As a popular spot for tourism, the Central Pacific is a potentially large rental market, a fact that hasn’t escaped the attention of developers of the multiple condotels, condominiums and resort communities under construction right now. Remember, though, that vacation rentals are generally short term, so it takes more work to rent out properties. Also,

Crime is a problem in the Central Pacific, and residents must be smart and cautious. The new Tourism Police have helped clean things up somewhat in Jacó, as has increased police presence overall, but enforcement remains spotty and the judicial system is in dire need of reforms. Home invasions, car breakins, muggings, and petty theft

Many expatriates buying property in the Central Pacific, particularly the Jacó area where there are so many condotels and resorts under construction, do so for investment rather than relocation purposes. As those projects come on line, that has started to change, with more buyers being end-users. Few, however, are full-time residents. Some individuals and families

There is isn’t much in the Central Pacific when it comes to services like hospitals and education, so those individuals and families looking for choice may want to consider living in the Central Valley. 1. Private Schools This part of the country has never been a big family destination, so private school options are few.

Jacó was the first place in the country where the price of titled beachfront property passed the $1,000-per-square-meter mark, and it remains today extremely expensive by Costa Rican standards. It’s not that the beach is particularly beautiful. Jacó is a dark-sand beach with dangerous currents and more than its share of pollution. But titled beachfront

Unlike Tamarindo, Jacó has always been a weekend hangout for Ticos from the Central Valley and that continues to be the case. Wealthier Ticos can afford the condos, hotel rooms, and memberships at Los Sueños Resort, while plenty of mid-range hotels provide lodging for the middle class. The beach is packed with Ticos during holidays, and once a year

The Central Pacific is a beautiful but slow drive over the mountains of the Central Valley (the new highway will run along the bottom of the valley). If there isn’t much traffic, the ride from the international airport shouldn’t take more than two hours, but it’s fairly typical to get stuck behind a slow-moving truck