Puerto Viejo - de Talamanca, Limon, Costa Rica

Living in Puerto Viejo is a double-edged sword. While the town boasts some of Costa Rica's most spectacular beaches, like Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva, its coastal residents have faced a complex legal battle over land rights. The government has cited 76 properties as being in violation of maritime zoning laws, leading to planned demolitions that were temporarily halted in 2014. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, but the town's diverse population of ticos, Jamaican Costa Ricans, and European expats adds cultural richness. For those drawn to the area's natural beauty and surf culture, Puerto Viejo may be worth the hassle - but the legal uncertainty is an ongoing challenge.