Back in 1999, I experienced my first success outside of having a job.
While I was struggling to make my first digital business work, I started a solo boutique law firm catering to early internet entrepreneurs to pay the bills.
Soon I had a small but strong stable of clients, one of which was an American who lived in and operated from Costa Rica.
I was invited to the capital city San José to meet with my client, and this was my first brush with a true location-independence business. I credit this trip with setting me on the path to becoming free from the tyranny of geography just seven years later, and also with my enduring love of Costa Rica.
After nearly two decades of working remotely across the globe, I’m of the opinion that Costa Rica offers something uniquely valuable for location-independent entrepreneurs.
It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and economic opportunity. And that’s why it’s on my short list for a new home base.
Why Costa Rica Makes Sense Now
The real estate landscape in Costa Rica has shifted dramatically in recent years. While it’s not as inexpensive as emerging areas in Mexico or up-and-coming Uruguay, it’s much more affordable than locations in the United States that are much more mundane.
According to Jason Holland of International Living, “Most real estate experts estimate that prices in Costa Rica dropped 20% to 30% during the economic crisis back in 2008-2010 and that includes prices in some of the most sought-after locales.” While prices have risen since the pandemic, strategic opportunities still exist for those who know where to look.
Consider this: A modern two-bedroom house in Atenas, just 30 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from the coast, lists at $160,000. That’s less than a down payment on a comparable property in most major U.S. tech hubs.
For those seeking stunning views, a three-bedroom home overlooking Lake Arenal goes for $250,000. Even beachfront living is accessible, with luxury two-bedroom ocean view condos in Jacó starting at $200,000.
A Wide Variety of Vibes for Digital Professionals
The Central Valley stands out as the obvious choice for many location-independent business owners. Situated at elevations between 2,200 and 5,000 feet, it offers the perfect environment for productive work, with warm days and cool evenings. Beyond reliable internet infrastructure, you’ll find a vibrant expat community and easy access to cultural amenities — from art galleries to outdoor markets.
But it doesn’t stop there. Costa Rica’s diverse regions offer unique advantages for different work styles and lifestyle preferences.
The North Pacific Coast and the Nicoya Peninsula are known as the Gold Coast, and deliver more than just world-class surfing and spectacular ocean views. Towns like Tamarindo and Playas del Coco have evolved into sophisticated hubs where digital nomads can seamlessly blend work and lifestyle.
As Holland notes, “Although real estate developers have also been attracted to the coast… you can still find small fishing villages and stretches of beach that may remind you of an unspoiled tropical island.”
For those seeking a more focused work environment, the Lake Arenal region provides a serene setting where nature meets productivity. The area around Nuevo Arenal has particularly caught the attention of upscale property seekers who value privacy and natural beauty without sacrificing connectivity.
While most digital nomads flock to well-known spots like Tamarindo and Nosara, the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica represents an overlooked opportunity. The completion of the Costanera highway has transformed accessibility to this region, making towns like Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal increasingly viable for remote work and a killer lifestyle.
I negotiated the sale of our StudioPress division in 2018 from a beautiful (and highly affordable) estate home in Ojochal. It’s a tiny expat haven with multiple gourmet dining options nestled into the jungle, just across the road from magnificent Pacific beaches.
Having worked from dozens of locations worldwide, I can attest that this region offers something increasingly rare. And that’s the chance to establish yourself in an emerging digital hub before prices inevitably rise.
The infrastructure improvements have created a sweet spot where you can enjoy both pristine nature and reliable internet. Combine that with still affordable real estate and you’ve got a combination that seems tailor made for the location-independent work revolution.
Which Part of Costa Rica is Right for You?
The key to success in Costa Rica isn’t just choosing the right location — it’s understanding how to position yourself for both personal and professional growth. Whether you prefer the cultural richness of the Central Valley, the wealthy vibe of the Gold Coast, or the focused serenity of Lake Arenal, Costa Rica offers viable options for digital professionals at every stage.
There’s no doubt that Costa Rica has the infrastructure to support your location-independent business. The real question is whether you’re ready to transform your work-life integration in a way that most people only dream about.
After all, why settle for a conventional office when you could be building your digital empire with a stunning view of the Pacific? Subscribe to Further for more intel on location-independent destinations to consider.
