A Guide to the Different Zones of Playas del Coco

The downtown and beachfront section of Coco is the heart of the town. This is where you’ll find restaurants, bars, grocery stores, pharmacies, dive shops, coffee spots, gyms, and the main beach promenade. It has the most energy and activity of anywhere in the area.

Housing here ranges from older local homes and small cabinas to condos, boutique developments, vacation rentals, and beachfront properties. Some buildings are newer modern condos while others still have that classic laid-back Costa Rica beach-town feel.

The demographic here is extremely mixed:

• Full-time expats • Remote workers • Vacation rental investors • Retirees • Costa Rican families • Younger buyers wanting walkability and nightlife

This area attracts people who want convenience and do not want to rely heavily on a car. It is also one of the strongest zones for short-term rental income because tourists want to be close to the beach and restaurants.

The vibe is social, walkable, active, and energetic. Some people love that atmosphere while others eventually move toward quieter neighboring communities after spending time in the area.

Downtown Coco is ideal for:

• Buyers wanting rental income • Snowbirds • Investors • Younger expats • People wanting everything close by

Las Palmas is one of the most recognizable residential areas in Coco and is especially popular with expats and investors. Located only a short walk from the beach, it has become known for affordable condos, vacation rentals, and easy low-maintenance living.

Housing in Las Palmas is mostly:

• Condo complexes • Townhomes • Smaller detached homes • Rental-friendly developments

You’ll see a lot of tropical-style condo communities with pools, shared gardens, and lock-and-leave convenience. It is one of the most common entry points for buyers purchasing their first Costa Rica property.

The demographic tends to include:

• Canadian snowbirds • American retirees • Digital nomads • First-time Costa Rica buyers • Investors focused on Airbnb income

Las Palmas is very attractive for people who want a property they can use a few months a year while generating rental income the rest of the time.

The area feels more residential than downtown but still close enough to walk or bike into town. For many buyers, Las Palmas hits the sweet spot between affordability, convenience, and rental potential.

Pacifico is arguably the most well-known master-planned community in Playas del Coco. It is a large upscale gated development located right in town but designed to feel private and resort-like.

Pacifico appeals heavily to buyers looking for:

• Luxury condos • Modern villas • Security • Resort amenities • Strong resale value

Housing here is noticeably more polished and upscale than many other areas of Coco. You’ll find:

• Contemporary condos • Luxury townhomes • Ocean-view homes • Custom villas

The infrastructure is one of the biggest selling points. Wide roads, landscaping, security, beach club access, pools, fitness facilities, and shopping areas make Pacifico feel very organized and comfortable for full-time living.

The demographic in Pacifico is typically:

• Higher-income retirees • Luxury second-home buyers • Families relocating full-time • Investors wanting premium vacation rentals • Buyers from the USA and Canada seeking turnkey living

Pacifico tends to attract buyers who want comfort and convenience while still enjoying the Costa Rica lifestyle. For many people making the move abroad, it feels like one of the easiest transitions because of the amenities and overall community setup.

Coco Bay Estates is one of the premier luxury communities in the area. Perched in the hills overlooking the ocean, this gated community is known for larger homes, privacy, and spectacular views.

This is not a condo-heavy community. Instead, you’ll mostly see:

• Large custom homes • Luxury estates • Ocean-view villas • High-end architectural builds

Lots tend to be larger, and many properties are designed with infinity pools, outdoor entertaining spaces, and expansive terraces that maximize sunset views.

The demographic here is more affluent and tends to include:

• Successful business owners • Retirees with larger budgets • Executives • Luxury investors • Buyers wanting privacy and views

Many owners use these homes seasonally while others live full-time. It has a quieter and more exclusive atmosphere than downtown Coco while still being only minutes from restaurants and shopping.

Coco Bay Estates appeals to buyers who want luxury living without feeling isolated.

Playa Ocotal is one of the most underrated areas near Playas del Coco. Located only about 10 minutes from downtown, Ocotal offers a much quieter and more peaceful environment while still being extremely close to all the amenities of Coco.

The beach itself has a very different feel from Coco. Known for darker volcanic sand, calm waters, and beautiful snorkeling, Ocotal feels more secluded and residential.

Housing in Ocotal includes:

• Ocean-view condos • Hillside villas • Boutique gated communities • Luxury homes • Vacation rental properties

Many properties are built into the hillsides, giving homeowners incredible views of the bay and sunsets.

The demographic in Ocotal tends to include:

• Retirees • Full-time expats • Vacation home owners • Buyers wanting quiet living • Investors looking for higher-end rentals

Ocotal appeals strongly to people who want to be close to the action without living directly in it. Many buyers love being able to drive into Coco in minutes and then return home to a much calmer atmosphere.

Compared to downtown Coco, Ocotal feels more relaxed, residential, and nature-focused.

Playa Hermosa has become one of the most desirable nearby communities for full-time living. Located only about 10–15 minutes from Coco, Hermosa offers a much quieter and more upscale beach-town atmosphere.

Housing in Hermosa is typically:

• Luxury homes • Hillside villas • Gated communities • Boutique condos • Family homes

Many communities are geared toward full-time living rather than heavy tourism, which gives Hermosa a calmer and more residential feel.

The demographic in Hermosa commonly includes:

• Families • Retirees • Long-term expats • Luxury buyers • Remote workers wanting a quieter lifestyle

The beach itself is one of the major draws. Calm water, beautiful sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere make Hermosa appealing to people who want a slower pace while still being close to Coco’s services and nightlife.

A lot of buyers who initially think they want downtown Coco eventually realize Hermosa better fits the lifestyle they want long term.

• Want walkability and rental income? → Downtown Coco or Las Palmas • Want upscale gated living with amenities? → Pacifico • Want luxury homes and ocean views? → Coco Bay Estates • Want peaceful ocean-view living close to town? → Playa Ocotal • Want quieter family living? → Playa Hermosa

One of the biggest advantages of the Coco area is that all of these neighborhoods are within minutes of each other. You can live in a quiet luxury community and still be downtown for dinner in 10 minutes.

That flexibility is exactly why so many people relocating to Costa Rica end up choosing the Playas del Coco area.