Why Many Expats and Retirees Choose Playas del Coco: Easy Access, Amenities, and Lifestyle

Picture this: You wake up to the sound of tropical birds singing, step onto your balcony to feel the warm ocean breeze, and watch the sunrise paint the sky in shades of gold and pink. Your day begins with a leisurely stroll along the beach, followed by fresh tropical fruit at a local café. Later, you might join friends for a sunset sail, try your hand at fishing, or simply relax by the pool with a good book.

This isn’t just a vacation—it’s everyday life in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica, one of the most sought-after retirement destinations for U.S. and Canadian expats.

What makes this vibrant beach town so special?

For starters, Playas del Coco (or “El Coco”) offers something many other coastal towns in Costa Rica don’t—unmatched convenience. Located just 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR), it’s the closest beach community to an international airport in the country. That means no long, bumpy drives after your flight—just a quick ride, and you’re home.

But it’s not just about easy travel. Retirees and families love Coco for its walkable downtown, affordable cost of living, top-notch healthcare access, and thriving expat community. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retirement haven, an active beach lifestyle, or a smart real estate investment, Playas del Coco checks all the boxes.

As seasoned real estate experts helping expats settle in Guanacaste, Tony and Anna Vélez of BrokerCostaRica.com have seen firsthand why so many retirees choose Coco. From luxury ocean view villas to cozy gated communities, there’s a perfect home for every budget and lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top reasons Playas del Coco is a dream retirement and expat spot, backed by real-world insights and practical tips for making the move. Let’s dive in!

Unmatched Convenience: The Closest Beach Town to Liberia Airport

When living abroad, easy access matters more than you think. After all, you’ll want:
✓ Quick flights home for family visits or emergencies
✓ No exhausting transfers after international flights
✓ Convenient shopping trips to Liberia for big-box stores

This is where Playas del Coco shines—it’s the ONLY beach town in Costa Rica just 30 minutes from an international airport.

Why Proximity to Liberia Airport (LIR) Is a Game-Changer

Stress-Free Travel (No 4-Hour Drives!)

Compare Coco to other popular beach towns:

• Tamarindo: 1.5+ hours from LIR
• Nosara: 2.5+ hours (rough roads)
• Jaco/Manuel Antonio: 3+ hours from San José (SJO)

For expats, this means:
✔ No grueling shuttle rides after a long flight
✔ More direct flights from North America (Delta, United, American, Southwest, etc.)
✔ Easy weekend trips—pop home for a grandkid’s birthday without a travel marathon

Liberia: Your “Big City” Lifeline (Just 40 Minutes Away)

While Coco has all the essentials, sometimes you need:

• PriceSmart (Costco equivalent) – Bulk groceries, electronics, imported favorites
• Main Hospitals – private and public hospitals (more in Section 5)
• Government offices – Residency paperwork, driver’s license renewals
• Home living & hardware stores – EPA (like Home Depot), Colono, Pequeno Mundo, Walmart

Pro Tip: Many retirees keep a car for Liberia trips but use golf carts or taxis ($3-10 rides) for daily life in Coco.

Closest Beach to Major Healthcare

Unlike remote beach towns where hospitals are 90+ minutes away, Coco offers:
✔ San Rafael Arcángel Hospital (40 mins) – Full-service private hospital

✔ Hospital Enrique Baltodano (40 mins) – Full-service Public Main hospital

✔ Hospital Metropolitano (40 mins) – Full-service private hospital
✔ Clinics in Coco – English-speaking doctors, labs, pharmacies
✔ Air ambulance access – Critical for emergencies (landing strip at LIR)

The Takeaway for Retirees

Playas del Coco removes the biggest hassle of tropical retirement—isolation. You get:
✅ Beach life without sacrificing convenience
✅ No car dependency (but easy rentals when needed)
✅ Peace of mind knowing major services are minutes away

“Most retirees don’t realize how much airport proximity matters until they’re stuck on a bumpy road in 90° heat. In Coco, you’re always close to the ‘real world’—but still living in paradise.”
—Tony & Anna Vélez, BrokerCostaRica.com

Walkable, Livable, and Full of Amenities

One of the biggest surprises for retirees in Playas del Coco? You can ditch your car—and still live comfortably. Unlike sprawling beach towns where you need to drive everywhere, Coco’s compact, pedestrian-friendly design puts everything within easy reach.

