Relocating to La Fortuna with your family can be an exciting and life-changing experience. Nestled in the lush northern region of Costa Rica, La Fortuna offers a rare blend of adventure, tranquility, and family-friendly living surrounded by one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders — the Arenal Volcano.
While the idea of living near hot springs and tropical rainforests may sound like a dream, making the move requires thoughtful planning. From housing and schools to healthcare and income options, understanding what life in La Fortuna is truly like will help ensure a successful transition for your family.
Why Families Choose La Fortuna
🌋 Natural Beauty Meets Family Adventure
La Fortuna is world-famous for its stunning volcano views, thermal springs, and lush jungle surroundings. Families can enjoy year-round outdoor activities like waterfall hikes, river tubing, wildlife spotting, horseback riding, and canopy tours. Children grow up immersed in nature, learning to appreciate sustainability and biodiversity firsthand.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Centered Community
La Fortuna maintains a warm and close-knit atmosphere. Locals, known for their kindness and hospitality, are welcoming to foreigners, especially families. The community is safe, peaceful, and values simplicity — aligning with Costa Rica’s signature “pura vida” lifestyle. It’s not uncommon for families to gather in central parks, local festivals, or school events.
💚 A Healthier, Simpler Way of Life
Families often report a better quality of life after relocating to La Fortuna. The area offers access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally raised meats. Outdoor activity is part of everyday life, and the slower rhythm allows for more meaningful family time. Many expats find that their children adapt quickly, becoming bilingual and more connected to nature.
Earning an Income in La Fortuna
💻 Remote Work and Digital Nomads
Thanks to fast fiber optic internet and a peaceful environment, La Fortuna is ideal for remote workers. Many families take advantage of Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa, allowing them to live and work legally for up to two years. Whether you’re in tech, design, writing, or customer service, La Fortuna offers a scenic yet productive work environment.
🏡 Investing in Vacation Rentals
La Fortuna is a tourism hotspot, making it a prime location for vacation rental investment. Families can generate income by buying or building homes to rent on platforms like Airbnb. Many expats live in one unit and rent out others, creating passive income while enjoying the benefits of a small community and strong tourism flow.
🌱 Starting a Local Business
If you’re looking to be more hands-on, La Fortuna offers great opportunities in eco-tourism, hospitality, wellness, or real estate. Foreigners must work with legal advisors to understand regulations around opening a business, especially if they don’t yet have residency, but the market remains strong for innovation and service-based ventures.
Healthcare and Education in La Fortuna
🏥 Quality Healthcare Access
La Fortuna has local clinics and a new public hospital just outside town, offering accessible and affordable care. Many expats also choose to combine public and private healthcare options. For more advanced care, San José is a few hours away.
📚 Education Options
Families can choose between public schools and a few private bilingual options in the region. Some parents opt for homeschooling or online international programs, depending on their needs. The exposure to Spanish and cultural diversity benefits children’s cognitive and social development.
Choosing a Home in La Fortuna
From jungle-view villas to gated communities with pools, La Fortuna offers various real estate options. When selecting a home:
Look for safe, family-friendly neighborhoods like Chachagua, El Abanico, or gated communities near the volcano.
Decide if you’ll use the property for Airbnb rental when not in use.
Work with a local real estate expert (like Carlos Arana of La Fortuna Homes) to find properties with good infrastructure (fiber internet, water, electricity) and proximity to schools and town.
- Final Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Visit La Fortuna before moving to get a feel for daily life.
- Apply for residency or digital nomad visas early.
- Budget realistically and plan for income flexibility.
- Learn Spanish — even a little goes a long way.
- Connect with expat communities or Facebook groups for support.
La Fortuna: Where Family and Nature Thrive
La Fortuna is more than just a tourist destination — it’s a growing hub for families seeking a meaningful, adventurous, and balanced life. Whether you’re looking to raise your children in nature, build a new business, or simply enjoy the serenity of tropical living, La Fortuna offers a welcoming path forward.
