Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Plan B Summit
    • Webinars
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Plan B Summit
    • Webinars
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Plan B

Top 4 Places to Live in Nicaragua

  • BY Brooke Cobb
  • December 14, 2017
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Top 4 Places to Live in Nicaragua

If you’re looking to join an expat community in Nicaragua, but are struggling with choosing the perfect location, you aren’t alone. Many expats who choose to relocate want to do so knowing there will be a population of like-minded individuals with whom they can socialize and partake in many of the country’s activities. No one wants to retire or relocate abroad and spend that time alone! That’s why it’s important to know which are the most popular expat communities. Here are Nicaragua’s top four:

 

Granada

Granada has a well-earned reputation for being a beautiful and colorful colonial city. Much of the architecture can be traced back to the Spanish settlements, and the city itself has held on to that old-world charm. It sits on Lake Nicaragua and near the Mombacho Volcano, so even though you would technically be living in a city, if you moved there, you would be surrounded by nature to explore. You would also realize very quickly that the city has an energetic quality, centered around spending time outdoors. Some of the homes even feature living rooms that sit under awnings and open to the outside.

The expat community of Granada is close-knit and many of them commit to volunteer work in the city.  You’ll find most of them volunteering in ways to help the country reach higher educational goals and gain better healthcare for rural communities. The cost of living is very agreeable, and many expats choose Nicaragua as a new home for this very reason. Homes in Granada can be found for as little as $60,000. The real estate market in Nicaragua is a strong selling point for expats when choosing a new home.

 

San Juan del Sur

This city is very well known for its thriving expat community. It is a highly developed beach town, probably the most developed in Nicaragua. It’s located on Nicaragua’s southwest coast and has a string of Pacific beaches nearby that really draws a crowd. The two most popular beaches there are Playa Madera and Playa Marsella. The first is known for its surfing and yoga activities, and it has strong waves, and the second is quieter for those who simply wish to relax.

The crowd here is made up of both expat retirees and young expats in their 20s and 30s. Because of all of the attention it gets, San Juan del Sur is a bit pricier than some of Nicaragua’s other communities, but the exchange is the exciting, bustling lifestyle of a busy beach town. The best place to meet expats here is El Gato Negro coffee shop. This is typically where many of them meet and talk. Some other popular expat gathering spots are Republika, Cha Cha Cha, and Henry’s Iguana.

 

Leon

Leon is a city in western Nicaragua, known for its younger crowd of students. It’s only about half an hour from many of the beaches. This city is a good location for those looking for a life in the city. It’s a popular expat destination and there’s plenty to see as well. Leon is home to colonial-era architecture, much like that of Granada, and is also home to a large collection of South American art. You can also find the ruins of a medieval city there, called Leon Viejo. Learn about tradition and art, and visit cathedrals and other architectural sights while exploring this city and its surrounding area.

Some areas of Leon are a tad more expensive than others, simply based on what’s available. There are some communities in which the housing is more similar to that of the United States, and there are popular areas for students to hang out – these are the pricier ones. Venture around the city before choosing to move there in order to get a good feel for what suits you best.

 

Matagalpa

Matagalpa is a town in the mountains with a cooler climate than many others. Its city has a population of about 150,000, and a large North American presence. The climate has been described as spring-like all year round and the fact that it’s nestled in the mountains just adds to its appeal.

All modern amenities are available here and cost of living is very affordable and inviting. Many who choose to retire early choose this destination, as your money can go much farther than you might imagine. Just outside of the city there are nature reserves, cabins, hikes and breathtaking views all over. No wonder it’s growing to be a popular spot!

Here is probably the most extensive ebook on Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Eliminating Your Taxes, Protecting Your Assets And Regaining Privacy Over Your Life And Investments. It is called The Ultimate Guide To Going Offshore.  Visit our bookstore to purchase it today!

I hope you enjoyed reading: Top 4 Places to Live in Nicaragua. If you have any questions, please contact our office HERE. Here are a few additional articles about Nicaragua that I know you’ll love!

Nicaragua Passport – One Of The Best Spots For Financial Foreign Investments

6 Countries Where It’s Easy To Get A Residency Visa

Retire in Nicaragua

 

Contact Author

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

Stay Ahead on Every Adventure! 

Stay updated with the World News on Escape Artist. Get all the travel news, international destinations, expat living, moving abroad, Lifestyle Tips, and digital nomad opportunities. Your next journey starts here—don’t miss a moment! Subscribe Now!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • Caribbean
  • Central America
  • local customs and etiquette
  • sightseeing
  • weather and climate
Previous Article
  • Your Plan B

Taking the Kids Overseas?

