The Top Retirement Communities in Costa Rica

Retirement communities in Costa Rica have become an increasingly popular choice for North Americans and Europeans looking to enjoy their golden years in a beautiful, affordable, and friendly country. With a stable democracy, quality healthcare, a low cost of living, welcoming locals, and stunning natural landscapes, it’s easy to see why so many retirees are flocking to the many excellent retirement communities available across Costa Rica each year.

One of the best ways to settle into retirement in Costa Rica is to join one of these well-established retirement communities. These communities provide support, amenities, and a ready-made social network for retirees. Below we will explore some of the top retirement communities in Costa Rica and what they offer.

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Benefits of Retiring to a Community in Costa Rica

There are many general benefits of retiring to Costa Rica, including the amazing weather, proximity and access to beaches, forests, and nature, and an overall slower pace of life. Retiring to a dedicated retirement community amplifies those benefits in various ways:

Built-In Community

Retirement communities come with a built-in social network. You’re surrounded by people in the same stage of life, which makes it easy to make friends and find companionship. Many communities organize regular social events and activities. Having a built-in community provides:

• Instant connections with like-minded retirees
• New friendships and potential relationships
• People to share activities and hobbies with
• A support network for advice and assistance
• Improved mental health from social ties
• More motivation to attend events and clubs
• Not having to build a whole new social circle from scratch

The community atmosphere helps stave off loneliness and gives you a sense of belonging right away.

Security

Most retirement communities have controlled access, security gates, patrols, and other safety measures. This provides peace of mind and protection against crime. Features can include:

• Gated entrance with guard
• Perimeter fencing or walls
• 24/7 security cameras
• On-site security staff and patrols
• Controlled guest access
• Lighting of roads and common areas
• Secure individual home access

Enhanced security gives residents a comforting sense of safety. You can relax knowing that risks are minimized. Many expats cite improved security as a major factor in relocating overseas.

On-Site Amenities

Communities have various amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, restaurants, gardens and more. Some even have medical clinics, spas and stores on site or nearby. This is convenient and saves you from having to go far. Typical amenities can include:

• Swimming pools
• Clubhouses
• Fitness centers and gyms
• Sports courts
• Walking/biking trails
• Community gardens
• Restaurants or bars
• Spas and salons
• Golf courses
• Libraries
• Convenience stores
• Medical clinics

Not having to leave the community for conveniences is a major perk. The amenities enrich community life and give you plenty to do.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Grounds maintenance, home exterior upkeep, and house sitting while you travel are all typically covered by the community. This takes away hassles. Services may include:

• Landscaping and lawn care
• Road and common area maintenance
• Pool cleaning and maintenance
• Exterior painting and repairs
• Minor home repairs
• House checking while vacant
• Pest control

Not having to coordinate or personally handle maintenance is a huge relief. You can relax knowing your home is being cared for.

Organized Activities

From yoga to crafting clubs, the communities arrange tons of activities to keep you engaged, active and social. There are also off-site excursions. Examples include:

• Exercise classes
• Water aerobics
• Sports clubs and teams
• Cards and board games
• Arts and crafts
• Book clubs
• Speaker series
• Dance lessons
• Cooking classes
• Volunteer activities
• Group trips and outings

You’ll never run out of fun ways to pass the time and make friends when your community plans activities. There’s always something new to try.

Popular Retirement Communities

Now let’s explore some of the most popular retirement communities that offer these types of benefits in Costa Rica:

1. Casa Conde Del Mar

Located in Playa Panama Beach on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, Casa Conde Del Mar is centered around a magnificent beachfront resort with luxury amenities.

Features include:

• Beachfront location directly on Playa Panama
• 341 homesites and condos for purchase
• Range of home styles from studios to multi-bedroom
• 3 restaurants on-site – Pacifico Beach Club, Palms Restaurant, and Sol Y Mar Lobby Lounge
• Lobby lounge with indoor and outdoor seating
• Outdoor oceanview pool and heated indoor pool
• Hot tub, children’s pool, and swim-up bar
• Fitness center with classes and personal trainers
• Full-service spa and salon
• 5 tennis courts and 2 pickleball courts
• Yoga pavilion and classes
• Events lawn for concerts and events
• 24/7 professional security service
• Guest suites available for visiting family and friends
• Covered parking

It has a wide range of activities, from sailing to yoga. The bustling beach town of Playa Panama is right outside the community gates. The resort amenities coupled with beach access give residents an enviable lifestyle.

2. Avenida Escazu

This community is located right in the capital city of San Jose. It consists of 126 condo units spread across a 15-story highrise building.

