Living in Costa Rica

By the Costa Rica News, 22nd July 2012

Costa Rica is attracting record numbers of people that are looking to retire, buy a second home, or start a business. Called the Jewel of Central America, Costa Rica has become the destination of choice in Central and South America. Living in Costa Rica is far easier than you may think – with huge benefits and very affordable for everyone.

People choose to live in Costa Rica for many reasons and apart from being one of the most beautiful and stunning places on the planet, chalk full of wildlife and natural beauty with a wide variety of environment to choose from, people mostly come here because you get a lot bang for your buck.

While there is a lot of petty crime Costa Rica has very low violent crime rate. Infrastructure has improved tremendously over the past decade, and flights from major US and Canadian cities to San Jose and Liberia are being added at a significant rate.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why so many people are moving to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Real Estate
The cost of property in Costa Rica is cheaper in comparison to the US with beachfront properties costing up to 75% less.

The cost of a three bedroom home begins around $70,000 mark, although some remote areas are even cheaper.

Property taxes are very low, and of course no capital gains tax when selling your Costa Rica property. Foreigners have the same rights as residents..

Labor very inexpensive, a full-time maid is approximately $400 per month.

Costa Rica real estate slowed during the economic downturn, but prices seem to be at or very near the bottom of the barrel, so now more than ever Costa Rica is an ideal place to buy a second home.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica
you get more for your money When you live in Costa Rica, with most things being cheaper than in the US and Canada . Further, low inflation means your money just goes further.

Medical care, food, utilities, rent entertainment are substantially lower than in the US and Canada.

By living in Costa Rica, you get access to world-class healthcare at up to 65% less than US and Canada.

In Costa Rica, you’ll have a comfortable lifestyle for around $2,000 a month.

Costa Rica Lifestyle
Many North Americans living in Costa Rica enjoy the slower paced, friendly lifestyle, but living in Costa Rica you can still find a great deal U.S. culture.

One of the major attractions of living in Costa Rica is the weather. Inland temperatures of 80 degrees during the day, and 60 to 70 degrees at night, make it a comfortable climate all year round. Coastal areas feel the heat and humidity much more.

Living in Costa Rica gives you a wide range of things to do and enjoy; golf, fishing, surfing, diving, white-water rafting, nature hikes, kayaking… to mention just a few.

Safety in Costa Rica
Latin America has become very popular, but if you’re choosing a country in this area, then living in Costa Rica has advantages over other countries.

Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala are cheaper – but the quality of life and infrastructure are not as good and safety is a major concern, as violent crime, kidnappings, as well as drug wars, are a problem in these countries.

In conclusion, living in Costa Rica gives you a better and safer lifestyle and has something for everyone.
Living in Costa Rica is an adventure and a lifestyle choice – they call it the ‘road less traveled’.

You’ll never be bored unless you want to be and there a place in Costa Rica suits people with any budget level.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a tropical paradise, then consider living in Costa Rica, the Jewel of Central America.

Read the full story in the Costa Rica News here

Costa Rica, the solution for retirees not having to work during their Golden Years

By Christopher Howard




According to Smart Money, In the past the whole idea of retirement was not working. But today’s retirees are increasingly becoming job-seekers. Roughly three out of four workers over age 50 say they plan to work at least part-time in retirement. Currently about 20% of retirees have a job. Indeed, working during retirement is becoming the “new normal.”
“The average boomer couple currently has a retirement savings shortfall of about $30,000, according to a recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, it’s a trend that experts predict with accelerate. Boomers aren’t as financially prepared for retirement as earlier generations. “

To make matters worse it takes employees over 55 more than 40% longer to get hired than their younger counterparts, according to AARP. Meanwhile, nest eggs are shrinking and retiree income is stagnating.

So what’s the solution? If retirees can reduce their living expenses significantly, then they might not have to keep working to make ends meet. One way to do this by moving abroad to a country like Costa Rica.

To start medical care is much less expensive than in the United States.

You won’t need a car here since public transportation is dirt cheap. This eliminates the need for costly auto repairs and maintenance, car insurance, yearly licenses fees and a lot of other headaches associated with owning a vehicle.

If you try to eat like the locals you can reduce your food bill. Weekend farmer’s markets are a place to find cheap produce. You can also have a decent meal for a few dollars at one of the local restaurants called, sodas. Go native and save!

Decent apartments can be found for around $500 and utility bills are a fraction of what they are in the United States. Heat and air conditioning are not needed in the Central Valley which equates to more savings.

Entertainment is also affordable with movies in costing around $5.
So, it is possible to retire abroad and have a quality lifestyle without having to work during one’s Golden Years.

By Christopher Howard on Living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica: The People Make the Place

By Janet Grosshandler

From International Living Postcards

“Nemo,” the bright orange 1978 Land Rover my son Jeff purchased for his months in Costa Rica, had broken down again. The rutted, dirt roads here take their toll on cars and trucks, and Nemo was having a very bad week. It was also the time I had just arrived from the States.

This was our first trip out after Nemo came back from Carlos the mechanic's “shop”—a tin-roofed fenced-in overhang in his backyard. Jeff’s fluency in “mechanic Spanish” reassured him that it now had new shocks, new tires, and all fluids checked, and was ready to go.

Five minutes along the winding mountain road, Nemo began belching black smoke and the temperature gauge shot to super hot. We pulled over on the tiny shoulder of the dusty two-lane road across from a grocery store. Since it was Sunday, a non-working day for Costa Ricans, several came out from the small store and offered to help.

We were given a ride home and Jeff was left on the side of the road, baking in the hot sun, borrowing someone’s cell phone to call Carlos.

An hour later, Jeff found us at the beach and he was in Carlos’ old SUV. Carlos, whose wife was at English school for the whole day, had his two-year-old son Leonardo in his care, but loaned Jeff the SUV car to come get us. Carlos then offered drive us around for the day because he wanted us to be happy.

And what a beautiful day! Leonardo was shy and sweet. He wasn’t very interested in us, but would glance out the side of his eyes, checking us over. Carlos took us to a Tico section of Conchal beach area, a turquoise, warm bay where we snorkeled and saw many species of tropical fish while he and Leonardo waited patiently at the beach bar/restaurant.

Costa Rican mountains and lush green vegetation surrounded the horseshoe shaped bay. The Tico music wafted from the open dining room, as Sunday was the day to relax and drink beer.

After we emerged from the fabulous snorkeling adventure, I looked around, amazed to see we were the only non-Costa Rican people there. Carlos had taken us to the Bar y Restaurante El Encanto, a local place, giving us a unique, non-tourist experience.

He spoke Spanish to Jeff all day, helping him practice his language skills, while pointing out multitudes of native trees, flowers, and animals. Carlos took us to “off the beaten track” local beaches. We drove the rural dirt roads to and from the beach, pulling over to watch some howler monkeys in the trees. Beautiful birds, armadillos, horses, and cattle lined the roads along the farms. It showed me the “real life” of these friendly, laid back natives of Costa Rica and their lifestyle. Carlos was patient and so helpful in explaining everything to me.

And when Carlos dropped us off at home much later that day, promising he would get the part needed for Nemo mañana, Leonardo waved a shy goodbye.

Costa Rican living has its small challenges, but its people are national treasures who, like Carlos, will stop his day to make yours better.

By Janet Grosshandler
From International Living Postcards

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