Pros and Cons of Living in Playa Jaco
Last updated on Mar 01, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Playa Jaco, Costa Rica include its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live on a budget. On the other hand, the town can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, and the infrastructure is not as developed as other parts of the country. Additionally, the crime rate is higher than in other parts of Costa Rica, so it is important to take safety precautions.
What are the pros and cons of living in Playa Jaco?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Playa Jaco responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Playa Jaco enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, the stunning beaches, and the abundance of outdoor activities. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the friendly locals. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of infrastructure and public transportation inconvenient, as well as the occasional power outages," explained one expat living in Playa Jaco.
"love the climate, people are helpful and friendly - beach sand is too hot in the summer sun," said one expat in living in Playa Jaco, Costa Rica.
Connect
Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do expats in Playa Jaco appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Playa Jaco appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. They also enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, and hiking, as well as its proximity to the ocean and beautiful beaches. The local cuisine is also appreciated, with its blend of traditional Costa Rican and international dishes. Additionally, the local arts and music scenes attract many expats and offer a vibrant, growing culture of creativity," explained one expat living in Playa Jaco.
"There are many things I appreciate about my new culture in Costa Rica! Family ties, friendships and a slower pace of life is key here. Costa Rica is not a consumer-based society. There is less pressure on acquiring objects of status, impressing others and "keeping up with the Jones's!" How refreshing! Community life of home, family and close friendships emphasize what truly is important in life! I believe it is important to remember such a simple aspect of life in Costa Rica. You will be admired for your goodness, kindness and willingness to learn and adapt. Monetary riches and displays of wealth and superiority have little value in a culture based on family and country," said one expat in Playa Jaco .
Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do expats find most challenging?
"The most challenging aspects in Costa Rica is learning to leave the mentality of "how things are done" back home. Costa Ricans are proud of their independence! You may have an idea on how to get things done or how it should be done. Leave that thinking behind. You may make a casual commment or suggestion and this is encouraged. However, it is important not to humiliate or act superior. Costa Ricans want to keep their culture alive and wherein there are interested in other cultures, they are very proud and independent of their own. It is important to adapt and not try to control or change your new homeland. Remember as an expat you are still a guest," remarked one in Playa Jaco .
"Adjusting to a new culture, making friends, language barriers, learning the local customs, understanding the currency and new forms of payment, renting or buying a home, finding employment opportunities, navigating the healthcare system, and handling bureaucracy can all be challenging for expats," explained one expat.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Playa Jaco?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Playa Jaco?
- What is the average cost of housing in Playa Jaco?
- How do I meet people in Playa Jaco?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Playa Jaco?
- What should I pack when moving to Playa Jaco?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Playa Jaco?
- Will I be able to find a job in Playa Jaco?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Playa Jaco?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Playa Jaco?
- What is the social scene like in Playa Jaco?
- What advice to expats in Playa Jaco have about housing?
- What are medical services in Playa Jaco like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Playa Jaco?
- Is the cost of living in Playa Jaco high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Playa Jaco?
- Why do people move to Playa Jaco?