Expat Family Spots
May 16, 2013
Properties in Costa Rica
Editor’s Note: Todays post was written by Josh Linnes, an american expat living in Costa Rica. He writes for Viva Tropical and is the founder of property investment company Emerging Terrains. You can reach him on Google+. With its gorgeous beaches, tropical climate, and exotic wildlife, Costa Rica has been attracting expats searching for a little piece of paradise for years now. While it’s true that a significant portion of expats are childless couples and retirees, more and more expat families are moving down to see what life in Costa Rica is all about. So once the decision to pack up and move down to Costa Rica is made, where should expats look to find that perfect family community?
Nosara
At the top of the list is Nosara, a bohemian town with an established expat community and many expat families. Arguably the best spot in Costa Rica for expat families, Nosara has a lot to offer all that choose to make this city their home. Here, families can enjoy the rich beauty of Costa Rican life without having to give up all of the amenities from home. A proper education will not have to be sacrificed in Nosara as there are two great bilingual schools, the Del Mar Academy and the HSB Academy, and even a public library stocked with over 6,000 Spanish books and computers for students to use for homework and research. Parents can also enroll their children in the surfing, dancing, and boxing classes that are being taught by fellow expats. Yet, while Nosara is a great choice for expat families, it tends to be a bit pricey and unfortunately the roads in town are not paved. But if you crave a laid-back, bohemian lifestyle, Nosara just might be the place for you.
Playa Flamingo
Next in line is Playa Flamingo, a beautiful city located on the Northern Pacific coast only 45 minutes from the Liberia International Airport. Originally called Playa Blanca, the town’s name was changed to Playa Flamingo to coincide with the area’s first big project, the creation of the Flamingo Beach Resort. And although the town was once considered a party destination, it has since evolved into an excellent place for families. In Playa Flamingo, families can spend their time lounging on the mile-long crescent beach and exploring the lush rainforest, all in one day. Equipped with a shopping plaza, a grocery store, paved roads, and some wonderful restaurants, Playa Flamingo has everything that the average expat family could need. Playa Flamingo also has two great schools, Centro Panamericano de Idiomas and La Paz Community School where expat kids can go to receive bilingual
Escazu
For a taste of the suburban life, why not try Escazu, only 7.5 miles from the bustle of San Jose. Providing expat families with a more laid-back tempo next door to the urban amenities of a major city, Escazu is considered to be the most trendy and upscale suburb of San Jose. In Escazu people can relish in all of the American comforts like shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters (including a 3D IMAX theater), and even a golf course at the Costa Rica Country Club, all wrapped up in a tropical Costa Rican setting. And due to its close proximity to San Jose, expat families living in Escazu will have many schools to choose from, like Country Day School and Arandu Elementary School, so they can rest assured that their children are getting the best available education. So if you want your kids to grow up with the San Jose elite, Escazu is definitely the right choice.
Dominical
A surfer’s paradise, Dominical is said to have the most consistent waves in all of Costa Rica. Dominical can offer expat families that small beach town feel in a breathtaking setting, but with all the necessary comforts like Spanish immersion schools. There are also several niche communities in the near vicinity, like the mountain town of Escalaras and Uvita, a community tucked away in the rainforest. Expat families that choose to make Dominical their home can expect to spend their days surfing, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the rainforest, waterfalls, and sandy beaches.
Jaco
Last on the list is Jaco, a small town found next to Playa Jaco, one of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches. Residents of Jaco will spend their days surfing, swimming, biking, and kayaking, but if the popularity of Playa Jaco is a bit too much, quieter beaches like Playa Herradura to the north and Playa Hermosa to the south are close by. Jaco is much more than a non-stop party and there is a diverse group of residents living in town. In Jaco, you will find necessities like a health center, a post office, and the Falcon International School and the School of the World. But if a big city trip is needed, the capital city of San Jose is only 80 miles away.
So which will it be?
One of the most popular expat destinations, Costa Rica is a prime location for any expat family. So before you make a decision, do a little research, visit some of these expat-friendly locations, and take your time in determining exactly which spot is right for you and your family.