The Ultimate Walkable Beach Town

Coco’s downtown core packs all the essentials into just a few square blocks, making daily errands a breeze:

✔ Groceries: From fresh produce at the Thursday/Sunday farmers market to imported goods at AutoMercado (Costa Rica’s upscale grocery chain)
✔ Dining: 50+ restaurants serving everything from $6 casados (local meals) to gourmet sushi
✔ Banks: major banks with ATMs (including BAC, BCR and Banco Nacional)
✔ Pharmacies: Fischel and others with English-speaking staff
✔ Beach Access: Just a 5-minute stroll from most downtown homes

“We have clients in their 70s here who don’t own cars after realizing they’d only use them for Liberia trips. Golf carts and taxis cover 90% of their needs. Plus AutoMercado and Pricesmart deliver.”
—Tony & Anna Vélez

Expat-Friendly Services (No Spanish Required)

Coco’s established international community means you’ll find:

• English-speaking doctors/dentists (significantly cheaper than U.S./Canada)
• Real estate agents & property managers specializing in expat needs
• Gyms, yoga studios, and pickleball courts with social expat crowds
• Facebook groups like “Coco Chit Chat” for instant local advice

Hidden Perks You Won’t Find in Smaller Towns

While Coco feels laid-back, it offers big-town conveniences:
✅ High-speed fiber optic internet (Zoom calls with grandkids = no problem)
✅ Uber/Taxi availability (unlike remote areas)
✅ Coco Medical clinic open until 10pm (with EKG capabilities)
✅ Major banks, post office, specialty shops – Coco is a full service town

The Takeaway

Playas del Coco proves you don’t have to choose between small-town charm and modern convenience. It’s why:

• Active retirees love the walkability
• Families appreciate the safety and amenities
• Snowbirds enjoy hassle-free seasonal living

Pro Tip: The most walkable neighborhoods are downtown Coco, Las Palmas, and near AutoMercado. Gated community Pacifico offers shuttle services to their beach club.

Active, Engaging Retirement Lifestyle

Retirement in Playas del Coco isn’t about slowing down—it’s about reinventing what “everyday life” looks like. Here, your biggest challenge might be choosing between a morning ocean kayak, an afternoon Spanish lesson, or sunset cocktails with new friends from five different countries.

Ocean Adventures Right Outside Your Door

Coco’s calm bay and vibrant marine life make it ideal for:

Water Sports & Fishing

• Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Explore the Catalina Islands (20-min boat ride), home to rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
• Sportfishing: Catch sailfish, marlin, and dorado—many charters leave from Coco beach.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Glide over glassy morning waters (rentals start at $15/hour).
• Sunset Sails: Catamaran tours with snorkeling & open bar ($75-$100/person).

“Most retirees are shocked by how much they end up on the water. We’ve had clients in their 80s take up paddleboarding!”

Land-Based Activities

• Hiking: Trails to Rincón de la Vieja volcano (1 hour away) or local waterfalls.
• Golf: Tres Volcanes’ 18-hole course or championship courses in Papagayo (30 mins).
• Pickleball: The fastest-growing sport among Coco expats (find games at Pacifico or Coco Bay Estates).

Social Life: Never Eat (or Party) Alone

Expat Clubs & Events

• Weekly Farmers Markets: Garden Bar’s Sunday market (fresh food + live music).
• Poker Nights, Book Clubs & Craft Circles: Check Coco’s expat Facebook groups.
• Dance Classes: Salsa and latin dancing at Coconutz.

Dining & Nightlife

• Sunset Happy Hours: Bamboo Lounge (beachfront) and Zi Lounge (live music).
• International Cuisine: From Italian (Il Gusto) to fresh seafood (Mar Azul).

Wellness & Learning

Stay Healthy

• Yoga on the Beach: Check out Yoga classes’ calendar on the Coco Yoga Community Facebook group.
• Gyms & Pools: Longev Gym , Coco Gym, or The Gym – all offer various fitness classes and packages
  • Coco Bay Estates offers membership to general public with access to resort style pool, beach club, gym, tennis/pickle ball courts.
• Holistic Health: Try sound baths or Reiki sessions with local healers.

Keep Growing

• Spanish Schools: Coco Spanish School (group lessons from $10/hour).
• Volunteer: Help at Four the Love of Paws (animal rescue).
• Art Workshops: Pottery, painting, and jewelry-making with local artists.

