Santa Teresa for British buyers.

The hip centre of the Nicoya Peninsula. World-class surf, growing international restaurant scene, expanding international school infrastructure, an active expat community of Americans, Israelis, French, Germans, with a smaller British presence. Most British buyers who tour multiple towns end up shortlisting Santa Teresa as one of the two.

The character

One long road along the beach, divided into three zones: Playa Carmen (central, most touristic), Playa Santa Teresa (south of Carmen, calmer, longer beach), Playa Hermosa (south, quieter, biggest waves — for advanced surfers).

Who lives here

International community mostly Americans, Israelis, French, Germans aged 30-50. Remote-workers, former hotel managers, yoga teachers, small business owners. British presence smaller than at Tamarindo but present and easy to plug into.

Property types

Centre (Playa Carmen) — £560K-£2.4M

• Ocean-view villas
• Small condo developments (3-8 units)
• Commercial-residential combos (shop below, flat above)

Hills above the beach — £400K-£1.6M

• Villas with panoramic views
• Building lots — £80K-£320K per acre
• Traditional houses with gardens

Daily life

Shopping & eating

• Supermarkets — Super Ronny's, Super Costa, Auto Mercado
• Friday morning farmers' market
• Restaurants — Drift, Brisas del Mar, Néctar Bistro, dozens more

Schools

• Pacific Edge International Academy (PEIA) — K-12 English
• Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA)
• Local CR public schools — Spanish, free

Drawbacks (honestly)

• Difficult access — 4-5 hr drive from San José with ferry or unpaved road. Travel-sickness-prone? Consider Tamarindo instead.
• Peak season crowds — Dec-Mar very busy
• Unreliable internet — Starlink recommended for remote workers
• Car essential — no public transport. ATV or 4x4 typical.