Everyone knows Tamarindo. Everyone dreams of Manuel Antonio. But if you truly want to live in Costa Rica—not just vacation—you will sooner or later come across a place that doesn’t even appear on most travel maps: Miramar.I live above Miramar. And I want to tell you openly why this was the best decision for me.
Perhaps it is also the best decision for you.
What is Miramar—and where is it located?
Miramar is a small town in the canton of Montes de Oro, in the province of Puntarenas, in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. My house is located above Miramar, at approximately 750 meters elevation. It is high enough to escape the tropical coastal climate. And it is close enough to still see the Pacific every day.
The name says it all: Mira el mar—”look at the sea.” And that is exactly what you do here.
You see the Gulf of Nicoya directly from your terrace. You can also see the Nicoya Peninsula from there. On clear days, you can even make out the silhouettes of the islands. This applies if you live on the right property.
San José is approximately 90 minutes away, Juan Santamaría Airport is accessible in under two hours. The coastal city of Puntarenas is only 30 minutes away. You are not cut off from the world—but far enough from the noise.
The Climate:
The Decisive Difference from the Coast
Anyone who has been to the coast of Puntarenas knows it. In February or March, the thermometer often shows 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. And that feels like around the clock. For a day at the beach on vacation, that is wonderful.
In everyday life too? For you, who want to live and perhaps work there? Quickly exhausting.
In Miramar and above Miramar in places like Tajo Alto and Velasquez, it is different.
The average annual temperature is a pleasant 79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit with cool nights that are truly restful. No air conditioning required. No exhaustion after lunch. Instead: fresh air, greenery to the horizon, and evenings when you sit outside.
Locals and expats living in Costa Rica’s mid-elevation areas speak of “eternal spring.” And anyone who has experienced this climate immediately understands why.
No Tourists—But Not the End of the World Either
This is perhaps the point that makes Miramar so special. It is not a tourist destination. There are no backpacker bars, no souvenir shops, no inflated prices.
Instead: real life. Local markets, a relaxed community, Costa Ricans who know you by name after three weeks.
At the same time, you are not isolated:
- Supermarkets and banks are available on-site
- Hospital in nearby Puntarenas
- The ocean and beaches of the Central Pacific in under 30 minutes
- Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde all accessible in under two hours
For people who want to emigrate to Costa Rica, this is a rare combination. Nature and tranquility, without sacrificing infrastructure.
What I See from My Terrace
Waking up every morning and looking out at the Gulf of Nicoya. That is not a phrase—that is my everyday life.
In the dry season (December to April), the panorama shines sharp and clear. In the rainy season, the landscape turns deep green.
On clear mornings, the view of the ocean appears even more dramatic. When the clouds build up, you watch them drift across the water. It is never boring.
This is not glossy advertising. It is the view I have every day.
For Whom is Miramar Right?
Miramar is not for everyone. If you are looking for nightlife, many restaurants, and the flair of Nosara or Santa Teresa, you are better off elsewhere. No problem.
But if you belong to one of these groups, you should keep Miramar and the surrounding area in mind:
- You want to live permanently or long-term in Costa Rica—not just vacation
- Nature, silence, and a genuine panoramic view are more important to you than hustle and bustle
- You work remotely and want to work with focus—in pleasant temperatures
- You are planning your retirement in Costa Rica and do not want to swelter in the heat
- You are looking for a property that works both as a residence and as a vacation rental
For all these people, Miramar is a genuine hidden gem. Not because it is hidden—but because hardly anyone has it on their radar.
A House in Velasquez near Miramar—My Personal Recommendation
I did not build above Miramar by chance. I explored Costa Rica, compared, weighed options—and kept coming back here. The combination of elevation, climate, Pacific view, and accessibility exists in this form hardly anywhere else.
If you are curious, take a look at my house.
Then you can see what living near Miramar can look like. There you will find details about the location, amenities, and possibilities.→ To the House near Miramar
Conclusion: The Best Tip You Can Get
Costa Rica is large, diverse, and often misunderstood. Many come here with the image of beaches and Pura Vida. Then they buy a house by the ocean. In the dry season, they can barely inhabit it.
Miramar is different. Here people live year-round. Here it is not just beautiful—it is livable. Pleasant. Sustainably livable. And the view of the ocean is always there.
Are you planning a move to Costa Rica yourself? Feel free to contact me—I share my experiences honestly and without embellishment.
