Costa Rica is the land many associate with delicious coffee, friendly people, and a dense, healthy rainforest. But it’s also now home to a large number of North American expats. Why, you might ask, is Costa Rica such a draw for expats?
There are so many answers to that question: unparalleled natural beauty, fresh and healthy food, a low cost of living, wonderful people. And you can find it all in Playa Herradura, Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica
A Little More Than Local
Playa Herradura, Costa Rica sits on the Pacific Coast of this Central American nation. It’s officially known as the “Fishing Capital of Costa Rica” and, as a result, it has a bit of a tourist infrastructure built into the city. Located next to the popular Jaco Beach, it’s also only an hour away from San Jose International Airport. As such, many people have bought homes here and now call it their hometown.
The area was once just a locals beach on the Costanera Sur, but since the Los Sueños Marina opened, with over 1,100 acres, 200 slip marina, 600-acre rainforest, and golf course, it’s been “on the map” for many vacationers and retirees. That doesn’t mean you have to live the posh resort life, however. There are many options with every budget in mind in the Playa Herradura, Costa Rica area that make sense for those seeking a new life.
Rolando Vargas
Why Playa Herradura?
But, why should you consider buying real estate in Playa Herradura? Well, who wouldn’t want to live in a place called The Gold Coast? The area has seen a lot of property development in recent years. It’s no longer the sleepy fishing town it once was. That’s not a bad thing, though! You’ll find plenty of friendly people willing to help make your move a little easier. There are plenty of recreational activities, like the aforementioned fishing, but there’s also jungle hiking and golf to keep you busy.
Playa Herradura does have a quiet side, though. Visitors have a selection of only a few hotels, with the one standout being the Los Sueños Marriott resort. It’s not the most touristy of the beaches around. Jaco takes that crown. As a result, it’s perfect for full-time expats in Costa Rica – devoid of the constant beach noise that comes along with living in a popular beach town.
This is possibly the best advantage of Playa Herradura. You’re close enough to all the fun and excitement of Jaco Beach, but far enough away to get some much needed R&R. The more upscale resorts are located near Playa Herradura, so you do have a little bit of tourist infrastructure, but not in the form of the new casino resort that was recently built nearby.
Prices for homes are all over the map. Obviously you’ll pay more for the more furnished and built-out properties in the area. A few acres of virgin land with ocean views can be had for $200,000-$300,000. If you want something pre-built, smaller properties including condos can run as low as $100,000. Again, personal preference will dictate much of the price here.
Beating the Heat Won’t Make You Lose Your Cool
One of the first things you’ll notice about living in Playa Herradura are the pleasantly low prices. You can enjoy the local beer, a Bavaria Negra, for $2, or a fruit smoothie (blackberry, pineapple, or papaya) for $1.50. Tacos and fish can run between $5-$10 a plate (sourced right off the boat and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat).
Utility bills obviously depend on your usage, but many reports in the area say that bills can be kept under $100 a month. Regarding electricity, the biggest expense will be your air conditioning and washer/dryer. If you buy or build a home with good access to ocean breezes, air conditioning might not be a necessity over time, as your body naturally adjusts to the heat and the humidity of the tropics. Collecting rain water in a cistern and air drying your clothes are two common ways to cut utility costs.
Geoff Sowrey
How You’ll Spend Your Days in Playa Herradura, Costa Rica
The area was first, and still is, popular because of its sport fishing. That’s why the Los Sueños Marina exists today. If you’re an expat who’s drawn by the call of the sea, you can host a boat in the “5-star” marina (government sanctioned). Boats from 30 to 180 feet in length can be accommodated, and you can also store your vessel on dry-dock.
There’s also plenty of shopping to be done in Playa Herradura. If you’re looking to source some unique pieces for your new home, you’ll find many shops that sell local Central and South American art. And, of course, there’s always the beach. The nicest ones are located just north at Punta Leona, which is just a few kilometers away. There is a resort nearby, but since it’s illegal to restrict beach access in Costa Rica, don’t let that deter you. The conditions in the area are perfect for swimming, bodysurfing, and boogie boarding.
The Transition Is [Mostly] an Easy One
So, does Costa Rica sound like a place that is calling your name? Playa Herradura welcomes a form of living that’s definitely a lot different than what you’re used to back at home. However, like any other place, it isn’t without its areas that could use some improvement. The costs are lower, sure, but with that comes the occasional headaches over logistical issues like getting mail, internet, and other basic needs.
Luckily, due to the increasing popularity of Playa Herradura among expats, many of the details have been already fussed over by the “pioneers.” As a result, assimilating into Playa Herradura can be a more than manageable task. Take a look at what is offered in Playa Herradura, and make an educated decision for your family as to whether it’s the right spot for you!
