Investment
Is the Guanacaste Construction Boom Over? What the Data Shows in 2026
Guanacaste real estate in 2026: where the boom has stalled, where prices are holding, and why buyers are looking south to the Nicoya Peninsula.
Guides
Living
Living in Nosara: The Complete Expat Guide
Living in Nosara means active outdoor life, strong community, expensive homes, and dusty roads. An honest guide to what daily life actually looks like.
Construction
The Best Construction Method for Costa Rica: Steel, Concrete, Wood, and More
Best construction method for Costa Rica depends on your site and design. Contractor Carolina Vargas breaks down concrete block, steel frame, hybrids, and the rest.
Design
Small House Design in Costa Rica: Smart Layouts, Real Costs, and the Quality Trap
A 90-square-meter house with a beautiful terrace, good ceiling height, and quality finishes will make you happier than a 130-square-meter house where every room was shrunk to fit the program.
Investment
Property Management in Costa Rica: How to Manage a Rental From Abroad
A good property manager makes your investment work. A bad one lets your property deteriorate while collecting a fee.
Construction
Construction Timeline in Costa Rica: What to Expect From Start to Finish
The difference between a 9-month project and a 16-month project is rarely the construction itself. It is what happened before construction started.
Living
Living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: The Honest Expat Guide (2026)
Tamarindo is the most divided-in-opinion beach town among Costa Rica expats. Some people love it. Some think it lost its soul. Both perspectives have merit.
Investment
Investing in Costa Rica Real Estate: The Complete Guide for Foreign Investors (2026)
The worst investment decisions I have seen in Costa Rica were not bad properties. They were good properties bought by people who tried to optimize for cash flow, appreciation, and personal use simultaneously.
Living
Costa Rica vs Panama for Retirement: An Honest Comparison From Someone Who Chose Costa Rica
I researched both countries before we moved. I chose Costa Rica. I have no lived experience in Panama. This is my research, not my testimony.
Construction
Hidden Costs of Building in Costa Rica: What the Per-Square-Meter Number Doesn't Include
Every decision made in the design phase costs nothing beyond the design fee. Every decision deferred to construction costs the decision itself plus the disruption and rework.
Living
Healthcare in Costa Rica for Expats: CAJA, Private Insurance, and What to Actually Expect
In the US, seeing a specialist means a referral, pre-authorization, a 3-week wait, and a $250 copay. In Costa Rica, I call directly and get an appointment within a week.
Investment
Beachfront Property in Costa Rica: What It Actually Costs and What You Need to Know
The best beachfront investment might be the lot at 15 meters elevation with an unobstructed view, not the one at 3 meters on the sand.