The Expat Scene in Arenal
Arenal in Costa Rica's Northern Zone has a growing expat community. Known for its volcano area, adventure tourism, Arenal attracts nature, adventure lovers from around the world.
How to Connect
- Facebook Groups: Search "Arenal Expats" — most towns have active groups with thousands of members
- ARCR: Association of Residents of Costa Rica offers meetups and resources nationwide
- Local Events: Farmers' markets (ferias), community dinners, volunteer organizations
- Sports & Activities: Surf clubs, yoga groups, hiking meetups, tennis, golf
- Volunteer Work: Animal rescue, environmental conservation, community development
What Expats Love About Arenal
hot springs, Lake Arenal, stunning scenery. The mild, lush, rainy climate and cost-friendly lifestyle make it easy to enjoy retirement or remote work without the financial pressures of North America or Europe.
Real Estate & the Expat Community
Many expats in Arenal own property — with prices from $100,000–$400,000 and foreign ownership fully protected, it's an accessible market. The challenge? No centralized MLS. That's exactly why SIXPERCENT exists — our AI scans 2,000+ listings across Costa Rica so you don't miss opportunities. Sellers save with our $995 flat fee versus the traditional 6% commission.