Relocating to Costa Rica offers a chance to immerse yourself in a culture that values connection, community, and natural beauty. While the beaches and jungles are stunning, it’s the people and daily interactions that make living here truly special. For those moving to Costa Rica, finding ways to stay connected locally is key to feeling at home and making the most of the experience.
Embrace the Local Culture and Lifestyle
Costa Rica’s “pura vida” philosophy is more than a slogan—it’s a welcoming approach to life that’s best experienced through local interaction. Saying hello to your neighbors, joining conversations at the beach, or engaging with local artisans at the weekend market are all small gestures that go a long way.
In places like Tamarindo, you’ll find open-air farmers markets like the Tamarindo Night Market where locals and expats gather for food, music, and art. In the Central Valley’s Escazú or Santa Ana neighborhoods, traditional sodas (small, family-run restaurants) are great spots to strike up conversation and support local businesses. These types of environments make it easy to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture organically.
In places like Tamarindo, you’ll find open-air farmers markets like the Tamarindo Night Market where locals and expats gather for food, music, and art. In the Central Valley’s Escazú or Santa Ana neighborhoods, traditional sodas (small, family-run restaurants) are great spots to strike up conversation and support local businesses. These types of environments make it easy to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture organically.
Learn Spanish—Start Simple, Stay Consistent
Even a basic understanding of Spanish helps you navigate life more easily and shows a willingness to integrate. While many locals speak some English, communicating in Spanish—even imperfectly—helps deepen relationships.
Enroll in a local language school like EF International Language Campus or Wayra Spanish Institute, which offer language lessons as well as cultural activities and group excursions. Community classes also help you meet fellow expats on the same journey, creating shared experiences and lasting friendships.
Enroll in a local language school like EF International Language Campus or Wayra Spanish Institute, which offer language lessons as well as cultural activities and group excursions. Community classes also help you meet fellow expats on the same journey, creating shared experiences and lasting friendships.
Get Involved in Community Events
For those moving to Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, local festivals offer the perfect opportunity to connect with your new community while experiencing authentic culture. In and around Tamarindo, several annual events bring locals, expats, and travelers together in celebration.
The Tamarindo Art Wave Festival is a standout event, featuring live music, interactive art installations, and performances that span several days throughout town. It draws creatives and families alike, creating a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere. Around the holidays, the Tamarindo Christmas Market offers handmade goods, food vendors, and a festive spirit that reflects the area’s international community.
Nearby in Brasilito and Flamingo, traditional Fiestas Patronales celebrate local culture with parades, dancing, live marimba bands, and delicious Costa Rican street food. These festivals are deeply rooted in local traditions and offer newcomers a warm, welcoming glimpse into everyday life. Volunteering or simply showing up with curiosity is a great way to meet your neighbors and immerse yourself in the festive rhythm of Guanacaste.
The Tamarindo Art Wave Festival is a standout event, featuring live music, interactive art installations, and performances that span several days throughout town. It draws creatives and families alike, creating a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere. Around the holidays, the Tamarindo Christmas Market offers handmade goods, food vendors, and a festive spirit that reflects the area’s international community.
Nearby in Brasilito and Flamingo, traditional Fiestas Patronales celebrate local culture with parades, dancing, live marimba bands, and delicious Costa Rican street food. These festivals are deeply rooted in local traditions and offer newcomers a warm, welcoming glimpse into everyday life. Volunteering or simply showing up with curiosity is a great way to meet your neighbors and immerse yourself in the festive rhythm of Guanacaste.
Join Local Groups or Clubs Based on Shared Interests
Whether you're into surfing, hiking, yoga, art, or sustainability, Costa Rica offers a wealth of community groups centered around shared passions. From wellness studios and volunteer organizations to hobby-based meetups, these spaces provide natural opportunities to connect with others who share your interests.
Joining a local surf collective, participating in beach cleanups, or attending regular yoga classes can help build friendships that extend beyond casual conversation. Many areas also offer networking groups, cultural workshops, or language exchanges that bring together locals and newcomers alike, creating strong social circles rooted in shared values and experiences.
Joining a local surf collective, participating in beach cleanups, or attending regular yoga classes can help build friendships that extend beyond casual conversation. Many areas also offer networking groups, cultural workshops, or language exchanges that bring together locals and newcomers alike, creating strong social circles rooted in shared values and experiences.
Explore Your Neighborhood on Foot or Bike
Getting to know your new surroundings is easiest when you experience them at street level. Walking or biking through your neighborhood allows you to discover tucked-away cafés, scenic walking paths, beach access points, and hidden parks that don’t show up on maps. You’ll begin to recognize familiar faces, wave to neighbors, and build connections just by being present in the everyday rhythm of your community.
Pop into local bakeries, linger at coffee shops with outdoor seating, or take a new route to the beach or grocery store. These small routines make a big impact in helping you feel grounded and integrated into your new environment.
Pop into local bakeries, linger at coffee shops with outdoor seating, or take a new route to the beach or grocery store. These small routines make a big impact in helping you feel grounded and integrated into your new environment.
Support Local and Family-Owned Businesses
A meaningful way to engage with your community is to support the businesses that keep it running. Frequenting local farmers markets, neighborhood hardware stores, family-run bakeries, or corner cafés helps you build relationships while supporting the local economy.
These spots are often the heart of the community—places where people gather, share news, and exchange recommendations. Over time, you’ll develop a rapport with vendors and shop owners who appreciate your support and begin to treat you like a true local. Shopping small isn’t just practical—it’s a gateway to deeper connection and belonging.
These spots are often the heart of the community—places where people gather, share news, and exchange recommendations. Over time, you’ll develop a rapport with vendors and shop owners who appreciate your support and begin to treat you like a true local. Shopping small isn’t just practical—it’s a gateway to deeper connection and belonging.
Engage With Both Locals and Expats
It’s natural to connect first with fellow expats when moving to Costa Rica—there’s comfort in shared language and experiences. Facebook groups like “Expats in Costa Rica” or town-specific forums are helpful for asking questions and finding resources.
That said, it’s important not to limit your circle. Participating in bilingual events, community cleanups, or local art classes allows for a richer, more balanced integration. Building a community that includes both locals and expats offers diverse perspectives and a deeper appreciation of your new home.
That said, it’s important not to limit your circle. Participating in bilingual events, community cleanups, or local art classes allows for a richer, more balanced integration. Building a community that includes both locals and expats offers diverse perspectives and a deeper appreciation of your new home.
Give It Time and Stay Curious
Building meaningful connections takes patience, especially in a new culture. The good news is, Costa Rica’s welcoming environment and communal lifestyle make it easier than in many places. Show up often, stay open to new experiences, and remain curious—these are the keys to creating your place in the community.
The more you invest in your new environment, the more it will give back—not just in friendships, but in opportunities, learning, and a true sense of belonging.
The more you invest in your new environment, the more it will give back—not just in friendships, but in opportunities, learning, and a true sense of belonging.
Moving to Costa Rica? Find a Home That Connects You
Moving to Costa Rica is about more than scenery—it’s about lifestyle, community, and daily joy. Whether you’re looking for a mountainside retreat or a beachside bungalow, Costa Rica Christie’s International Real Estate can help you find a home that supports your vision. With deep local expertise and personalized service, their team ensures your move sets you up for lasting connection, comfort, and success in your new life abroad.
