Settling down in Costa Rica is like moving to a tropical paradise. The Costa Rican people have a name for this: “Pura Vida”-The Pure Life. The Pura Vida is a life that is laid back, relaxed, and fun. When moving to Costa Rica, you’ll find that every area of the country has its own charm and its own advantages. Deciding where you want to live may be the hardest decision you make.
Despite being a country the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has many different living options. For the big city lover who craves the hustle and bustle, there’s San Jose. For those who crave waves and sun and sand, there are a variety of beaches to choose from, and for those who love nature, there are dense tropical rainforests all over the country. And for the folks who can’t take the heat, the cooler mountain villages and towns have a temperate climate that is never too hot or too cold. Costa Rica has the perfect place for you, no matter what you want, and all of these different climates and geographical changes are just a short drive from each other. How’s that for convenience?
The majority of Americans who move to Costa Rica settle in the milder climate zone of the Central valley or the in the hillside area of the Nicoya Penninsula in Guanacaste. Because of the higher elevation, these areas are less humid and have cooler, more comfortable temperatures than the coastal areas.
Costa Rica is listed as a top place in the world to retire by Escape From America magazine, a publication dedicated to informing Americans about life abroad. Costa Rica has a lot development potential, and the country continues to make positive changes, improve roads, protect and preserve their precious rain forests and promote tourism and development throughout.
Once you’ve chosen the part of Costa Rica where you’d want to live, the next step is figuring out how to live in your new country. There are many different housing options for you to choose from. You can rent or buy a home, apartment, or condo. There are high end areas with every imaginable amenity, and there are more modest, charming locations that may not have it all, but certainly cover all the basics. You might want to live near the town center or city, close to the action, or you might prefer to be further out, in a quieter and more residential neighborhood.
Regardless of where you decide to live, your lifestyle in Costa Rica will be much less expensive than it was in the States. The cost of housing, food, and medical expenses are all reduced in Costa Rica. Real estate taxes are also cheaper. The only items that will cost more are the goods that are imported from America because of the high import tax the country imposes. However, there are ways of getting around this.
For the smart shoppers out there who love a good deal, there is a duty free zone in a small town called Golfito on the Pacific coast. The maximum amount you are allowed to purchase in the duty free zone is $2,000 each year, or $1,000 every six months. You will need to spend one night in Golfito in order to qualify for the duty free purchases. This can be a great way to get the imported goods that you need at a fraction of the normal Costa Rican price.
The true meaning of Pura Vida is enjoying the simple pleasures of life. In Costa Rica, the delicious fresh fruit and vegetables are inexpensive and readily available all year round from local farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Seafood, fish, and meat are also inexpensive here. With your new life in Costa Rica, you can also begin a healthier, tastier diet.
Costa Rica also has an incredible amount of natural beauty, no matter where you are. Environmentalism is prevalent here, and many communities practice sustainable measures to keep their carbon footprint as small as possible. If being green is important to you, there’s no better place to live.
Costa Rica is an inspiring and wonderful place to live. In fact, Costa Rica is one of the highest ranked counties in the “world happiness index.” The culture here is friendly and easy to get used to, and the Costa Rican customs and style of living is not as foreign as in other destinations around the world. Still, if you get homesick or need to visit family and friends in the States, it’s only a 3 to 6 hour flight back to the USA.
Come join us in Costa Rica, start a brand new life, and really learn what it means to live the Pura Vida! Call us toll free 866-403-1345 or use this contact form if you are interested in learning more about living in Costa Rica.
