When looking for the perfect destination in the Latin tropics, many would-be expats have things like beautiful scenery, good weather, modern amenities and services, close-knit community, and laid-back atmosphere on their list of must-haves.  Then they quickly find that it’s difficult to find all of these characteristics in a single destination.

Not so in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the country’s northwest Pacific coast, Tamarindo has practically everything you could want in a beach town.  The sun shines almost every single day.  It’s warm all year.  May through October sees a frequent afternoon shower, just enough to make the wet sand sparkle beneath a sunset exploding with color.

The almost two mile stretch of white sand is dotted with shady palms.  And the sparkling turquoise water is warm with gentle waves.  It sounds like a nice postcard picture.  And it is.  But that’s just the beginning.  There’s so much more than just its picturesque setting that makes Tamarindo stand heads above other Costa Rican beaches.

Kristin Crane

Its people make up one huge multi-cultural family.

When sport fishermen and pioneering surfers first discovered Tamarindo, it was a tiny fishing village with about 50 residents.  Word began to spread and the town has experienced quite an influx of tourists and expats.  It has a number of hotels and luxury resorts, restaurants, and other businesses.

But it never lost its small-town feel.

A large number of visitors come and go, but they blend in nicely with the 4,000 or so long-term residents who all seem to know each other.  Tamarindo has one of the most diverse populations in all of Costa Rica, with immigrants hailing from Italy to Argentina to Canada to Israel.

They’ve all brought tidbits of their culture with them and seasoned it with authentic Costa Rican flair.  What results is a fusion of traditions, cuisines, and lifestyles that is 100% uniquely Tamarindo.

It has a funky, laid-back atmosphere.

Tamarindo is a beach town through and through.  There are surf schools, souvenir shops, and dozens of places you can enjoy a meal or a cocktail right on the beach.

Shirts and shoes are optional.  Watches are unnecessary.  And “pura vida” is an appropriate response to almost every prompt.  Yet because of its multi-cultural population, Tamarindo has a very cosmopolitan vibe.

It’s also a very friendly town.  Everything’s within walking distance.  So locals are out and about to greet strangers or stop and chat if they see a familiar face.

While there’s plenty to walk around and see in town, the beach is where everything happens.  With just the right amount of activity, it’s a great place to spend time with your family or even meet new friends.  It’s the gathering place of the community, and at sunset the action really picks up.

Locals show up to go for an evening stroll or meet friends for cocktails.  Kids play soccer on the sand.  Surfers take advantage of the last few minutes of daylight.  There are frisbees, dogs, blankets, bonfires.  It’s like one big community picnic.  And it happens every day.

In Tamarindo, your time is yours to use as you wish.

Other than your presence at the daily sunset beach party (which is really more of a much-anticipated event than an obligation), there is absolutely nothing that’s required of you in Tamarindo.  Life there runs at a slower place, and it’s yours to fill with whatever you desire.

The most common praise that expats offer for Tamarindo is how it has helped them regain their sense of family and community and how they’ve instilled those same values in their children.  They feel in control of their own schedules and their own futures.

And goodness knows there are plenty of things in and around Tamarindo to help fill your time.  There are water sports to enjoy, mangroves to explore, languages to learn, animals to discover, and tons of people to meet.  There are also restaurants serving up every cuisine imaginable, art galleries, spas, and fitness centers.

So, if you’re considering becoming an expat in Costa Rica–or anywhere in the Latin tropics, for that matter–make sure you give Tamarindo a try.  Plan a visit to check out this popular destination.

Don’t forget to show up at the beach at sunset and mingle with the locals.  They may not speak your language, but that’s okay.  “Pura vida” is universal.

Worst case scenario…you’ll enjoy what will end up being one of your best vacations ever.  Best case?  You might find your forever home in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Map of Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo Fast Facts

• Population: About 150,000
• Typical temperature: 84 degrees
• Nearest airport with U.S. flights: The nearest major airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica.