The Southern Pacific currently offers some of the best real estate investment opportunities in Costa Rica.

Boasting one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world this area is characterized by rich green foothills, white sandy beaches and clear pacific waters. This is where the mountains meet the sea, where dolphins play amongst the waves and where humped backed whales and turtles come to visit throughout the year.

With improved access to the Southern Pacific, there are several towns in this region that have been highlighted as excellent areas for property investment.

The small village of Ojochal is just thirty kilometers south of Dominical and has enjoyed a relatively quiet existence up until now. Interestingly, the vast majority of real estate available is not re-sale properties, clearly demonstrating the area’s growing popularity.

This area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Ventanas, Playa Piñuelas, Playa Tortuga, Playa Ballena and Playa Arco have ensured that Ojochal sustainably prospers from the steady arrival of tourists to the area.

Toucans, monkeys, parrots, iguanas and sloths are just a few of the natural wonders you can see at the nearby Marina Ballena National Park. Additionally between the months of July to January sea turtles arrive to lay their eggs.

Perhaps the Marina Ballena National Park is best known for its aptly named whale tail coastal formation. When its low tide, visitors to this area can access the Isla Ballena via this whale tail sandbar and spot Humpback whales migrating through these Pacific waters during the winter.

Many members of this multicultural community originate from France, Germany, Italy, America and Canada. The mountainous landscape of Ojochal has meant that although there is a centre it is relatively small in comparison to neighboring towns but this is certainly home to a strong and welcoming community of expats. Residents frequently organize group activities including turtle watching and a yearly fiesta which will help you feel part of the community.

The town has a doctor, dentist, supermarket, beauty salon, bakery, gas station, hardware store, taxi service and internet café as well as a few bars and a small disco. Residents often travel out of town to nearby Uvita, Palmar Norte and Sur or Cortés, if they are looking for a wider selection of products or need banking services. Furthermore Palmar Sur offers domestic flights to other parts of Costa Rica.

The town has an EBAIS which offers basic medical care, for more specialized health care services a new hospital, Hospital de Osa opened at the beginning of 2010 and is just 15 minutes south along the Costanera Highway.

The majority of Ojochal residents would agree that the town does not suffer without such amenities as they are easily accessible nearby. Properties in the area have a water and electricity supply as well as internet access and good cell phone coverage.

The Escuela Verde Costa Ballena is an international school located in Uvita. Many children from expat families in the area attend this school which offers a bilingual comprehensive curriculum.

The vast majority of local businesses in Ojochal cater for tourists. The mountainous landscape of Ojochal has meant that although there is a centre it is relatively small in comparison to neighboring towns. Hotels and various tourist activities have been set up on the surrounding foothills to take full benefit of the stunning scenery.

The advantages of living in Ojochal are clear with you and your family benefiting from all sorts of outdoor activities available in the surrounding area. ATV tours, swimming, bird-watching, canopy tours, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, boat tours, scuba diving and snorkeling, kayaking and sports fishing to name but a few.

This area is principally known for offering a good selection of quality restaurants serving international cuisine. Many tourists flock to this area just to sample the town’s culinary delights and quality imported wines. Exotica, El Jardín, Lily Pad restaurant and Gringo Mikes are just a few.

As this area seems to be overflowing with restaurants it is debatable whether there is a need for any more. It is advisable to carry out some market research before you embark on a business venture. Try to identify what the area really needs and consider setting up a business that caters for the expat community as well as tourists so you are no hit during low season.

Like many towns in the South Pacific, Ojochal is expanding but local residents are eager to keep this to a minimum. Ojochal has a real sense of community and this is what makes it so special. Families moving to this area can be sure they will be welcomed with open arms.

Ensure that you carry out relevant research regarding education facilities for your children and be prepared for culture shock to set in after a few months of living here. Adjusting to a slower paced life can be difficult for some but many Ojochal residents would agreed that once you get into the swing of things living in the south Pacific has endless benefits.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.