Live Where Others Vacation

Hey there future homeowner!

It starts with a thought: what if mornings weren’t rushed, but lingered over coffee on a shaded porch as the jungle stirs awake? What if “running errands” meant a stroll to a local mercado, with the beach just a few minutes further? For years I imagined that life, afternoons by the pool, weekends chasing surf or sharing sunsets with friends until one day I stopped imagining and made the leap.

Here in Central America, that dream isn’t out of reach. From a hidden garden retreat tucked into the town centre to a hillside escape where guests gather by the infinity pool, opportunities abound for homes that double as lifestyle upgrades and smart investments. The market is moving with strong rental demand, infrastructure improvements, and welcoming communities, but the real shift happens when you decide to trade the “someday” mindset for action.

Each week I share properties that show how real this change can be. Let’s take a look at this week’s picks.

🇵🇦 Oceanfront Home in El Palmar Sur, Panama

Price: $329,000

• 3 bed / 2.5 Bath in 1,275 sq ft (118m²) of living space

• Parking spot included and Fully furnished

• ¼ acre lot with 130 feet of beach frontage

• Elegant finishings (Teak, Oak & Granite)

Between the Lines: The beach just outside your door and just off the Inter-Americana Highway, El Palmar Sur benefits from easy access to surfing and the amenities of Coronado. With growing appeal among surfers, travellers, and lifestyle buyers seeking a quieter beach alternative, this listing puts you right in that sweet zone with built-in momentum.

 🇨🇷 A Bungalow in the Costa Rican Jungalow

Price: $299,000

• 1 bed/1bath in 947 sq ft (88m²)

• 6 minutes to Guiones beach

• Wrap around deck

• Open floor plan

Between the Lines: Nosara has become a premium surf and wellness hub where expats and lifestyle buyers are drawn to its mix of pristine beaches, yoga culture, and laid-back pace. Prices have appreciated steadily but recent softening could be a good time to jump in. Properties like this, just inland, offer better value without sacrificing access to surf and amenities. For those seeking a low-maintenance retreat that balances seclusion with easy access to Nosara’s surf breaks, wellness retreats, and international school options, Casa Alexis represents a charming entry point into this sought-after market.

🇵🇦 Home by the Beach in Pedasi, Panama

Price: $425,000

• 3 bed / 4 bath

• 2,981 sq ft (277 m²) on 9,987 sq ft (900 m²) lot

• Dual carport & Storage shed

• Private Gazebo, Pool & Well

Between the Lines: Pedasí balances authentic fishing-village charm with growing infrastructure, surf culture, and eco-tourism tied to Isla Iguana (nearby turtle nesting beaches). For those who prefer to have full control of their property, there is no HOA for this property which offers the privacy of a tropical retreat while staying within 300m of the beach.

🇨🇷 Mountain Home in Atenas, Costa Rica

Price: $479,000

• 3 beds / 3 baths in a 1,980 sq ft (184m²) home on a 1.26 acre lot

• 2 independent homes (potential income stream)

• 40 min from San Jose International Airport

• Beautiful views from the terrace

Between the Lines: This turnkey property perched on a hill overlooking the Central Valley where the slightly cooler climate will be preferred by some. The ‘protected’ status of this area ensures current views won’t become obstructed and limits development (which is good for continued appreciation of existing properties). The avoidance of shared amenities (like a communal pool) means low HOA fees in the Roca Verde community (~$50/mo).

🇳🇮 Luxury Oasis in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Price: $495,000

• 3 beds / 3.5 baths across 2,741 sq ft (254 m²) on a ¼ acre lot

• Professionally designed gardens

• Oceanview from rooftop terrace

• Covered decks and pool

Between the Lines: San Juan del Sur is one of Nicaragua’s top surf and lifestyle markets drawing retirees, remote workers and tourists, rental demand properties here are gaining renewed strength after a market slump. This home is an oasis of privacy and luxury in the midst of all that; its soaring great room, indoor-outdoor flow and elegant finishes make it a standout among homes here.

🇨🇷 Ibiza Style Home Playa Negra, Costa Rica

Price: $289,000

• 2 bed/2.5 bath across 1,346 sq ft on a ¼ acre lot

• Located in the Pura Jungla Nature Reserve

• Guest house and Pool

• Renowned beaches 10 minutes away

Between the Lines: Constructed of reinforced concrete and steel, it stands the test of time, with an open plan, high ceilings, large windows, and a second bedroom with its own entrance to boost rental flexibility. With Liberia Airport reachable in 1.5 hours over paved roads, this property is a rare mix of durability, beauty, access, and investment upside in one of Guanacaste’s most sought-after coastal enclaves.

🇵🇦 Golf and Beach Resort Home, Panama

Price: $340,000

• 2,497 sq ft (232m²) on 665m² lot

• 4 bed /4.5 bath

• 3 golf and private beach club memberships included

• Golf & Beach views

Between the Lines: Beaches and golf outside your door, the mountain trails of El Valle an hour away and the metropolis of Panama City under 2 hours away, this house is well situated and with its lock-off layout boosts rental potential. Investors will note the tax exemption until 2028 after which annual property tax is projected to be around $900. Infrastructure for a future pool is already in place, allowing for expansion. Rio Hato’s mix of resort demand and year-round tourism add income potential to this property’s lifestyle appeal.

Investor Alert!

🇨🇷 Sueños de Mariposa Dominical, Costa Rica

Price: $695,000

• 4 bed / 3 bath in 3,003 sq ft (279m²) on a 2.3 acre lot

• 3 independent villas / Fully furnished

• Infinity pool / Gazebo / Fire pit

• Dedicated workout space

Between the Lines: Overlooking the ocean and already running as a boutique retreat with sweeping jungle views, this is a turnkey opportunity to step straight into the region’s growing surf, eco-tourism, and wellness market. Elevation keeps the property cooler and more comfortable, cutting operating costs while boosting guest appeal. Its flexible design allows for retreats, long stays, or hybrid personal and rental use.

Every property in this week’s selection highlights a different way to live lighter and invest smarter. If one of them sparks your interest, I can share numbers or connect you with trusted local partners. Until next time, here’s to building a life that feels like an escape, without waiting for “someday.”

Ed & the TropiCasas Team

🌺 TropiCasas Fine Print (The Fun Kind)

We love tropical living, but we’re not licensed real estate agents. Our job is to uncover great properties found on various websites across Central America but we don’t sell them directly. Photos and details belong to the listing agents

This newsletter is here to inspire your property journey but it is important to do your own due diligence before investing.

By reading, you agree that TropiCasas may spark daydreams, flight searches, or even a sudden urge to swap snow boots for flip-flops but the ultimate decision is all yours!