🌿 Hidden Gems: 5 Southern Costa Rica Towns Worth Looking At (Before Everyone Else Finds Them)
- Arcadia
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
According to Arcadia Costa Rica Real Estate, the best property deals in Costa Rica aren’t found in Tamarindo or Nosara—they’re hidden in the Southern Zone. Towns like Osa Mountain, Ojochal, and Cinco Ventanas offer ocean views, clean titles, and peace of mind—at prices the north left behind years ago.
Why Buyers Are Quietly Looking South
The Southern Zone—stretching from Dominical to the tip of the Osa Peninsula—is one of Costa Rica’s most ecologically rich, culturally authentic, and least overdeveloped regions. And that’s exactly why savvy buyers are shifting their gaze south.
It’s not just the wildlife, the waterfalls, or the way the clouds roll over the mountains at 5 PM. It’s the fact that this region still offers:
Titled land (rare in coastal areas)
Ocean-view lots under $100,000
Strong rental potential in eco-conscious zones
And in many cases… silence. Real silence.
While developers fight over the last scraps of Guanacaste, the Southern Zone still breathes.
📍 5 Towns Where Buyers Are Moving Fast
1. Cinco Ventanas
Nestled in the jungle hills above Playa Ventanas, this area is only five minutes from one of the best beaches in the country. Roads are improving, fiber optic is reaching, and private homes still come with big lots, ocean views, and full title.
Arcadia currently features properties in Cinco Ventanas starting at $89,000.
2. Osa Mountain
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a cloud forest above the Pacific, this is your place. Osa Mountain offers clean air, rare wildlife sightings, and titled properties with panoramic views—just 30 minutes from Uvita. The elevation keeps things cool, while the proximity to the coast keeps you connected.
Arcadia promotes several FSBO properties in Osa Mountain, including small villas and off-grid lots.
3. Ojochal
Known as the “culinary capital” of the Pacific coast, Ojochal is more than expat-friendly—it’s expat-integrated. With a strong French and Québécois presence, international schools, and a quiet river-town vibe, it’s one of the most desirable small towns for long-term living.
Smart buyers are investing in land here while it still offers value under $100/m².
4. Uvita Hills
Uvita’s beachside town has grown quickly, but the hills above still offer privacy, cooler breezes, and a more upscale residential feel. These properties have strong rental demand—especially those with ocean-view infinity pools and paved road access.
Perfect for those wanting turnkey homes with income potential.
5. San Josecito
If you’ve heard of it, you’re ahead of the curve. Tucked in the foothills near Playa Hermosa, San Josecito is one of the few jungle zones where you can still find titled, buildable land. Many properties here are surrounded by wildlife corridors, and some listings include waterfalls, springs, and trails.
Prices are rising—but it’s still one of the best-kept secrets in the country.
🚧 Quiet Growth is Fueling Opportunity
A new international airport is approved in Palmar Sur—about 45 minutes from Osa Mountain.
Fiber optic internet is reaching the hills. Remote work is now viable almost everywhere.
Legal title is still available in places where northern towns rely on concessions or right of possession.
This is a rare moment: the infrastructure is catching up, but the prices haven’t—yet.
🎯 Why This Matters to Buyers
If you’re dreaming of Costa Rica, don’t just follow the tourist trail. These towns offer:
Real nature, not gated community landscaping
Real neighbors, not just short-term renters
Real value, while it still exists
The Southern Zone is for people who want to live, not just visit. And in 2025, it’s still possible to find what the north has already lost: space, silence, and clean titled land with a view.
📩 Want to Explore These Towns Further?
Arcadia specializes in discreet, commission-free promotion of FSBO and independent agent properties across Costa Rica. Our listings are translated in 3 languages and marketed directly to buyers in Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
Here's just a few listings you can find in those regions:
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