Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara feels like two towns in one. The official center sits inland, a sleepy grid of local shops and sodas. The beach communities, especially Playa Guiones, are where expats cluster. Surfers and yogis dominate the scene here — Guiones offers world-class waves and a yoga studio on every corner. But don’t expect beachfront high-rises. Strict development laws protect the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, keeping the shoreline wild.

Daily life runs on a mix of Tico and gringo rhythms. You’ll find a Banco Popular branch near Guiones, but healthcare is limited to a Red Cross clinic. Rent isn’t cheap for Costa Rica — a one-bedroom inland runs $780 — but you’re paying for access to a tight-knit expat community that’s been here for decades. The town’s population has nearly doubled since 2011, so expect some growing pains.

Nosara works best for surfers, yogis, and retirees who want a laid-back beach vibe with an established expat network. If you need urban amenities or reliable healthcare, look elsewhere.