​​Why Tamarindo is your #1 option for retiring in Costa Rica

An hour south of the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, is Tamarindo, the small Pacific beach town, known the world over for its surf, sun, and sand. With a population just north of 6,000 people, it's an increasingly popular place to retire in Costa Rica. It offers expansive tourism infrastructure, ease of accessibility, and all the creature comforts of home wrapped up in a nature lover’s paradise.

There are not many casinos or big chain stores here. Instead, you'll find a laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, boutique cafes, and a wide variety of activities to see and do around town. Compared to other retirement hot spots in North America like Florida, Arizona, and California, you won’t need to spend significant amounts of money to live well in Tamarindo. And the amenities abound - whether you're looking for a place to buy fresh groceries, pick up the latest smartphone, try on a new swimsuit, enjoy some fresh sushi, or a triple-shot americano, Tamarindo has you covered.

In this post, we explore some of the main reasons why you should consider retiring in Costa Rica and particularly in the beautiful beach town of Tamarindo.

A Simpler Life for Retirees in Tamarindo

Photo by Anukrati Omar on Unsplash

Tamarindo is an excellent place to live if you're looking for a simpler lifestyle. There are no skyscrapers, subway queues, or hordes of people running late to the office. It's quite possibly the perfect place to relax and enjoy your retirement. The weather is also pleasant year-round, with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius - and you can find just about any home to fit your budget and lifestyle. 

Tamarindo may be on the small side, but that comes with big perks. It means you can walk just about everywhere and get your fitness steps in and the cardio up. If you want to explore a little further flung, it offers reliable public transportation which helps make getting around a little simpler, too. 

Furthermore, Costa Rica boasts 1 of the world’s 5 Blue Zones, a term used to describe a region of the planet where individuals tend to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. So if you're looking for somewhere safe and secure to retire, there's no need to look any further than Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Excellent infrastructure in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

The infrastructure in Tamarindo has come a long way and continues to improve with every passing year, with paved roads and reliable buses that run daily from the capital city of San Jose to Tamarindo. The airport in Liberia is just over an hour away from Tamarindo, making it a convenient option for travelers that just want to get there fast. The airport offers many direct flights to the USA and Canada, making it easy to take advantage of direct flight options for those looking to travel internationally.

Costa Rica offers a renowned healthcare system

Costa Rica has one of, if not the best healthcare systems in Central America. Like Canada and much of Europe, the country provides universal health care for its citizens, and most major hospitals have English-speaking staff and practitioners available most hours of the day. Costa Rica also offers private health care services, and both can be accessed by ex-pats. 

The low crime rate in Costa Rica

Compared to other countries in Central America, crime rates in Costa Rica are very low.  In fact, according to the local police department, violent crimes make up less than 1% of all crimes committed in the country, making Costa Rica one of the safest countries to retire.

Tamarindo is no exception to this rule, as it has a similarly low crime rate. You can feel as safe walking around town as you would in just about any major North American city.  That said, it’s always recommended to be aware of your surroundings and be watchful of your possessions. 

Affordable Living in Costa Rica

One of the best things about retirement in Costa Rica, especially in a place such as Tamarindo, is that it offers a very affordable retirement. The cost of living is relatively low, compared to many of the larger North American towns. Rent prices are relatively low, and there are plenty of options for finding housing within budget. 

The average monthly cost of expat living in Costa Rica is around $2000/per person per month. This includes housing costs, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses like entertainment and dining out. You don't need to spend much money eating out because there are lots of cheap options around town and an abundance of fresh and seasonal food on offer. 

For many retirees, Costa Rica is all nature

​​

Photo by Nathan Farrish on Unsplash

If you love spending time outdoors, Costa Rica, and Tamarindo, in particular, are incredible options. In Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of trails and beautiful beaches, and many mountains or hills in the surrounding areas. And since the weather is warm almost year-round, your time spent outside will go through the roof. Whether you enjoy fishing, surfing, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, exploring around, or simply relaxing on the beach, there are endless opportunities to explore.

One of the best ways to explore the area is by bicycle. If you don’t have your own, renting a bike is easy and inexpensive. You can take off into the surrounding countryside for a few hours of cycling fun. Or, you can ride along the coast to watch the waves crashing against the shoreline and the surfers doing their thing.

Shopping in Tamarindo

The main street in Tamarindo is called “Calle Central”. It runs through the center of town and is a hub for dozens of small businesses. The town's selection of supermarkets, hardware stores, surf shops, and clothing stores has something for everyone, and the friendly locals, many of whom speak English, are always happy to help you find what you're looking for. 

In addition, Tamarindo is home to a number of high-quality restaurants and lower-cost cafes, as well as a few bars and clubs for those who want to let loose and enjoy the nightlife. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most popular tourist and ex-pat destinations. 

There are plenty of luxury properties in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

If you enjoy life in the heart of the action and take advantage of the many different shops and restaurants at your feet, then you may want to consider a home in Tamarindo Beach  (Playa Tamarindo), Langosta beach, or the immediate outskirts. 

However, if you are a retiree that prefers the beach but not the crowds, living in Villareal, or Pinilla for example might be exactly what you are looking for. There are many beautiful locations to choose from, so take your time and find the perfect place for you.

There is a vast selection of retirement-ready luxury properties in Tamarindo, For example, if you’ve ever dreamt of living in a quiet, luxury home with an ocean view, nearby Playa Langosta may just be the perfect place. Langosta is on the point and walkable within a few minutes from anywhere to the beach where waves crash and tidepools form at low tide.  It's a natural paradise.

One of the unique realities about Playa Langosta is that it's lesser known, and property values can be affordable, but much higher as it’s known as a luxury living spot. But that doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice quality or comfort - there are plenty of gorgeous houses on the market, many of which come with stunning ocean views. So if you're looking for a place to call home where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature without breaking the bank, be sure to check out Playa Langosta.

Playa Grande is a beach town located across the estuary from Tamarindo on the north coast of Costa Rica. The town is known for its surfing, and Playa Grande is considered one of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica. Surfers from all over the world come to Playa Grande to ride the waves. The community of Playa Grande is made up of locals as well as ex-pats who have made the small town their home. There is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in Playa Grande, and visitors often find themselves falling in love with this part of town and the people that call it home. 

To sum it all up

If you're looking for a retirement destination that offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and plenty of things to do, then Tamarindo, Costa Rica should be at the top of your list. With its affordable luxury properties, friendly people, and laid-back atmosphere, Tamarindo is the perfect place to call home.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your retirement in Tamarindo today!

Connect with us and our exclusive Tamarindo properties and be the first to see the breathtaking mountains and beach homes we have to offer.