The residential crowd is made up of...locals, known as “Ticos,” as well as a large international expat community of full- and part-time residents, mainly from North America and Europe.
The community vibe is...characterized by a cooperative spirit focused on preserving a beautiful part of the world. From local farmer’s markets, to environmental initiatives to protect local beaches, turtle sanctuaries, rainforest fauna, and more, Costa Ballena’s treasures bring the community together.
The lifestyle offered is...“pura vida,” courtesy of a very laid-back environment focused on healthy outdoor living. Whether you prefer an active day of hiking, surfing, or kayaking, or a lazy day of tropical landscape views from the contemporary comforts of your home, Costa Rica’s “pura vida” is hard to resist.
The most popular architectural styles that you’ll find are...Spanish-Colonial, from a historic perspective, with a modern-day infusion of contemporary styles, highlighted by clean lines and abundant windows designed to invite Mother Nature into your living room.
The average price of a home is...under $400,000 for bungalows, townhouses, and condominiums, with multimillion-dollar price tags for luxurious estates. The region’s real estate market offers price points for every level of investor.
The region’s greatest attributes include…pristine natural beauty at every turn, marked by daily wildlife spottings and breathtaking vistas. Costa Ballena is also home to Marino Ballena National Park, a protected stretch of coastline that protects some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The area also attracts an annual migration of whales to its calm waters, which are sheltered by the region’s famous Whale’s Tail rock and sandbar formation.
The best getaways within driving distance are…abundant. Costa Rica is a relatively small country and many of its most coveted national attractions are within reasonable driving distance, including Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcavado National Park, Arenal Volcano, and the hustle and bustle of San Jose, the capital city.
The best culinary destination in the region is…Ojochal, which is quickly earning a reputation as the culinary capital of Costa Rica. Ojochal’s smorgasbord of expat residents and Ticos have contributed to the country’s largest concentration and most eclectic mix of restaurants featuring blended international cuisine.
The hotspots for entertainment are…Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal––each with unique offerings of restaurants, bars, and cafes. The towns also offer live music, community celebrations, and other public events throughout the year, including Best Fest, Envision Festival, and the Festival of Whales and Dolphins. San Jose offers everything from opera and ballet to IMAX theaters, while the city of San Isidro, 45 minutes from Dominical, offers a more local vibe of markets, shops, and restaurants.
The best place to shop for everyday needs in the area is…Uvita, the commercial heart of the Costa Ballena region. You’ll find everything you need in Uvita’s commercial center, including grocery stores, banks, and pharmacies.
The best place to tee off is…
Just 15 minutes south, the San Buenas Golf Resort’s first nine holes feature spectacular mountain and valley views in the rainforest. To the north, Marriott’s 18-hole championship La Iguana Golf Course is about an hour and 15 minutes away.
