Tamarindo Beach – Costa Rica

Living in Tamarindo

Living in Costa Rica takes a spirit of adventure, a good sense of humor and lots of patience. Most people see themselves lounging all day in a hammock by the sea, plucking bananas off the trees and going for frequent dips in the crystal clear waters. While all that is very do-able, it is not what every day life will be like. Red tape is a big part of life in Costa Rica. A simple thing like renewing a drivers license can take all day, today usually means tomorrow and tomorrow may not be this week. If you think you can handle all this with a smile then Costa Rica may just be the place for you. After all, it boasts a 94% literacy rate, friendly people, exquisite nature, warm climate year round and is labeled the ‘Happiest Place on Earth‘.

Tamarindo Beach is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches for foreign residents. Its dry tropical climate, long beach and surrounding national park is a big draw. Tamarindo has been experiencing a growth spurt for the last few years and real estate is booming. A growing tourism industry provides plenty of business opportunities. Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most multi cultural communities, and you will hear many different languages being spoken. Although you will find many conveniences in Tamarindo such as banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, etc. for serious medical issues or official business you will need to head to the capital, San Jose, about a 4 hour drive.

The cost of living in Tamarindo is cheaper than in North America and Europe but not by a wide margin. If you come to Tamarindo planning to live off a very small budget this may not be the right town for you. Tamarindo is part of the Gold Coast, a top tourist destination and therefore not cheap. However Costa Rica income taxes and property taxes are low.

Planning your move to Tamarindo

Before you sell everything you own and move your whole family down, plan at least one extended visit. It might be that you cannot stand the red tape, or maybe you love Costa Rica but find it too warm in Tamarindo. Living here is not for everyone; the laid back life that seemed so appealing in your home country might just seem too excruciatingly slow once you are here. Talk to other Expats and find out how they like living in Tamarindo.

Research your options for schooling, obtaining Costa Rica residency and work permits. Be well educated and confident in your decision, only then will you be able to enjoy the ‘Pura Vida’ life.

Tamarindo Real Estate

Always make sure that your real estate has title, has been surveyed and is accessible year-round. Choose a reputable real estate agent and a lawyer who can research on your behalf. Stewart Title Costa Rica can help with the legalities of the property for sale. Find out the cost of purchasing real estate in Costa Rica to avoid surprises.

On most Guanacaste beaches, including parts of Tamarindo, land within 150 meters of the high tide line is concession only, meaning you do not own the land. Once you’ve purchased property, don’t cut down trees. The cutting of some trees is illegal and you could be eliminating a path for monkeys.