Five Tips for Living in Nosara Costa Rica
- November 15, 2017
When you visit Nosara Costa Rica, it is hard to leave. There is so much to do here that you may not get to accomplish it all before the trip is over….and since the whole “vibe” is so relaxed, you may not do much of anything! That is one of the many reasons so many expats decide on living in Nosara Costa Rica rather than simply visiting. If this is you, then there are a few things that you need to know to help plan the move. Here’s our five top tips for living in Nosara.
Tip #1: Learn the residency rules for Costa Rica.
Once you have decided to make the move to Nosara, start learning the rules and gathering your documents. If you want to live in Nosara longer than three months at a time, then you will need to apply for residency.
Currently, Costa Rica grants tourist visas for up to 90 days. After 90 days is up, you are required to leave the country. However, if living in Nosara Costa Rica long-term is your goal, then you should apply for permanent residency. The immigration rules regularly change, so check Costa Rica’s official website for the most current information. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for English).
Tip #2: Living in Nosara is awesome, but there are some critters to contend with.
If you have spent any amount of time living in Nosara Costa Rica, even temporarily, then you have likely encountered a few insects, spiders, and rodents. But then again, part of Nosara’s charm is its vibrant, natural setting.
So, yes – you may have to wipe away a few cobwebs and set out a few mouse traps, but you also get to watch sea turtle hatchlings find their way to the ocean, catch the perfect wave at Playa Guiones, do yoga on the beach, or simply enjoy the views from your mountainside retreat.
Tip #3: You will have several very good healthcare options in Nosara.
One top concern for many people when it comes to moving to a foreign country is healthcare. Whether you are at retirement age, have children, or have some health concerns to contend with, you can be confident that you will have excellent care living in Nosara Costa Rica. In fact, International Living ranked it one of its best places to live abroad, in part because of the excellent healthcare system.
The healthcare system in Costa Rica is highly rated internationally. There is an excellent public health insurance system available to both citizens and legal residents, or you can purchase a private insurance plan at a reasonable price. It covers most routine checkups and 80 percent of major surgeries.
Tip #4: When you move to Nosara, get involved with the community.
One of the best parts of living in Nosara Costa Rica is its people. The locals and the expats that live here are the ones who built this cool coastal community. It has a small-town feel, yet the infrastructure of a more urban area, which is not always the case in Central American towns.
The people here are warm, friendly, and foster a sense of community. And when things need to get done, they get them done. When petty crime became an issue, the people of Nosara joined forces and approached the police department to expand its force. Another group worked to get recycling in the area. In fact, there are over 20 different organizations, such as Friends of Nosara, that help make Nosara the awesome beach town that it is. So, find something you are passionate about, find a group, and get involved.
Tip #5: Work with a knowledgeable local realtor.
While this is a great tip when moving anywhere, it is particularly important when living in Nosara Costa Rica – for several reasons.
First, if you plan to rent, you may discover that it is much easier to find a vacation rental than a long-term rental (because more money can be made from vacation rentals).
And many of the listings for sale or rent are exclusively through the real estate agencies. Working with a local, knowledgeable agent means you have access to more listings and more information about the community. Located in the heart of North Guiones, REMAX First Choice Realty is the top agency in Nosara.
Additionally, an experienced agent can help you navigate the residency and immigration rules of Costa Rica. Investing in a business or property is one of the ways to become a legal citizen. A knowledgeable realtor is familiar with these requirements and could help to point you in the right direction.
Moving to Nosara Costa Rica has a few logistical challenges, no doubt, but anyone who lives here will tell you it is well worth the effort to make this beautiful coastal town your home!
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