One of the keys to a successful move abroad is finding your community. Costa Rica has well-established expat groups across the country. Here's where to find them.
Estimated Expat Population
- 50,000–80,000 North Americans live in Costa Rica full-time or part-time
- Thousands more from UK, Germany, Netherlands, Israel, Colombia, and other countries
- The community has grown steadily over the past 25+ years
Major Expat Hubs
Central Valley
Santa Ana / Escazú - Most cosmopolitan expat area - International restaurants, shopping, schools - Many embassies and international organizations - Mix of retirees, families, and professionals - Our office is in Santa Ana
Atenas - Famous for "best climate in the world" - Predominantly American/Canadian retirees - Small-town feel, everyone knows everyone - Affordable, friendly, welcoming
Grecia - Growing expat community - More affordable than Atenas - Beautiful green mountains - Strong community spirit
San Ramón - University town with cultural activities - Cooler climate, coffee country - Smaller but friendly expat group
Pacific Coast
Playas del Coco - One of the oldest expat communities - Full services, marina, fishing - Mix of nationalities - Accessible (35 min from Liberia airport)
Tamarindo - Surfing capital, vibrant nightlife - Younger crowd + established retirees - Best restaurant scene on the Pacific - Strong tourism economy
Nosara - Wellness and yoga community - Health-conscious, nature-focused - Growing fast but still relatively quiet - International schools available
Sámara - Quiet, safe, family-friendly - Small but tight-knit expat group - Affordable by beach standards - Great for those who want peace
Southern Zone
Uvita / Dominical / Ojochal - Fastest-growing expat area - Incredible nature (whales, waterfalls) - Ojochal is the "culinary capital" with international restaurants - More affordable than northern Pacific - Strong community spirit
Caribbean
Puerto Viejo / Cahuita - Unique Afro-Caribbean culture - Most laid-back vibe in the country - Popular with younger expats - Budget-friendly
How to Connect
Facebook Groups (most active) - "Costa Rica Expats" (largest general group) - "Americans Living in Costa Rica" - "Canadians in Costa Rica" - Region-specific groups (e.g., "Nosara Expats")
Clubs and Organizations - American Legion Post 10 (San José) - Democrats/Republicans Abroad chapters - Rotary clubs (multiple locations) - Hash House Harriers (running/social group)
Regular Events - Weekly expat breakfast meetups (various towns) - Monthly happy hours - Charity events and fundraisers - Holiday celebrations (Thanksgiving, 4th of July, etc.)
Volunteering - Animal rescue organizations - Environmental conservation groups - Teaching English - Community development projects
Tips for Integration
1. Show up in person — Online groups are a start, but real connections happen face-to-face 2. Learn some Spanish — Even basic Spanish earns respect and opens doors with Ticos 3. Don't just hang out with expats — The richest experience comes from befriending Costa Ricans too 4. Give back — Volunteering is the fastest way to build meaningful connections 5. Be patient — Building a social circle takes 3–6 months. It gets easier. 6. Join activities you enjoy — Yoga, surfing, fishing, hiking, book clubs
Our Role
When you work with us, you're not just getting residency help — you're joining a community. We connect our clients with each other and with local resources. Many lasting friendships have started through introductions at our Santa Ana office.
Contact us to learn more about life in Costa Rica.
