Safest Places to Live in Costa Rica
Contents
- Is Costa Rica Actually Safe for Americans?
- How We Identified the Safest Places in Costa Rica
- The Top 5 Safest Places to Live in Costa Rica
- #1. Atenas, Alajuela Province
- #2. Escazú, San José Province
- #3. Arenal, Alajuela Province
- #4. Heredia, Heredia Province
- #5. Nosara, Guanacaste Province
- Places to Avoid in Costa Rica
- Common-Sense Safety Tips for Living in Costa Rica
- What About Visas and Residency?
- Finding Your Perfect Costa Rican Home
“Is it really safe to live in Costa Rica?” a client asked me last week.
It’s a fair question. Central America often gets painted with the same broad brush, but Costa Rica is different. Known for political stability, strong infrastructure, and established expat communities, it consistently ranks as one of the region’s safest options.
In this guide, we’re going to focus down on the safety question—areas where you can enjoy the country’s natural beauty and welcoming lifestyle without worrying about crime.
Is Costa Rica Actually Safe for Americans?
Yes, numerous areas throughout Costa Rica are genuinely safe for Americans. What matters is doing your homework.
The country is home to several hundred thousand foreigners, with Americans forming one of the largest expatriate groups – drawn by a reasonable cost of living, accessible residency options, and the authentic Pura Vida culture that brings a refreshing pace to life.
That said, like any country (including the US), certain areas are more likely to cause trouble than others, and there are best safety practices.
When I first visited Costa Rica more than 15 years ago, I was warned about unlicensed taxis at the airport. Locals also told us to watch for pickpockets in the capital and suggested keeping valuables in a money belt under our clothes.
And in smaller towns, women in our group were advised not to walk alone at night.
In most places, that’s good advice in general. It didn’t make us feel unsafe. Forewarned is forearmed.
How We Identified the Safest Places in Costa Rica
We didn’t just rely on traveler gossip or expat forums. Our list is based on a mix of hard data and on-the-ground experience helping clients relocate and invest in Costa Rica.
Key factors we weighed:
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Crime data & police presence: Areas with lower reported crime and visible community policing.
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Community & expat networks: Towns with active expat populations often have better services and informal safety nets.
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Tourism & investment: Regions that rely on international visitors invest more in safety and infrastructure.
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Geography: Distance from known high-risk zones like border regions or drug-trafficking corridors.
There’s no such thing as a perfectly “safe” place—but these factors consistently highlight where foreigners live with confidence.
How Safety & Crime Indices Work
When comparing locations, you’ll often see two numbers:
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Safety Index → How safe people feel, based on surveys and visible security measures.
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Crime Index → How much crime is actually reported.
Both run from 0 to 100:
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20–40 = Low (generally safe, occasional petty theft)
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40–60 = Moderate (keep an eye on valuables, avoid risky areas after dark)
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60+ = High (frequent incidents, extra caution needed)
Tip: A high Safety Index paired with a low Crime Index signals a genuinely secure community.
The Top 5 Safest Places to Live in Costa Rica
For context, a Safety Index measures how secure people feel in a certain area. It combines factors like reported crime, police presence, and how residents themselves rate their sense of safety. The higher the score, the safer the location is considered.
The Crime Index works in reverse. Instead of reflecting safety, it measures the level of crime in a community. A high crime index points to more frequent or serious incidents, while a lower score signals fewer problems.
For those areas that are specifically rated, both indices represent a range from 0 to 100. The higher the index number, the more prevalent it is. Anything above 60 is considered high – anything between 20 and 40 is considered low. Anything between 60 and 40 is considered moderate (meaning petty theft is generally as far as most crime goes in that region).
Jump to: Places to Avoid in Costa Rica
#1. Atenas, Alajuela Province
Safety Index: Not specifically rated, but significantly safer than other areas of Costa Rica
Crime Index: Minimal crime, mostly petty theft and minor offenses
If you prioritize both security and lovely weather, Atenas is worth a look. Nestled in the Central Valley – the highland region surrounding San José – this mountain gem has long been praised for its climate.
