It is no surprise that Costa Rica is the country of choice for many foreigners. Its beauty, climate, beaches, mountains, forests, wonderful people and stable government make it a good alternative to the "fast lane." People of all ages looking for an affordable place to live outside of their home country and can live in Costa Rica without sacrificing their current lifestyle.
A common and typical greeting in Costa Rica is "pura vida." Literally translated it means "pure life." The expression says a lot about Costa Rica and its way of life - a tranquil, easy, way of life where daily cares are set aside and life is taken in stride.
Costa Rica's History
The country never experienced the ravages and exploitation visited upon other countries in Latin America by the Spanish conquistadors. Instead, the country was originally settled by colonists who were forced to supply the labor themselves. An egalitarian society developed with everyone doing his or her own share of the work. Few become very rich or very poor.
Today Costa Rica has the largest percentage of middle class and the most equitable distribution of wealth in Latin America . In sharp contrast with the history of most of the other nations in the region, democracy has thrived for the last 50 years. Costa Rica has not suffered the political upheavals and revolutions common to its neighbors. No wonder it has earned the reputation as the "Switzerland of Central America."
The Government and Economy Costa Rica is a democratic republic with three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial. Elections are held every four years and the reins of government have been turned over peacefully for more than 50 years.
The Constitution of 1949 guarantees rights to citizens and foreigners alike. They include freedom of speech, press and assembly. Unlike other Latin American countries, Costa Rica has no standing army, no guerrillas and no political prisoners.
It should be said that Costa Rica has opted for big government with a number of industries held as state monopolies. The electric and telecommunications company, the health care system (called the Social Security), the state oil agency, banks, insurance and liquor production are all government held. More and more private enterprise is beginning to emerge. If Costa Rica ratifies the Central American Fair Trade Agreement, the country will see a lot more competition.
Historically, Costa Rica was primarily an exporter of agricultural product. Its best known export was coffee including some of the finest coffee in the world. Bananas have also been an important export. Don't be fooled, however, Costa Rica does not live up to the image of a "banana republic."
Today, Costa Rica 's economy is more diversified. The educated population has proven itself to be an attractive employment pool for the electronics industry, furniture manufacturing, and pharmaceutical companies.
And, of course, there is tourism - the "greenest" of all industries. The industry exploded in the 1990's and today is the third largest industry in the country. Costa Rica has recognized both the economic and ecological advantages that tourism offers and has made its vast array of national parks (25% of its territory) a national treasure to be shares with the world.
People and Culture
Costa Ricans are called "Ticos," a term of both pride and affection. Ticos, like most Central and South Americans, are of mixed blood. The country has a small indigenous population as well as a small Black population who live primarily on the east coast. There is also a small but growing Oriental (mostly Chinese) population. Catholicism is the major religion and picturesque churches are everywhere. Other religions are practiced freely throughout the country.
The performing and fine arts receive support from the government. Music, dance and theater are performed throughout the country. Sports are also supported, with "futbol" (soccer in the US ) as king. Everyone plays futbol and enthusiasm for the national team reaches a feverish pitch.
Recreational outlets are many, ranging from a unique style of Costa Rica horsemanship, to fishing, rafting, windsurfing, diving, hiking and bird watching, to name a few. Ticos, as well as visitors, enjoy all these activities.
Places to Live
Below, we have briefly described the areas where foreigners have tended to congregate. This is by no means all the possible places you can choose from. If out in the country, away from the crowds, living a more basic life is to your liking, come to Costa Rica and explore the many possibilities.
Central Valley
The location of choice for a great many foreigners is the Central Valley and the towns and cities surrounding San Jose . San Jose itself has developed a reputation as being unsafe, congested and polluted, something which may be somewhat exaggerated if you compare it to many other large urban centers. If, however, you are an urbanite, there are areas of San Jose which are very livable. One definite advantage is the availability of transportation. You will not need a car if you live in San Jose .
One of main attractions of the Central Valley is the climate. If you travel from either coast and climb the mountain range that runs through the center of the county, you will notice a definite change in temperature and humidity. Since elevations in the Central Valley ranges from around 3000 feet to as high as 5800 feet, temperature vary. Temperatures in the heart of the valley average around 70º year round with humidity in the midrange but higher during the rainy season (April - November).
Another attraction in the Central Valley is the spectacular views. The mountain peeks that surround the valley are stunning. It is possible to buy or rent a home on the side of one of those mountains with a view of the valley below.
Before making any decisions, it is important to do a reconnaissance tour and get to know the various areas in the Central Valley where you might want to live. The choices are many.
Central Pacific
The Central Pacific is a long stretch of beaches extending from Puntarenas (the Pacific port city) southward past Manuel Antonio National Park . It boasts some of Costa Rica 's most picturesque beaches consisting of jungles that push right up to the sand, home to a rich assortment of wildlife including charming white-faced monkeys and placid sloths. Temperatures on the coast are, of course, warmer and even the dry season is not completely dry.
Recent years have seen a building boom in these parts. It is possible to buy a beachfront condominium but it will cost more. Many foreigners have vacation homes in this area, but there is a growing population of year-round residents who find coastal living very much to there liking.
The South Pacific area is also growing rapidly but quiet places costing less can still be found. Like everywhere, however, prices rise as more and more people discover the possibility of beachfront living in a tropical paradise.
Guanacaste and the Nicoya Penninsula
This is Costa Rica 's "wild west" (Guanacaste) and its "gold coast" ( Nicoya ). The area used to be part of Nicaragua . It became part of Costa Rica in 1858. The weather is much hotter and dried than in the Central Valley . Most newcomers choose to live on or near the beach where ocean breezes offer relief from the heat.