Amenities include:

• Indoor pool on 2nd floor with sunning deck
• Outdoor rooftop pool with sundeck and city views
• open-air rooftop lounge area
• Fitness center with cardio and strength training
• Yoga studio with classes
• Event room for classes and activities
• 24/7 reception desk and security
• Underground secured parking
• Walking distance to Multiplaza mall, restaurants, shops
• Month-to-month housekeeping
• Concierge service for errands
• On-site convenience store

The urban location keeps you connected to arts, healthcare, shopping, and an active expat scene. Services cater to an easy low-maintenance lifestyle.

3. Atenas

Half an hour from the Central Valley cities of Alajuela and San Jose, Atenas has become a budget-friendly expat hub. Retirees live scattered throughout town or in one of several small communities.

Some key communities include:

Vista Atenas

• 70 home gated community
• Houses from 950 – 1400 square feet
• Community pool and fitness center
• Clubhouse with kitchen for events
• 24/7 security

Buena Vista

• 17 homes clustered together
• Pool, clubhouse, gazebo
• Small pet park
• Guardhouse at entrance

Mangoverde

• 14 ocean-view condo units
• Infinity pool
• Open-air fitness center
• Clubhouse with theatre

Atenas itself offers low costs, lovely weather, and proximity to city resources. The communities provide security, amenities, and connections.

4. Playa Hermosa

This beachfront community in Guanacaste consists of 238 condo units spread across 14 low-rise buildings about 300 yards from the beach.

Highlights include:

• Direct beach access via community pathway
• Lush tropical landscaping surrounds buildings
• Large outdoor pool and lounge area
• Fitness center with classes and equipment
• Clubhouse with restaurant, bar, and event space
• Weekly social events like trivia and live music
• Guarded entrance and regular security patrols
• Mix of owner residents and vacation rentals

The developed beach town offers shopping, dining, groceries, fishing, sailing and more. Liberia international airport is 30 minutes away.

5. Hacienda Matapalo

Located 10 miles south of vibrant Tamarindo, Hacienda Mapapalo features 75 large lots for custom home construction.

It emphasizes:

• Low-density 2+ acre lots
• Privacy and open space
• Tropical landscaping throughout
• Guardhouse and 24/7 security patrols
• Short drive to Tamarindo beaches, surfing, shops and restaurants
• 3 community pools spread across site
• Clubhouse, restaurant, and fitness center
• Tennis courts and pickleball
• Onsite property management

Homeowners can design their ideal tropical retirement home. The community offers abundant amenities across the sprawling 600 acre site. It’s part of the larger Villas Sol beach resort.

Additional Notable Retirement Communities

Beyond those top options, dozens of other retirement communities exist across Costa Rica’s diverse landscape. Here are some other notable options:

Punta Islita – Exclusive oceanview community with beach club and100 homesites north of Samara.

Corazon de Oro – Active adult community with amenities in San Ramon Valley.

Cariari Estates – Gated neighborhood with 183 homes in the Cariari area.

Las Catalinas – Planned seaside village with intimate community near beach town of Potrero.

Valle Escondido – Luxury homes set on a 300 acre coffee plantation near tourist town of Dominical.

Miramar – Distinctive community with modern architecture and ocean views along the Pacific coast.

Coconut Grove – Beachfront condos in Manuel Antonio with full resort amenities.

La Fortuna Sunset Club – Relaxed community with views of Arenal volcano.

Monte del Barco – Mountain resort development in Perez Zeledon region.

Altos de Yarari – Forested community close to San Isidro de El General town.

This covers some of the main options, but new communities continue to develop across the country. Do your research to find one that best fits your lifestyle needs and budget.

To learn about specific American retirement communities in Costa Rica, click here.

Breakdown by Major Regions

Costa Rica’s major retirement community regions each have their own appeal:

Central Valley

• Mild highland climate, comfortable year-round
• Close to capital city of San Jose
• Quick access to medical care
• International airport proximity
• Choices near Alajuela, Heredia, San Jose
• Developed infrastructure and shopping

Arenal and North Pacific

• Stunning views of Arenal volcano
• Great weather, moderate temperatures
• Close to attractions like La Fortuna
• Communities near Tamarindo and other beaches
• Great surfing and water sports
• Diverse home options

Mid-Pacific Coast

• Beautiful beaches along coastline
• Many beachfront communities
• Proximity to Jaco and Manuel Antonio
• Access to fishing, boating, swimming
• Walkable communities clustered along coast

South Pacific Coast

• More remote, quiet, and secluded
• Sweeping ocean views and cliffs
• Next to Dominical surfing town
• Feels off the beaten path
• Private waterfalls and rainforests
• Super low-key lifestyle

Guanacaste

• In driest, sunniest province
• Close to Liberia airport
• Next to famous beaches
• Expat hub with many amenities
• Growing region with new options

Lifestyle in Costa Rica’s Retirement Communities

The lifestyle inside Costa Rica’s many retirement communities can vary, but most emphasize relaxation, connectivity, health, nature, and laidback living. Here are some typical features:

Slower Pace

Life moves at a calmer rhythm. The “pura vida” national attitude prioritizes happiness and balance over ambition. Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures. Typical elements include:

• Less focus on career or status
• More time spent on hobbies, leisure, rest
• Days filled with whatever you want
• Less rushing, more patience
• Focus on quality of life
• Flexibility and spontaneity
• No commuting or office politics
• Escape from life’s rat race

The relaxed vibe helps wipe stress away. Retirement is when you can finally slow down.

