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Increased infrastructure, a stable democracy and economy and its convenient location have consolidated Costa Rica as a preferred vacation - and retirement-home area. Choose a province to receive valuable information such as expatriate demographics data, building statistics and more.

Population (2000) and building data (2005) are drawn from Costa Rica's National Census (INEC) statistics. Even small communities are generally served by government health clinics, although English-speaking staff may not be available.

Home to the country's political and economic center, the province of San José has the greatest selection of amenities, which are steadily reaching out from the capital city. Historically, foreign residents have focused on the west side of San José, including the areas of Escazú, Santa Ana and Rohrmoser. This area has the highest concentration of Costa Rica real estate e.g. upscale condominiums and low-maintenance, high-rise apartments, as well as sprawling mountain-side luxury properties with exquisite views of the Central Valley. North-American-style shopping malls, hospitals, and international schools are well represented. Development on the greener east side, including San Ramón de Trés Ríos, has increased over the last few years. Prices are slightly lower than the west side, but infrastructure has significantly increased, including two major malls and a branch of the private CIMA hospital. Amenities also include a wide selection of restaurants in downtown San José, live theater and music, international arts festivals, spas, fitness gyms, golf courses and a number of community clubs and organizations that welcome foreign residents.

Heredia's provincial capital is only 20-30 minutes from the city of San José, but has been growing as a center in its own right. Home to the Universidad Nacional, Heredia city recently inaugurated a full-service mall with movie theaters. Amenities, including clinics and international schools are focused around the urban core and areas close to San José. Several home buyers have taken advantage of the lower prices compared to real estate in other parts of Costa Rica, fresh air and beautiful views of the Heredia hills just north of the city, which have the added advantage of excellent, generally traffic-free access via the Braulio Carrillo Highway. Like the province of Alajuela, Heredia includes a portion of the Central Valley and the Central Volcanic Cordillera, but the majority of its territory lies in the northern lowlands, reaching to the Nicaraguan border. Characterized by high mountain regions dense with tropical forests, breathtaking waterfalls, the area is ideal for activities such as canopy tours, hiking or white water rafting. Charming small towns are dotted around the province and offer an old-style ambience to the potential buyer, and excellent hotels provide gourmet restaurants in spectacular surroundings.

The historical, colonial province of Cartago, contains some of the most beautiful and agriculturally rich territory in all of Latin America. Cartago is host province to the country's highest volcano - Irazú. Because the town sits at nearly 4,800 feet, it is much cooler and greener than the other Central Valley towns. The urban center of Cartago offers a North American-style mall and a major hospital, but is close enough to San José to take advantage of the amenities there. The other economic hub, Turrialba, attracts adventurous souls, drawn to its reputation as a center for river rafting and other outdoor sports. The Orosí Valley offers the essence of small-town living, only an hour from Cartago. Sprawling vistas, eclectic European-style cafés and Spanish schools are beginning to draw international visitors; creative entrepreneurs are only beginning to meet demand.

Costa Rica real estate deals are numerous here and the proof is in its vastness and sprawling population in the northern lowlands. The relaxed pace of coffee towns such as Grecia, Naranjo and San Ramón (approximately 45 minutes from San José) draw residents in search of a cooler climate and lush lots. Buyers in search of majestic views and who wish close access to the services that tourism centers offer have found excellent value in properties near La Fortuna. Cattle and crop production have come to dominate the interior provincial areas, and farm opportunities are sometimes available. A new mall in San Carlos has brought major retail outlets and movie theaters hours closer to residents in the northern areas of the province.

Guanacaste province comprises the country's north Pacific region and is the current hotspot for Costa Rica real estate. Guanacaste contains vast areas of cattle ranches and numerous idyllic beaches dotted along the coast, boasting magnificent ocean views. This province enjoys the sunniest, driest climate in the country and with the opening of Liberia International Airport in 2002, it has been the prime destination for investors and property hunters. Infrastructure and amenities have expanded exponentially through recent investment of millions of dollars. The province's commercial center is located in Liberia, which is now served by North-American style malls, a major building center, and the province's only movie complex. From Playas del Coco, Flamingo, Potrero have a well-established expatriate community, and are favorite areas for retirees and families, including bilingual and international schools. Tamarindo is perhaps Costa Rica's most cosmopolitan beach town, thriving on its reputation for vibrant nightlife, surfing, and the nearby exclusive beachfront community of Playa Langosta. All along the Pacific coast, the province's beachfront condominiums and upscale gated communities offer the country's greatest variety in tropical beach properties. Lakefront living is also well represented, as most of Lake Arenal falls within Guanacaste's boundaries. Residents in this area value their secluded properties, but a welcoming community spirit exists.

Puntarenas, the largest and longest province in the country, is another top spot for expatriates seeking Costa Rica real estate. It includes one of the main port cities of the country and the country's main cruise ship destinations. Puntarenas is the main commercial center, and Quepos offers a number of banking and shopping amenities as well. Although the entire province lies on the Pacific side of the continental divide, much of its land area is not as severely affected by the annual dry season as the Guanacaste province. Occasional rains and high humidity keep the forested areas, such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Park, green throughout the year. Cool, cloud-forest Monteverde, established in the 1950s by Quakers, appeals to conservationist-minded nature lovers in search of solitude. Tourism is the main economy in Puntarenas, as the province hosts some of the country's most popular beach resorts. Puntarenas (including Doña Ana and Barranca beaches), Jacó, and Manuel Antonio, can all be found here, as are 14 national parks and reserves, more than in any other province. Improved roads and amenities are drawing nature lovers farther south, where beach areas such as Dominical offer some of the best values in luxury and retirement homes. Plans for an international airport between Sierpe and Palmar Sur have entered the study phase.

The province of Limón offers a counterpoint to other Costa Rican provinces in its culture, people and climate. Limón is on the Caribbean side of the country and depicts an eclectic mix of typical Afro-Caribbean culture heavily influenced by the Spanish language and culture; English is widely spoken in Limón. Warm, clear Caribbean currents are ideal for diving and boating activities, and beaches tend to be lusher than those on the Pacific. The Limón climate has no distinct seasons, although March, April, September and October are often dryer. Typically rain falls mostly in June, July, August, November, and December. The lowland regions remain warm and humid year-round, while higher areas are both cooler and wetter. This is an exceptional region for Costa Rica real estate, as it offers some of the country's most affordable oceanview properties. Most commercial transactions must be conducted in Limón, the economic hub. Cahuita and Puerto Viejo (a surfing mecca) have significant concentrations of expatriate residents and visitors, and offer an excellent selection of restaurants, basic amenities and international music festivals. The region appeals most to buyers seeking the quintessential lush, laid-back, hot tropical life, and who live simply.