How to Choose the Right Location for Your Investment in Costa Rica

Investing in Costa Rica is exciting - but location is everything. A beautiful property in the wrong spot can hurt your returns or resale potential. This guide walks you through how to choose the right location so your investment works hard for you.

Tropical modern home in Costa Rica with pool and lush landscaping - prime real estate location in Guanacaste

What to Consider When Selecting Location

1. Infrastructure & Accessibility

Even paradise must be practical. Look for paved roads, good electricity, and reliable internet. Proximity to airports like Liberia (LIR) is a major plus.

2. Tourism & Demand

If you plan to make your property a vacation rental, you want an area with steady tourist traffic. Beach towns, national park access, or close-to-nature spots tend to attract more guests.

3. Resale Potential

Areas with growing development -new roads, amenities, services - are often where property values appreciate more over time.

4. Zoning & Regulations

Check local zoning laws, building restrictions, and permitting in the municipality. What you can build or use the property for matters.

5. Community & Lifestyle

Do you want to be in a lively beach town, a quiet jungle retreat, or a growing inland area near towns? Choose what matches your target buyers or renters.

Top Locations to Watch in Costa Rica (Especially Guanacaste Region)

• Playas del Coco / Playa Hermosa - strong ex-pat community, service infrastructure

• Tamarindo / Playa Langosta / Flamingo - busy tourist hubs, good for rental demand

• Nosara / Santa Teresa - more remote, but high demand for nature/peace-seeking travelers

• Nicoya Peninsula’s up-and-coming areas

• Inland towns with mountain views or lake proximity - lower competition, high upside

  
  

Tips to Narrow Down Your Options

• Visit the area in both high and low season

• Talk to local realtors and residents

• Use Google Earth / maps to see access routes

• Stay for at least a week to test internet, roads, water, etc.

• Always run a title check and survey for boundary confirmation

  
  

Choosing the right location is just as important as the property itself. With smart location selection, your investment becomes stronger, safer, and more profitable.

If you’d like help comparing specific neighborhoods or towns in Guanacaste or elsewhere, I’m here to help.