather translates into more fun outdoors. As good and educational as technology can be, most parents don’t want their kids to be seated in front of a tv, a computer, or an iPad all day long. In this area, there are countless outdoor options for children. Hiking, swimming, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and visiting numerous national parks and gorgeous beaches are some of the many activities that you can do with your kids here. Top-quality international schools are another perk this zone offers as there are great options to choose from. Some of the best places to live in Guanacaste where you can also bond with many expat families are the beautiful beach towns of Tamarindo, Liberia, Montezuma, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Flamingo, and Santa Teresa.

#2

San Jose 

Living in the San Jose area might not have all the natural beauty at hand like in Guanacaste, but it does have other benefits. Some of the added values are easy access to private and public hospitals, better transportation services, access to more and bigger shops and commercial centers, more affordable housing options compared to beach towns, entertainment options like movie theaters, regular cultural activities at the Children’s Museum, the national amusement park, and more. The most popular towns in San Jose offering a great atmosphere to live with a family are Escazu, Santa Ana, Sabana, Rohrmoser, Moravia, and Curridabat.

#3

San Ramon

San Ramon is a small town located only 36 miles from the capital city of San Jose and it provides all the amenities you need to live comfortably. This beautiful town is surrounded by mountains, hiking trails, waterfalls, and a lush rainforest. Many ex-pats have made San Ramon their home, creating a large and united community where they support each other. There is only one bilingual school and one bilingual high school but they are both very qualified.

#4

Uvita

Uvita is a gorgeous beach town located in one of the rural areas in the Southern zone of Costa Rica. It is about 138 miles away from San Jose and it offers plentiful chances to interface with nature. Some fun outdoor activities include visiting the amazing Marino Ballena National Park, swimming in the several rivers and waterfalls, hiking in the jungle, and much more. There is a strong expat community happy to live at a slower pace than in the city. Uvita offers access to three medical buildings and a modern hospital (about 30 minutes south of Uvita), there is also commerce supplying basic needs like large supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, hardware stores, and a farmers market among others. In regard to education, there are two bilingual international schools with excellent teaching staff.

If you want your family to enjoy an overall quality of life at a relatively low cost or like locals call it “a pura vida lifestyle” that is what you will find in this beautiful country. Whether you decide to live in the countryside, in the city or by the beach moving to Costa Rica will be a great experience you won’t regret. For assistance to find what suits you and your whole family best, learn more here.