Nosara, Costa Rica

What It Is Like to Retire in Nosara

Nosara is a small village and district in the Nicoya Canton, Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast, with a population of close to 6,000. Known as a fishing and agricultural area, it is not as built up as other tourist destinations in Costa Rica, but offers beautiful beaches and is one of the oldest expatriate communities in the country. Nosara, surrounded by jungle and wildlife also features several beach communities, a world-renowned Yoga school, and a wildlife refuge that is home to one of the most important nesting sites in the world for sea turtles. National Geographic named Nosara as one as the top surf towns in the world.  

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Here is Topretirements Mini-Guide to Retirement in Costa Rica

Where to Retire in Nosara and Home Prices

The town of Nosara is about 4 miles from the beach and is made up of several beach communities with homes ranging in price from the $200's to the $Millions. Nosara has become very popular as both a Yoga retreat and a surfers paradise, and has seen home prices steadily rise the past several years. Condo prices start below $100,000 and there are many rental units.

What Is Special about Nosara

Nosara has fought to remain a sustainable community and does not have large hotels and resort complexes, but instead features boutique style hotels and eco-friendly communities. Expats generally find it is less expensive than an equivalent lifestyle in the United States. The town features green spaces, wildlife refuge and animal sanctuaries. Residents enjoy beautiful sunsets, yoga on the beach, fishing, surfing, kayaking and canoeing.

What Is Not Special about Nosara

Those who do not enjoy outdoor activities may not find much to do here; there is no hospital nearby; roads are unpaved and dusty; internet service is spotty

Who Will Like Retirement in Nosara

Expats who want to retire in a small beach community in Costa Rica that has become more Americanized than other towns here, would enjoy it.  Nosara is laid-back, quiet and peaceful, and has many health orientated activities, and restaurants.  

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism drives the economy.

Climate and Physical Environment

Temperatures average in the mid 80's and Nosara experiences a rainy season that begins in May, with most rain occurring during the months of September and October.  The annual rainfall is about 75 inches.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are several restaurants in Nosara, many of course serve great seafood. Reviewers on TripAdvisor.com rated several as top choices. Nosara boasts an array of outdoor recreation, and there are a few art galleries and shops, and restaurants and pubs that offer music.

Crime

The crime rate here is low, and most of the crimes that do occur involve theft.

Medical facilities

There are several medical doctors in Nosara and a clinic, but the nearest hospital is Nicoya about 45 minutes away.

Transportation

The district is served by the Nosara Airport, there is taxi and shuttle service, but the roads are not paved which makes it less bike friendly during the rainy season.  Golf carts, ATV and horseback are also popular modes of traansportation.

Valuable Links

Nosara.com