The Takeaway

Playas del Coco turns retirement into a daily adventure where:
✅ You’ll be more active than you’ve been in years
✅ Social calendars fill up faster than you expect
✅ Every day offers something new to learn or try

“We’ve had clients say they’re ‘too busy being retired’—between water aerobics, Spanish lessons, and Friday sunset parties, they barely have time for naps!”

Affordable Cost of Living (Compared to U.S./Canada)

One of the biggest draws of retiring in Playas del Coco is the lower cost of living—without sacrificing comfort or convenience. While Costa Rica isn’t the ultra-cheap paradise it once was, your dollar still stretches further here than in most U.S. or Canadian beach towns. Plus, compared to pricier southern Guanacaste destinations like Tamarindo and Flamingo, Coco offers better value in both real estate and daily expenses.

Real Estate: More Affordable Than Tamarindo & Flamingo

Purchase Prices

✅ Why Coco Wins?
✔ Lower entry prices for comparable properties
✔ More inventory in walkable areas (vs. Tamarindo’s scarcity)
✔ Better rental yields (higher demand from mid-range travelers)

Rental Market (Long-Term)

• Coco: $1,000 – $1,500/month (2-bed condo, walkable area)
• Tamarindo: $1,500 – $3,000/month (similar properties)
• Flamingo: $2,000 – $4,000/month (luxury-focused)

“Snowbirds who rent for 6 months in Coco save 30-50% versus Tamarindo—and still get the same beaches and weather.”

Where You’ll Save the Most

1. Healthcare

• Doctor Visits: $50 – $80 (vs. $150 – $300 in U.S.)
• Dental Cleaning: $50 – $65 (vs. $100 – $200)
• Prescriptions: 40-70% cheaper (e.g., blood pressure meds for $10/month)

2. Domestic Help

• Housekeeper: $30 – $60/cleaning (2x/week is common)
• Gardener: $100 – $250/month

3. Entertainment

• Beer at a Bar: $2 – $4 (vs. $6 – $10 in U.S.)
• Movie Tickets: $5 – $7
• Fishing Charters: $400 – $600 (vs. $800 – $1,500 in Florida)

4. Mechanics and Contractors

• Car Repairs: punctured tire repair costed us $4 vs. $40 in Canada
• Labor costs are much lower ($4-6/hour) hence any repairs, renovations will cost significantly less.

The Takeaway

Playas del Coco lets you live a comfortable beach lifestyle at 40-60% of U.S./Canadian costs—and 30-50% cheaper than Tamarindo or Flamingo for comparable homes. It’s ideal for retirees who want:
✅ Affordable home ownership (without sacrificing amenities)
✅ Lower monthly overhead (so savings last longer)
✅ Access to luxuries (like housekeeping) that’d be unthinkable back home

*”We’ve helped clients sell their cramped Florida condos to buy ocean-view villas in Coco—and still pocket $200K in savings.”*

Healthcare Access – Major Hospitals & Clinics Near Playas del Coco

One of the biggest concerns for retirees in Costa Rica is healthcare access—but Playas del Coco offers better medical infrastructure than most beach towns, with options ranging from walk-in clinics to full-service hospitals just minutes away.

Liberia’s Top Hospitals (40-Minute Drive)

1. Hospital San Rafael Arcángel (Private)

• Best for: Emergencies, specialists, surgeries
• Services: 24/7 ER, cardiology, orthopedics, imaging (MRI/CT scans)
• Expat-Friendly: English-speaking staff, accepts international insurance
• Costs: $80-$200 for specialist visits, $2,000-$5,000 for surgeries (vs. 3-5x higher in U.S.)

2. Hospital Enrique Baltodano Briceño (Public – CAJA)

• Best for: Low-cost care for residents enrolled in Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)
• Services: General medicine, pediatrics, maternity, basic surgeries
• Wait Times: Longer than private hospitals (non-emergencies may take weeks)
• Cost: ~$100/month for CAJA coverage (covers most treatments)

Key Difference:

• Private (San Rafael): Faster, more English support, pay-per-service.
• Public (Baltodano): Nearly free for residents, but slower and less customized.

Local Clinics in Coco & Sardinal (CAJA & Private)

1. IBAIS Clinic (Playas del Coco)

• Type: Public (CAJA)
• Services: Basic check-ups, vaccinations, prescriptions
• Who Can Use It? CAJA enrollees only (must be a legal resident)

2. IBAIS Clinic (Sardinal – 15 mins from Coco)

• Type: Public (CAJA)
• Services: Similar to Coco’s IBAIS, with slightly shorter wait times

3. Private Clinics in Coco

• Coco Medical Clinic: Walk-in care, EKGs, lab tests ($60-$100/visit)
• Dental Offices: Cleanings ($60-$70), implants ($600 vs. $3,000+ in U.S.)

