Much has been written about retiring in Costa Rica. There is reason why AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and International Living and other retirement organizations and magazines speak so highly of Costa Rica: It is a great place to retire!
Why is retiring in Costa Rica so popular?
Retiring in Costa Rica has a number of advantages over many other places one could retire:
- It is legal to own property in Costa Rica even if you are not a resident or citizen
- The weather in Costa Rica can be however you want depending on where you choose to live - except it never snows. The weather you will get depends on your location and elevation. It can be very cool at over 4,500 feet. If you prefer the beach to the mountains it will be humid and hot! But of course the ocean is there to cool you off with a swim, all year long.
- If you have an income of at least $1,000 a month guaranteed (social security benefits or a government pension for example) you can become a legal resident in less than a year making retiring in Costa Rica very quick and easy.
- If you want to be around other expats, there are plenty in Costa Rica, as it is one of the most popular destinations for expats!
- Costa Rica is a Democracy and has been since 1953. It does not have an Army and is protected by the USA, so it is impossible that a Military coup will install a dictator as has happened in some other Central American nations.
- Ticos - the name Costa Ricans call themselves - are very helpful and kind people. Most Gringos just fine and if you make the effort to converse with them you will no doubt be well accepted in Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica is only a 3 hours away from Florida by air, and only a little further to most other U.S. destinations. So retiring in Costa Rica doesn't mean you won't be able to see your family!
- Costa Rica has 2 coasts - the Caribbean and Pacific. In between, it boasts mountain ranges, rain and cloud forests, modern cities, and small towns. All of these contain many different micro-climates depending on the area and elevations.
- Costa Rica has highly rated hospitals with well trained and experienced doctors. Medical tourism is popular and many come here for lessexorbitantly priced medical and dental procedures.
- Costa Rica has affordable real estate and less expensive construction costs than in the USA. You can buy a mountain or ocean view property or construct a new house here much more economically than in the USA. That is a major reason so many baby boomers are retiring in Costa Rica.
As you can see, Costa Rica is an excellent choice for retirement, a place you can be safe, secure and healthy as you enjoy your leisure time! People from all over the world live here and love it!
Costa Rica is not for everyone though, so I have also written this blog to help get an insider’s perspective about making a successful move to Costa Rica and why some fail and return home.
Thanks for reading my list of tips for retiring in Costa Rica.
Mike at Rancho Silencio