Outdoors Focus

The amazing climate lends itself to outdoor living on your porch or patio, walking beaches, exploring jungles, gardening, and active leisure. Common activities include:

• Lounging poolside with a good book
• Strolling pristine beaches
• Trying new watersports
• Hiking through forests and waterfalls
• Joining walking or cycling clubs
• Playing golf or pickleball
• Learning to surf or snorkel
• Exploring national parks
• Birdwatching and wildlife spotting

You’ll find limitless ways to stay active outdoors with great weather year-round.

Strong Community

Making good friends with like-minded expats is easy thanks to regular community events. Pick up new hobbies and causes together. Examples include:

• Potlucks, dinners, BBQs
• Volleyball, bowling, softball teams
• Yoga, tai chi, exercise groups
• Book, cooking, and craft clubs
• Charity and service projects
• Learning language together
• Day trips to attractions
• Starting businesses or taking classes

Having built-in community makes it simple to plug into social activities you enjoy.

Comfort and Security

These communities allow you to feel safe and comfortable through security, maintenance, amenities and support services. Benefits include:

• Not worrying about safety risks
• Hassle-free home maintenance
• Help arranging errands and tasks
• Having every need met
• Peace of mind from support system
• Removing daily life headaches
• Focusing time on enjoyment

All the essentials are covered so you can relax.

Healthy Living

Year-round warmth and fresh food make it easy to stay active and eat well. The national insurance covers basic healthcare too. Aspects that promote wellness include:

• Nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables
• Year-round access to exercise outdoors
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Clean air and water
• Low stress and relaxing atmosphere
• Active social life
• Affordable medical care
• Slower pace aids longevity

It’s simple to maintain physical and mental health.

Opportunity to Contribute

If you wish, you can volunteer, start businesses, or donate your expertise to worthy causes. Costa Rica welcomes foreign contributions. Ways to get involved include:

• Teaching English or other skills
• Volunteering at local schools or charities
• Fundraising for community projects
• Sharing your experience and knowledge
• Employing locals at fair wages
• Patronizing local businesses
• Causes to support sea turtle conservation, rainforests, education access

Retirees have lots of chances to give back and get involved if interested.

Costa Rica Retirement Community Pros and Cons

While joining a retirement community in Costa Rica has many advantages, it’s wise to also consider potential downsides:

Pros

• Built-in community
• Security features
• Nearby amenities
• Organized activities
• Like-minded residents
• Freedom from maintenance
• Ability to easily settle in

Potential Cons

• HOA rules and fees
• Less privacy and space
• Reliance on developer
• Isolation from locals
• “Retirement bubble” feel
• Loss of independence
• Less budget living

Evaluate tradeoffs to pick the right community for your needs and temperament.

You can check out the comprehensive pros and cons of retiring in Costa Rica in detail here.

Costa Rica Fast Facts for Retirees:

Here are some key facts on Costa Rica for those considering retirement:

• Average temperature is between 70°F and 81°F year-round
• The ocean is warm, with water temps from 70°F to 85°F
• Americans make up over 60% of expats
• Healthcare is high quality and costs a fraction of the US
• Outside metros, costs average $2k per month for a couple
• Residency is fairly easy to obtain
• Crime rates are lower than much of Latin America
• Locals are very welcoming of expats
• Abundant fresh tropical produce
• Miles of beaches for swimming, surfing, fishing
• No army since 1948
• Stable democracy since 1949
• High literacy, long life expectancy
• Incredible biodiversity in jungles and water

Ready To Join a Costa Rica Retirement Community?

As you can see, some amazing retirement communities exist across Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes. Each caters to a slightly different lifestyle. Whether you want beachfront serenity, cool mountain air, bustling city life, or a balance, there is likely a community for you.

Costa Rica checks all the boxes that retirees could want in a foreign retirement destination. The communities merely enhance the amazing benefits of retiring to this tropical paradise. If you’re ready to take the leap into an idyllic retirement, contact some communities today to learn more and find the right fit!

Frequently Answered Questions