Health Insurance Options for Expats

1. CAJA (Public Insurance)

• Requirements: Legal residency (Pensionado/Rentista visa)
• Cost: ~$100/month per couple (age-based)
• Pros: Covers 90% of care, including medications
• Cons: Long waits for non-urgent care

2. Private Insurance

• Cost: $100-$500/month per couple (depending on age/pre-existing conditions)
• Pros: Access to private hospitals, shorter wait times
• Best For: Expats who split time between countries

3. Medical Tourism Packages

• Common For: Elective procedures (dental, cosmetic, joint replacements)
• Example: A hip replacement at Hospital La Católica (San José) costs ~$13,000 (vs. $50K+ in U.S.)

Why Coco’s Healthcare Beats Other Beach Towns

Compared to popular expat locations Coco offers:
✅ 24/7 emergency care within 40 minutes
✅ More specialist options (no need to drive to San José)
✅ Mixed public/private system lets you choose affordability or speed

“Most retirees use CAJA for routine care and keep private insurance for emergencies. It’s the best of both worlds.”

The Takeaway

Playas del Coco provides peace of mind for retirees with:

• Top-tier private hospitals minutes away
• Affordable public options (once residency is approved it’s free)
• Local clinics for everyday needs

Pro Tip: Costa Rica is famous for medical and dental tourism because of high quality affordable range or services.

Perfect Weather – Sunny & Dry Guanacaste Climate

For expats dreaming of year-round sunshine without suffocating humidity, Playas del Coco delivers one of Costa Rica’s most comfortable climates. Located in Guanacaste—the driest region in the country—Coco offers 300+ days of sunshine annually, with a refreshing breeze that keeps even the hottest days manageable.

Why Guanacaste’s Climate Beats Southern Costa Rica

Less Humidity, More Comfort

• Playas del Coco (Guanacaste):
  • Dry season (Dec-Apr): 0-5 rainy days/month, humidity ~60%
  • Green season (May-Nov): Afternoon showers, humidity ~75%
• Southern Coast (e.g., Uvita/Manuel Antonio):
  • Year-round humidity 85-95%
  • 2x more annual rainfall (up to 150 inches vs. Coco’s 55 inches)

“Retirees with arthritis or respiratory issues often choose Guanacaste because the dry heat eases joint pain. The south’s humidity can exacerbate inflammation.”

Consistent Ocean Breezes

Coco’s bay-facing location creates natural airflow that:
✔ Cools evenings to 72-78°F (22-26°C)
✔ Reduces mosquitoes (vs. stagnant humid zones)
✔ Makes outdoor dining comfortable year-round

Monthly Weather Guide for Retirees

Key Notes:

• Hottest Months: March-April (peak dry season) – temps can hit 95°F (35°C), but humidity stays low.
• Rainiest Months: September-October – short, intense afternoon storms (great for napping!).

How Expats Adapt to the Climate

1. Home Design Tips

• North-facing properties: Avoid direct afternoon sun.
• Cross-ventilation: Prioritize homes with breezeways or ceiling fans.
• A/C: Only needed in bedrooms (many retirees use it just 3-4 months/year).

2. Daily Routine Adjustments

• Early mornings: Walk the beach or hike before 10am.
• Siestas: Embrace the local tradition of resting midday.
• Sunset socializing: Most expat events start after 5pm when temps drop.

The Takeaway

Playas del Coco’s “Goldilocks climate” offers:
✅ No freezing winters (like Canada/Northern U.S.)
✅ No swampy humidity (like Florida/Southern Costa Rica)
✅ No extreme weather (hurricanes rarely reach Pacific coast)

Strong Expat Community – Instant Friends & Support

One of the biggest fears about retiring abroad? “Will I feel lonely?” In Playas del Coco, that worry disappears fast. With one of Costa Rica’s most established expat networks, you’ll find:
✔ Social events almost every day of the week
✔ Clubs for every interest (pickleball to poker)
✔ “Instant friends” who’ve been through your transition

Why Coco’s Expat Network Stands Out

1. Critical Mass of Retirees

• Demographics: Primarily 50+ North Americans/Europeans, with many full-time residents (vs. tourist-heavy towns).
• Shared Life Stage: Most are retirees who’ve navigated the same visa/residency process.

