Moving to Costa Rica: What Living in Jacó Beach Actually Looks Like

A lot of people research Costa Rica for years before they move. The lifestyle is well-documented. What's less discussed are the practical reasons it works — especially for buyers from the US or Canada who want more than a vacation property.

The basics that make it possible

Costa Rica has been a stable democracy since 1949, when it abolished its military entirely and redirected that budget into education and healthcare. It's consistently ranked among the safest countries in Latin America, with a large, established expat community across Jacó, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, and the Central Valley.

Property transactions happen in US dollars — no currency exposure. Annual property tax runs 0.25% of registered value. Foreign nationals can own fully titled property with the same rights as citizens.

Healthcare

Residency grants access to Costa Rica's national health system (the CAJA), which covers comprehensive care including specialists, hospital stays, and prescriptions at a fraction of US costs. Private healthcare is also widely available in major cities and resort areas, at rates that make routine care genuinely affordable.

The residency pathway

A real estate investment of $150,000 or more qualifies for investor residency in Costa Rica — which is exactly where The Pearl's entry price sits. Residency can lead to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship. Most buyers begin the process while still in the US, with local attorneys handling the paperwork.

The Pearl's dedicated Residency Benefits page walks through each pathway in detail.

Read more here

Why Jacó specifically

Not all of Costa Rica is equally livable from a day-to-day standpoint. Jacó is one of the few beach towns with genuine walkability — restaurants, surf, shopping, nightlife, and services all within walking distance. It's 90 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport via direct highway, which means weekend trips from the US are genuinely viable, and San José's private hospitals are accessible when needed.

The Pearl opens this summer. For buyers looking at residency through investment, that timing matters — you're not waiting two years for delivery or buying into a still-under-construction project.

$5,000 fully refundable reservation holds your unit for 30 days while you review the purchase agreement and conduct due diligence.

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Pura Vida awaits!