The plain extending to the Nicaraguan border is the most sparsely populated area of Costa Rica . It is also growing rapidly but real estate is still affordable. If you love the heat, are very resourceful about finding things to do, are not bothered by traveling a distance to get what you need, then Guanacaste is for you.
The Nicoya Peninsula is another world with a plethora of first class resorts dotting the stunning coastline. Many foreigners have build homes in the area or bought condos in gated communities with golf courses, stables and all the amenities. New developments are springing up daily. If it fits your lifestyle, this is a place to consider if you want to live in Costa Rica .
Caribbean Coast
While the Caribbean Coast is closer to San Jose than the Pacific Coast , it is a world apart. For a long time the area was isolated and left to its own devices due to the lack of good transportation. Now there is a good highway to Limon, the Caribbean port city. The climate is hot and humid but the beaches are marvelous. Years ago, Blacks came from Jamaica to build the railroad (it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1991) and they stayed on giving the area a distinct Caribbean Island flavor in the food, music and way of life. The area is definitely "laid back." Those who live there would live nowhere else but their numbers are definitely fewer than in other areas of the country.
Property or a business will cost considerable less on the Caribbean Coast . It has long been the country's stepchild, but the government has promised to provide the means to bring the port and surrounding areas into the 21 st Century. It just might be the area where 15 years from now you are slapping yourself on the side of the head saying, "I should have."
Retiring in Costa Rica
The largest group of people who decide to make Costa Rica their home are retirees, mostly US and Canadian citizens. The combination of political stability, year-round spring-like weather in the Central Valley (72 0 F average), the friendly people who like foreigners make it is easy to see why Costa Rica has become tops on the list for retirees. The country has become quite "Americanized" (to the dismay of some) and occupies a place somewhere between the so called developed and developing worlds, so Americans feel right at home.
There are a number of things that make Costa Rica so attractive for retires: a low incidence of violent crime (no society is crime free); a low-cost, socialized health care system; relatively inexpensive housing; a wealth of every imaginable activity to stay busy and happy; two excellent English newspapers; good, cable and DirecTV with U.S. channels and dependable high-speed Internet access
Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica
When you take into account the stable government, climate, activities, cost of living and much more, all of these factors and such intangibles as a more peaceful and laid-back way of life, no price is too high to pay for living in a unique tropical paradise like Costa Rica .
Housing (see Places to Live) is only a fraction of the cost found in most prime areas of the United States and labor is cheap. A full-time maid is very affordable. Utilities such telephones, electricity and water are much lower than in North America . Most people will say that they can live quite comfortable on $1000 a month excluding rent or mortgage. Some live for less and some for more, depending on their lifestyles.
Public transportation is excellent and very inexpensive. If you are able and adventurous, you don't really need a car. Driving is challenging, cars are more expensive than in the US and Canada and gasoline is expensive.
The country has an up-to-date medical system with hospitals, clinics and complete medical services in all major cities and some towns. Cosmetic surgery is affordable; Costa Rica 's plastic surgeons, dental services and mostly all professionals in medicine are among the world's best. Anyone with a residency visa can join the medical system and utilize these services for a fraction of the cost of health care coverage in the US .
There are also many tax advantages to living in Costa Rica . Investors pay no capital gains taxes on real estate, business taxes are minimal and high interest bank accounts are tax free. Property taxes are also reasonable when compared to North America .
If you choose to go into business, the government offers incentives. You may also form a tax sheltered corporation and write off most of your business expenses. Foreigners are not required to pay taxes on external income. Internet connections average around $35 a month and the service is excellent, making it very feasible to do business globally.
For those who wish to buy a home, housing prices vary widely but it is possible to buy a house for as little as $50,000 in some parts of the country. Bargains can be found if one is willing to look and take some risks as more and more areas of the country are opening up to tourism and development. Houses in the range of $100,000 and up are available in the Central Valley . Coastal properties have risen in recent years due to the housing boom and increased demand. Financing is available but the rates will not be the same as in the US .
In summary, this beautiful little country has the warmth and flavor ideal to bring your family, children and friends to learn more about our people, ecology and pura vida.
Plan a trip and preferable several trips. The staff at Exotur will be glad to talk to you and help you plan a fact finding trip. Of course, the longer you can stay, the more time you will have to see and learn things. A good first step is to find a Bed & Breakfast and explore from there. The Exotur staff can book your accommodations and help you find reliable agents to find either a short or long-term rental or look at available real estate to buy. (This writer who has made the move from the US to the Central Valley recommends deciding on an area and renting first.) Once you are here, you can look around and decide where you want to make your permanent home.
Moving from one city to another is a big step; moving to another country involves even more. Some of the decisions you will have to make include: what to bring and how to move your belonging; getting all the documentation that will allow you to live or work (they are different) here; where to put your money; whether to ship a car, buy a car or not to have a car at all; schools for your children; to buy or rent a place to live; to live here year round or only part of the time; and the list goes on.
One of the most helpful resources will be your fellow expatriates (the term has nothing to do with patriotism). They have all done it before and will be more than glad to share "war stories" and advice. You will find the community of foreigners friendly and open. There is something about all being here in a foreign land that brings people together and makes them willing to help one another. If you decide to live in Costa Rica , we welcome you!
Even if you are only thinking about it, please contact info@exotur.com and let our English-speaking staff talk to you and help you plan a Costa Rica vacation/fact-finding trip. |
