Chapter 4 Life in Costa
Rica
Maybe
you’ve read tons of guidebooks, participated in internet discussion lists,
etc., about Costa Rica
– but what is life really like here
anyway?
We
have chosen a few articles below to give you this important information. It seems like people either love this place
or hate it, and there just doesn’t seem to be a way to know until you actually
try it out for yourself.
Enjoy
the articles below, and remember, when you do decide to try it out, it is my suggestion
that you rent for about a year so you can give it a try before you buy.
Lots
of people don’t take that advice, and those who want to sell you a house
usually won’t tell this to you, but there, I got it out, so you can either take
it or leave it. Personally, I hope you
take it to heart!
Also
note that we will be adding material to this page as often as we can.
Enjoy!
John
Why Move to Costa Rica?
by Paul Altobelli
Living
in Costa Rica is
the ultimate expression of personal freedom. This oasis of unsurpassed beauty,
eco-diversity, and "the perfect wave" is nestled peacefully between
the warm waters of the Caribbean and the Pacific. Each
year, surfers, retirees and adventurers are attracted to its shores to
experience an unmatched quality of life, low cost of living and "Garden of
Eden" features.
Costa
Rica's current real estate boom is driven by
investors and developers from around the world who view favorable tax laws,
land affordability, and the country's democratic stability as key drivers for a
sound investment.
Excellent, affordable health care by U.S.-trained, English-speaking
physicians using state-of-the-art medical equipment. Many people come to
Costa Rica from
around the world for affordable cosmetic surgery.
An American population of approximately 50,000. There are
more Americans living in Costa Rica
than Costa Ricans living in American. They have no desire to leave thispeaceful, beautiful country.
Great
weather year-round, with an average temperature of 89 degree F on the Pacific
seacoast.
Home to 5% of the Earth's known species in a country the size of West
Virginia.
Tropical rainforests, seven active and 60 dormant volcanoes,
mountain forests, 9,000 species of plants including 1,400 species of orchids,
exotic animals and abundant national parks.
Clean, drinkable water throughout the country.
A population of warm, wonderful people who truly love and emulate
Americans. Many speak English.
Solid
infrastructure, with electricity installed throughout the country… even in the
smallest towns. The best telecommunications in Central America
with cell phone service, 120 radio stations, a dozen TV stations and internet
accessibility in almost every town and village.
Travel
writer Christopher P. Baker says Costa Rica
has a proud history as Central America's most stable
democracy (elections are so trouble-free that crowd control at polling stations
is handled in part by school children). He describes how Ticos
(as the friendly Costa Ricans are known) pride themselves as having more
teachers than policemen. There is no army in this neutral country.
So
with the soaring cost of South Florida and Southern
California real estate, Costa Rica
is an excellent alternate for those seeking a vacation home or retirement home
with many of the same amenities as the USA
at a fraction of the cost. This is why Costa Rica
is becoming the logical extension of South Florida and Southern
California for those still seeking tranquility, peace, and harmony
at an affordable investment.
About
the Author
Paul
Altobelli is an internet marketing
specialist experienced in strategic planning, lead generation, website
development, search engine optimization, internet sales and marketing
program development. He also loves to cook. For more of Paul's italian recipes visit http://www.paulaltobelli.com or email
Paul directly at pda@paulaltobelli.com.
Retiring Overseas - A Better & Familiar Lifestyle
Close To Home
by Sacha Tarkovsky
More
people than ever are retiring overseas, as they cannot maintain the same
lifestyle at home as medical costs soar, inflation depletes their savings and
state support declines.
For
most people they want a quality lifestyle at a cheaper cost, but they don't
want a culture shock. They still want to be close to home with all the comforts
and there is one country that offers this:
Costa Rica
Record
numbers of Americans are moving here, as it's an affordable quality lifestyle
and the culture shock is minimal for the following reasons:
Wealth
Costa
Rica is one of the richest countries in Central
America and infrastructure such as roads, airports internet access,
property, shops and entertainment are all of a high
quality.
Large Community of retirees
Retiring
overseas to Costa Rica
has been the choice destination of Americans for the last decade and the large
community that has built up here, has brought with it a culture to make new
arrivals feel that they have the comforts of home around them.
Another
important point to keep in mind is Costa Rica
is just a 3 hour direct flight from the southern US
states, so it really is no different to moving states in the US.