The town’s atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and many appreciate the balance Atenas strikes between modern conveniences and traditional Costa Rican character.
What Makes Atenas Special:
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Strategically located: Roughly 35 minutes to San José and the SJO International Airport, with easy access to beaches and urban services.
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Thriving international scene: Home to several thousand expats.
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Ideal temperatures: Average daytime range between 72–85 °F, with cooler nights.
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Authentic charm: Despite the expat presence, Atenas retains vibrant Costa Rican culture and a relaxed pace.
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Friday farmers’ market: A lively gathering from early morning to evening, blending shopping and social life.
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All services close at hand: Clinics, pharmacies, shops, banks, and groceries are easily accessible in town.
To summarize: violent crime is virtually non-existent in Atenas. Most issues reported are petty – like minor theft – making the town both welcoming and secure for families and retirees alike.
#2. Escazú, San José Province
Safety Index: 56.43 (latest numbers from 2025)
Crime Index: 43.57 (latest numbers from 2025)
Looking for contemporary conveniences without compromising safety? Escazú sets the standard. This San José suburb has evolved into Costa Rica’s go-to destination for security-conscious expatriates who appreciate modern amenities.
Escazú’s Advantages:
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Premium security: Numerous guarded communities featuring round-the-clock protection.
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World-class medical care: CIMA Hospital ranks among Latin America’s finest private facilities.
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Educational excellence: Multiple international schools serving expat families.
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Contemporary shopping: Multiplaza Escazú covers everything from daily needs to luxury goods.
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Diverse cuisine: Traditional sodas alongside upscale international restaurants.
Though it’s generally more expensive to live in, residents find the blend of security, convenience, and proximity to the nation’s capital justifies the premium. Internet is reliable, and public services are dependable.
#3. Arenal, Alajuela Province
Safety Index: Not specifically rated, but known for its rural safety
Crime Index: Mostly petty thefts
Set against the backdrop of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, this region offers a different pace of life than Costa Rica’s urban or suburban hubs. Known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism, Arenal draws both short-term visitors and long-term expats who value tranquility, outdoor activities, and strong ties to the local community.
What Makes Arenal Special:
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Low violent crime: Serious incidents are rare; most problems involve opportunistic theft, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
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Eco-lifestyle: Surrounded by national parks, hot springs, and waterfalls.
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Tight-knit expat clusters: Small but steady communities of foreigners.
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Affordable living: Housing and daily expenses tend to be lower than in more urban areas.
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Proximity to La Fortuna (the region’s tourist hub): Access to shops and restaurants, without giving up the quiet of rural living.
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Energy and sustainability: Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest hydroelectric source, and the area has become a hub for eco-conscious living.
Life here feels safe in the way rural towns often do. Neighbors know each other, and the pace is slower.
That said, visitors and new residents should still take routine precautions against theft, especially in busy tourist zones around La Fortuna. For those seeking a nature-driven lifestyle with a solid sense of safety, Arenal remains a strong contender.
#4. Heredia, Heredia Province
Safety Index: 49.17
Crime Index: 50.83
Heredia sits just north of San José in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. It blends colonial charm with modern conveniences and is home to both the American International School (AIS) and a growing expat population.
What stands out is Heredia’s reputation for tolerance and inclusivity. Numbeo surveys show the level of reported crime linked to skin color, ethnic origin, gender, or religion is very low (an 8 on a scale of 1 to 100). While your own due diligence will still be critical, consider starting here if you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
What Makes Heredia Special:
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Balanced safety: Petty theft exists, but violent crime is relatively uncommon.
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Academic and cultural hub: The AIS adds vibrancy and brings in an international crowd.
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Proximity to San José: Just a 15 to 20-minute drive to the capital.
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Expat-friendly atmosphere: Small but active expatriate communities.
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Modern infrastructure: Reliable internet, healthcare clinics, and shopping centers are readily available.
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Natural surroundings: Coffee plantations, national parks, and mountain views frame the city with a sense of calm.
