This beautiful part of the country is relatively inaccessible compared other parts of Costa Rica. This lack of access has, until now, kept development subdued. With its popularity growing fast, however, and other parts of Costa Rica now inaccessible because of their high prices, growth here may be on the way up. If you are

The southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula is actually in the province of Puntarenas. The area is more humid than further north in the peninsula, but still dryer than the Central Pacific zone across the Gulf of Nicoya and further to the south. The summer can be scorching and the unpaved roads extremely dusty, covering

The area around Jacó has been very much an investors market, but the gravy train is slowing and properties are starting to settle with end-users. Most of the market is focused around condos and gated communities. The Manuel Antonio market, meanwhile, remains concentrated for the moment on single-family homes, though some developers have their eye

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.