2. Organized Support Systems

• Facebook Groups: Coco Chit Chat (21K+ members) for real-time advice.
• Group Classes: Fitness, dance and Spanish classes.
• “Buddy Systems”: Seasoned expats often mentor newcomers.

“Within a week of arriving, I had invites to a Spanish learning club, a dentist recommendation, and someone offering to drive me to PriceSmart. The community here wraps you up like a warm hug.”

Daily Social Calendar (Sample Week in Coco)

Niche Communities Within Coco

1. Interest-Based Groups

• Sports: Pickleball, golf, fishing clubs
• Creative: Photography and painting classes
• Wellness: Reiki circles, yoga and meditation groups

2. Nationality Clubs

• Canadian Social Club: Monthly meetups (especially busy during hockey season)
• American Legion Post: Veterans’ gatherings

3. Volunteer Opportunities

• Four the Love of Paws: Animal rescue (great for pet lovers)
• Coco and Hermosa Beach Cleanups: Monthly environmental efforts

The Takeaway

Playas del Coco solves the #1 retirement abroad challenge—isolation—by offering:
✅ Built-in friends who share your interests
✅ Structured activities to fill your calendar
✅ Safety net of people who’ll help in a crisis

“We’ve seen shy introverts blossom here. When every conversation starts with ‘Where are you from?’ and ‘How long have you lived here?’, making friends is effortless.”

Real Estate Investment Potential in Playas del Coco

For retirees considering a move—or investors looking for a profitable tropical asset—Playas del Coco offers one of the most balanced real estate markets in Costa Rica. Unlike higher priced tourist hubs (Tamarindo) or remote bargains (Nicoya Peninsula), Coco delivers:
✅ Steady appreciation (5-10% annually in prime areas)
✅ Strong rental demand from tourists and expats
✅ Lower entry costs than comparable beach towns

Market Overview: Why Coco Stands Out

1. Price Comparison (2024 Averages)

Key Insight: Coco offers similar amenities at 30-50% lower prices than Guanacaste’s “brand name” beaches.

2. Rental Demand Drivers

• Proximity to Airport: Highest occupancy rates Dec-Apr (snowbird season).
• Medical Tourism: Patients at Hospital San Rafael often rent for recovery stays.
• Digital Nomads: Monthly rentals surge Jan-Mar and Jul-Aug.

Top Investment Opportunities

1. Vacation Rentals (Short-Term)

• Best Areas: Central Coco, Pacifico, Las Palmas, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal
• Management: Local companies charge 20-30% for full-service hosting.

2. Long-Term Rentals (Expat Focused)

• Target Tenants: Retirees, remote workers, snow birds
• Sweet Spot:
  • 2-bed condos: Rent for $1,200-$1,800/month
  • Houses w/ pools: $2,000-$4,500/month

3. Land & Development

• Emerging Areas: Sardinal (15 mins inland) has 50% lower land costs.
• Trend: Gated communities with pickleball courts and coworking spaces are booming.

The Takeaway

Playas del Coco is a rare “sweet spot” where you can:
✅ Buy a retirement home that could pay for itself via rentals
✅ Enjoy 5-10% annual appreciation (outpacing U.S. coastal markets)
✅ Avoid tourist-town volatility thanks to year-round demand

“We’ve helped clients buy properties that now cover their entire Costa Rica living expenses through rentals—while the property value doubled.”

Ready to Make Playas del Coco Your Home?

For personalized advice on retiring or investing in Playas del Coco, contact Tony & Anna Vélez, your local experts at BrokerCostaRica.com. With years of experience helping expats settle in Costa Rica, they can:

✔ Match you with the perfect property
✔ Guide you through residency and relocation
✔ Share insider tips for living your best Pura Vida life

Get started today—paradise awaits!

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Anna and Tony Velez

Anna and Tony Velez are award-winning luxury real estate experts with nearly a decade of experience as top-performing agents at Coldwell Banker Coast to Coast Properties in Costa Rica. Recognized with multiple achievement awards every year, they hold the prestigious Luxury Marketing Specialist (LMS) designation—an elite credential awarded to only the most accomplished agents worldwide. With deep expertise in construction, project management, and accounting, they provide clients with unmatched insight into Costa Rica’s high-end property market, from development opportunities to seamless transactions. Trusted by investors and expats alike, Anna and Tony combine local market mastery, transparent service, and a passion for Costa Rica’s luxury lifestyle. For expert guidance, visit BrokerCostaRica.com.

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