Real Estate in CR: Comparing the Central Valley and the Pacific Coast

While there are numerous real estate options throughout Costa Rica, it is extremely important to avoid any potential problems related to purchasing property in a foreign country. These include clear title, quality construction, and proper utilities among others.  We strongly encourage you to sign up for one of our informative tours.  Below you will find the differences between the Central Valley and Pacific Coast.

If you feel that you have already done your research, Boomers in Costa Rica provides a service for those strictly interested in being introduced to real estate options from reputable sellers and agents. You may e-mail Preston at prestonagitlin@gmail.com for questions and further information.

Central Valley

Climate: The temperature usually fluctuates between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of the day.  Temperature will also vary according to the altitude above sea level.  We try to locate properties that are about 3,000 feet above sea level or higher, because in our experience, it results in the most comfortable climate.  Humidity is also lower at this altitude.  Air conditioning is almost never used.

Costs: If you choose to buy property and build a home, a property of approximately 1.25 acres (5000 square meters) or greater, with a home will run between $175,000 and $275,000, depending on how large or how luxurious the house is.  Lot prices will vary from as low as $10 per square meter to $50 per square meter, with larger tracks of land costing less.  Construction costs for a higher quality home will be between $65 and $95 per square foot.  Again, it is always possible to spend more if you so choose.  It is also possible to find extremely cheap land or construction quotes, but we have found when the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.  We have spent many hours screening various properties, weighing price and quality, in order to find property priced well, without sacrificing quality, location, clear title, etc.   

The prices of resale homes will vary widely depending on the size of the house and lot, location, quality of finishings and other factors.  Keep in mind that many resale homes may have been originally built for Costa Ricans and may not have the features North Americans expect such as bath tubs, large bedrooms or in some cases, modern showers.  However, newer homes built specifically for foreigners are becoming more widely available.

Infrastructure: The Central Valley’s infrastructure is far superior to that of the beach.  Most streets are paved with asphalt and are considerably wider.  While beach areas sometimes suffer from droughts and power outages, these are usually not issues in the Central Valley.  You will also have easier access to public transportation, taxi services, a wider variety of grocery stores and other shopping, and the main Inter-American Highway.         

Location: Most areas of the Central Valley that we introduce you to are about 45 minutes to the nearest beach.  Most towns are also about 45 minutes to San Jose’s international Airport.  Things to do in the Central Valley include canopy tours, horseback riding, various nature trails, bungee jumping, fine dining (both international cuisine and typical Costa Rican food), and more.   Most towns in the Central Valley are also between 1.5 to 2 hours to the famous Arenal Volcano where you’ll find a variety of tourist attractions such as hot springs, horseback riding, and hanging bridges.

Type of Client: We find the majority of Central Valley tour clients enjoy the ambiance and tranquility of this different life style.  Those, especially from the Northeast, find it to be an alleviating escape from the rat race back home.  Foreigners living in the Central Valley are usually not “beach goers,” but instead have a higher interest in natural surroundings and outdoor activities.

Pacific Coast

Climate: Due to its lower elevation, areas surrounding the ocean tend to be hotter and more humid.  Temperatures tend to range from 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, cooling off into the mid 70s at night.  Due to the humidity, it may also feel warmer.  Air conditioning is a must.

Costs: Prices of homes and condos we show tend to range from $250,000 to $1,000,000.  Lot prices will usually cost over $100 per square meter (compared to $10 to $50 in the Central Valley).  The cost per square foot to build is also substantially higher due to the high demand for materials from the recent construction boom.   For quality, home construction costs generally are between $85 and $200 per square foot. 

Infrastructure: Beach areas are well known for their poor roads; however they have been improving in recent years.  Lower water supply and more frequent electricity cuts occur than in the Central Valley.  It is extremely important to be assured of access to such services before purchasing property.  Our goal is to introduce you to developers or real estate agents with a track record of establishing residences without any of these major issues.

Location: All properties we show are within minutes to the beach.  There is also a larger array of finer restaurants with dishes from many parts of the world.  Things to do include boating, fishing, golfing, and walking along some of the world’s most prestigious white sand beaches.

Type of Client: Clients for the Pacific Coast tour will spend substantially more to live at the beach and to purchase property.  The higher prices are due to the enormous demand.  The supply of quality developments with breath taking views and a good location is relatively small for the thousands of people who are trying to get a piece of this paradise.  Almost all activities are predicated around the beach, and therefore, we wouldn’t recommend this tour to anyone who is not a beach lover.  If you are looking to live less expensively, this tour probably isn’t for you, rather, the Central Valley tour would likely be more appropriate.