Heredia offers a balance: close enough to San José for business or healthcare needs, but far enough away to enjoy a quieter, more residential lifestyle.
#5. Nosara, Guanacaste Province
Safety Index: Not specifically rated, but considered safe for expats and tourists who use normal precautions
Crime Index: Low overall, with most incidents limited to petty theft
Nosara is one of Costa Rica’s best-known beach towns. It’s famous for yoga retreats, surf culture, and wellness tourism, drawing a steady flow of international visitors and long-term expats. It’s managed to maintain a balance between development and natural beauty while avoiding over-commercialization.
What Makes Nosara Special:
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Generally safe environment: Violent crime is extremely rare; petty theft is the most common issue, often preventable with basic precautions.
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Healthy lifestyle hub: Known worldwide for yoga, surfing, and wellness communities.
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Large expat population: A well-established international scene creates strong networks and support systems.
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Beaches and biodiversity: Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada are renowned for surf and sunsets, while the Ostional Wildlife Refuge hosts massive sea turtle nesting events.
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Eco-minded development: Building codes limit high-rise construction, preserving a laid-back, low-density feel.
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Tourist infrastructure: Restaurants, boutique hotels, organic markets, and clinics cater to both expats and visitors.
The cost of living in Nosara is higher than in other parts of Costa Rica. But the trade-off may be worth it for the combination of security, healthy living, and one of the country’s most vibrant expat communities.
Places to Avoid in Costa Rica
Despite Costa Rica’s overall safety, certain areas pose genuine risks for foreign residents:
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Limón City: Limón has sadly become a hotspot for drug-trafficking activity thanks to its strategic Caribbean port. It has a notably elevated homicide rate, often linked to organized crime and territorial disputes.
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San José Metropolitan “Hot Spots”: Within the capital, neighborhoods like Pavas, Desamparados, Hatillos, and Montes de Oca tend to experience higher crime rates, particularly after dark or during rush hours.
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Calle de la Amargura (San Pedro): Located near the University of Costa Rica, this nightlife strip is notorious for late-night petty crime, drug activity, and pickpocketing. Police are present, but thefts remain common.
Generally speaking, drug corridor locations, impoverished urban districts, and remote border zones present the most risks. Always investigate specific neighborhoods thoroughly, not just municipality names.
Common-Sense Safety Tips for Living in Costa Rica
Choosing a safe community is the first step. These precautions help you avoid becoming a target once you’re there:
- Stay Aware in Public
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Tourist zones attract pickpockets—don’t get distracted.
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Trust your instincts; if a situation feels off, leave.
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Avoid isolated beaches and unlit areas at night.
- Move Around Smartly
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Use official red/orange taxis or verified ride-share drivers.
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Keep bags and phones out of sight in cars.
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Limit rural night driving, especially on unfamiliar roads.
- Protect Your Property
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Lock valuables in safes; carry copies of documents instead of originals.
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Skip flashy jewelry and high-end watches.
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Stay alert in bus stations, markets, and beaches.
- Secure Your Home & Blend In
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Choose housing with strong locks, lighting, or alarms.
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Join local WhatsApp security chats if available.
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Build relationships with neighbors—they often notice things outsiders miss.
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Learn basic Spanish and respect local customs; the less you stand out, the safer you’ll be.
What About Visas and Residency?
If you’re thinking about moving to Costa Rica, you’ll need to understand your visa and residency options:
Read more: How to Move to Costa Rica: A Guide for American Expats
Finding Your Perfect Costa Rican Home
Yes, crime exists in Costa Rica—just as it does everywhere. But choosing the right area and common sense goes a long way. The places we’ve highlighted offer the best mix of security, infrastructure, and community support, giving you a strong foundation for life abroad.
That foundation is especially important in today’s uncertain world. Often unspoken but obvious, it’s a driving force for many of our planning clients.
If you’re ready to explore Costa Rica as part of your international plan – or want tailored guidance on blending real estate, residency, and wealth protection – we’re here to help. Since 1984, we’ve helped thousands of Americans invest and move themselves abroad. Perhaps we can do the same for you?
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