The
main reason people are retiring overseas though is to get a better quality of
life at an affordable cost.
Costa
Rica is popular and will continue to be so,
due to the following reasons:
Price
Beachfront
property at up to 70% less than in the US
and a country where you can live on $2,000 a month comfortably,
means that those social security checks simply go much further.
Quality of life
Low
crime, friendly locals and people who have time for each other (just like they
did years ago), in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, add up to a
stunning lifestyle.
When
you're in your "golden years" you want to enjoy them!
Costa
Rica allows you to do just that, in one of the
most beautiful countries on earth.
Pristine
beaches, volcanoes, rainforest and an abundance of wildlife, make this a
country of diversity and beauty.
You
can relax and enjoy a wide variety of leisure including:
World
class fishing, treks in the rainforest, sailing or maybe just a round of golf -
The list is endless and you will never be bored.
Baby
boomers will continue to retire overseas and Costa
Rica will remain a destination that attracts
more and more people.
Retirees
get an affordable lifestyle and a quality of life that is simply not available
in the US and Costa
Rica is just 3 hours from the US.
If
retiring overseas has not been something you have considered before because you
don't want to be in a totally different culture, Costa
Rica offers you the best of both worlds:
An affordable slice of paradise and all the comforts of home.
If
you have never considered retiring overseas, then
consider Costa Rica
and you may be glad you did.
FREE
Retiring overseas guide
For
a guide to retiring overseas featuring living and investing in Costa Rica -
Find out all the advantages at http://www.costaricalandlots.com
Living in Costa Rica
by Frank Collins
Things
to know if you want to live in Costa Rica
Costa
Rica, officially known as the Republic
of Costa Rica, was the first country
in Central America to constitutionally abolish its
military. This country has been blessed with the greatest bulk of species in
the world. Costa Rica
has been blessed with a tropical climate, thus having beautiful beaches and
rainforest that attract the attention of a lot of people seeking for a place to
retire.
Some
people consider Costa Rica
as a perfect place to relax and spend the rest of their life. However, you need
to be aware that life in Costa Rica
may not be easy. It has been said that Costa Rica
is the most expensive country in Central America despite
the fact that it is the second smallest country in that region.
Costa
Rica has a stable economy but you need to be
aware that the salary is somewhat low. A couple could live reasonably and
economically OK with a budget of $1000 a month. This means that they should
rent a small house, ride buses, not going on trips or indulging in any forms of
pleasure and luxury. Other commodities are cheap like local foods. However, be
prepared to spend a lot if you are looking for imported goods because these
items are usually expensive. You will be able to practice your budgeting skills
during shopping because you will learn how to determine the things that you
need to buy and those that can wait.
Buying
a car is considered a luxury in Costa Rica.
Car parts are usually expensive and could be hard to find. The good thing is
that labor costs for local mechanics are cheaper compared to the United
States. Some people may think of importing a
car but this is not a good move. There are a lot of fees that you need to pay
to get it through.
Even
if the cost of some merchandise in Costa Rica
is expensive, the thought of living in a community with a group of friendly
people could encourage you that Costa Rica
is not a bad country to be in. Hiring a gardener or maid will cost you a
minimal price because labor is usually paid at a cheaper price in Costa
Rica.
Some
people upon learning of the bad reviews of living in Costa Rica gets
discouraged and tend to look at the other neighboring countries that they heard
offer a lower cost of living. The information about lower cost of living in
adjacent countries may be true but do not expect a quality of living similar to
what you will get from Costa Rica.
Basically,
it depends on you how you would like to live in Costa
Rica. It is simply logical to expect something
to cost more, as you demand more luxurious and extravagant items or lifestyle.
But if you keep things simple and live within your means, you will realize that
Costa Rica is a
good place to be. It is just a matter of how you spend your money and how much
to see all the benefits your memorable stay in Costa
Rica.
About
the Author
For
more info go to :http://www.exploringabroad.com/living-abroad.htm
Take the mystery and guesswork out of your
relocation plans, your travel plans, your business plans, or whatever it is you
plan to do here in Costa Rica. We will be happy to consult with you so that
you can get what you want done with a minimum of hassles, expense, or
problems. We know the ropes after being
here for 12 years. Contact me today for
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