  • BY Rachel Jensen
  • December 14, 2017
View Post
Next Article
  • Your Plan B

The Hidden Holy Land

  • BY Jack Wheeler
  • December 14, 2017
View Post
You May Also Like
Raising children with space for exploration, resilience, and wonder.
View Post
  • Interview
Raising a Family in Motion
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • February 23, 2026
Surfboards lean against palm tree trunks on a golden sandy beach in Sri Lanka with turquoise ocean waves and rocky outcrops visible in the warm tropical light
View Post
  • Digital Nomad
Sri Lanka Joins the Digital Nomad Visa Boom
  • BY Ethan Rooney
  • February 19, 2026
Assessing Stability Before You Relocate
View Post
  • Relocation
The Stability Test: What to Check Before You Relocate
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • February 18, 2026
Remote worker with laptop and tablet at outdoor garden desk showing digital nomad lifestyle and location independence for global professionals seeking residency
View Post
  • Second Citizenship
10 Digital Nomad Havens Offering a Path to Citizenship
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • February 17, 2026
A woman relaxes in a private pool on a white-washed cliffside in Santorini, Greece, overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea with a cruise ship and distant islands under a clear sky.
View Post
  • Relocation
The Most Appealing Places to Relocate in 2026
  • BY Emily Draper
  • February 16, 2026
The Countries Where Your Dollar Goes Furthest
View Post
  • Plan B
The Countries Where Your Dollar Goes Furthest
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • February 13, 2026
A three dimensional render of ascending gold coin stacks arranged like a rising bar chart on a dark blue digital grid, symbolizing financial growth and wealth.
View Post
  • Offshore banking
Diversifying Your Income Across Borders
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • February 11, 2026
A long wooden pier extends into the calm Caribbean Sea at sunset in Belize, with silhouettes of palm trees and lounge chairs on the sandy beach shore.
View Post
  • Belize
Why Belize Is Becoming a Standout for Living and Investment
  • BY Luigi Wewege
  • February 11, 2026
Trending Posts
  • A woman relaxes in a private pool on a white-washed cliffside in Santorini, Greece, overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea with a cruise ship and distant islands under a clear sky. 1
    • Relocation
    The Most Appealing Places to Relocate in 2026
    • February 16, 2026
  • A red cable car descends from a lush green mountain, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the historic red-tiled roofs of Brasov, Romania, under a cloudy sky. 2
    • Romania
    From Exodus to Opportunity: Romania’s New Chapter
    • February 20, 2026
  • Raising children with space for exploration, resilience, and wonder. 3
    • Interview
    Raising a Family in Motion
    • February 23, 2026
  • Remote worker with laptop and tablet at outdoor garden desk showing digital nomad lifestyle and location independence for global professionals seeking residency 4
    • Second Citizenship
    10 Digital Nomad Havens Offering a Path to Citizenship
    • February 17, 2026
  • Daily life in Costa Rica moves at its own pace, shaped as much by culture as by policy. 5
    • Costa Rica
    Costa Rica’s Digital DIMEX, Explained
    • February 25, 2026
Subscribe
Know Before You Go
  • Everyday life across Morocco reflects the country’s growing appeal for expats seeking culture, climate, and opportunity. Photo courtesy of iStock. 1
    • Morocco
    A Destination Guide for Moving to Morocco
    • February 27, 2026
  • Daily life in Costa Rica moves at its own pace, shaped as much by culture as by policy. 2
    • Costa Rica
    Costa Rica’s Digital DIMEX, Explained
    • February 25, 2026
  • A red cable car descends from a lush green mountain, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the historic red-tiled roofs of Brasov, Romania, under a cloudy sky. 3
    • Romania
    From Exodus to Opportunity: Romania’s New Chapter
    • February 20, 2026
  • A woman relaxes in a private pool on a white-washed cliffside in Santorini, Greece, overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea with a cruise ship and distant islands under a clear sky. 4
    • Relocation
    The Most Appealing Places to Relocate in 2026
    • February 16, 2026
  • A small squirrel monkey with a white face and orange fur clings to a vibrant green palm frond, illustrating the daily presence of wildlife in Costa Rica. 5
    • Costa Rica
    Top 10 Culture Shocks You’ll Notice When You Move to Costa Rica
    • January 30, 2026
Learn More
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Escape Artist

The Newsletter for Life Beyond Borders

Practical insight and real stories for those building a life abroad, trusted by 75,000 readers worldwide.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Before you go, want $50 off your Summit registration?

Subscribe, and get $50 discount code for Plan B Summit registration.

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Newsletter Subscription