San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico may just be one of the best kept secrets among top locations for expats and investors today. Located in the central highlands state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico, this mountain community truly embraces the essence of its name – Jovel: a place in the clouds (in the native tongue of the indigenous Tzotzil and Tzeltal people).
Long valued as a tourist destination, the recent influx of expats has dramatically increased the investment potential, both in the town itself and in the surrounding area. One look at the properties on the real estate market provides a dramatic example of the possibilities that San Cristobal presents both now and in the foreseeable future.
Adrian Gallop
3 Things That Make San Cristobal de las Casas a Great Retirement And Investment Destination
This mountain town has a number of characteristics that expats need to know that demonstrate why San Cristobal de las Casas is so desirable. Whether you are considering a place to retire, a “Mexican hideaway,” or a place with high investment potential, the following items are important factors in making a life-changing decision.
San Cristobal Has a Unique Blend of Modern Infrastructure, Mayan Tradition, and Spanish Colonial Influence
- Ancient Traditions. The area in and around San Cristobal contains one of the largest indigenous Mayan populations in Mexico. The Tzotzil and Tzeltal villages around the city proper bring the rich Mayan traditions to life; for those seeking to truly immerse in a distinct, local culture San Cristobal is the perfect place to settle.
- Colonial Wonders. The stunning examples of Spanish Colonial architecture are a prime reason why the city has long been a desirable tourist destination. With facades that exhibit Moorish, Baroque, and Neoclassical influences, walking the cobblestone streets of the historical district is very much like entering a time machine and being transported to the time of Spanish influence and power. By many estimates, San Cristobal may be one of the best preserved examples of the Spanish Colonial influence in Latin America. Lovers of architectural beauty, history buffs, and others looking for that someplace special will not be disappointed by the offerings of this highland community.
- Timeless Yet Modern. Though steeped in history and ancient traditions, San Cristobal de las Casas is very much a modern location with the amenities one would hope to find in a developed city. Essential utility services (electricity, water, sewer, trash pickup, cable, and internet) are readily accessible in the central part of the municipality; over 96% of the homes in the greater San Cristobal area have electricity and over 86% have running water. With over 80 hotels and 2000 rooms, the infrastructure will continue to improve, attracting more visitors, expats, and foreign investors.
Rativitaki
San Cristobal de las Casas Has a Comfortable Climate and Exceptional Location
- Comfortable and Cool. One big advantage that San Cristobal has over other parts of Mexico is the climate. With daytime temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s and nighttime temperatures in the high 40s to low 50s, outdoor activities are much more enjoyable and the sleeping weather at night is near perfect. Ironically, you might use a jacket or sweater far more than your air conditioner. This is also a significant value-added feature that translates into lower energy costs, an important consideration for retirees on fixed incomes.
- Natural Wonders Equals Natural Beauty. There are a number of ecological attractions in the San Cristobal area that add to the natural beauty of its mountain location. The Rancho Nuevo, for example, is a cave system that has a single path leading 750 meters into the interior, which is illuminated in various colors. There are also a number of campsites and horseback rides offered to really get a hands-on feel for the mountain environment. Additionally, the two ecological reserves, Cerro Huitepec Private Reserve and the Rancho Nuevo Ecological Conservation Zone in the area are just the kind of place that nature lovers will definitely enjoy.
Now Is the Time to Stake Your Claim in the Sky
As San Cristobal de las Casas continues to grow and transition from a tourist location to expat destination, the potential for growth in the real estate market will continue to increase. At the same time, the inventory of available properties will decrease.
There are a number of options that prospective buyers can consider in this Spanish colonial city. One of the most desirable is to find an historical property that can be restored. This may be the perfect choice for an investor looking for properties that can promise a high return on initial cash outlay. The historical district is an ideal location to find these colonial diamonds in the rough.
Like other municipalities that are enjoying the influx of expats and foreign investors, there are new construction projects that promise modern living with the rich cultural and historical backdrop that is so desirable in much of “old Mexico.” Individuals who want a turnkey ready residence would be drawn to these developments.
Lastly, the surrounding Mayan villages may be exactly right for someone who is seeking to truly immerse themselves in a traditional lifestyle while, at the same time, helping the local community by volunteering in any number of the social action projects that are run by various non-profit groups. Definitely far more rustic, nonetheless, properties here are less expensive; the trade-off for amenities is the opportunity to truly become a part of a traditional indigenous culture.
Karolina Lubryczynska
Getting There Can Be an Adventure Itself
Ironically, one of San Cristobal de las Casa’s main features, the remote location, is also one of the bigger drawbacks to life there. There are no direct passenger flights into the city; even the closest airport, Tuxtla Gutierrez, (located roughly an hour and fifteen minutes away) has no direct international service. The only option is to fly into Mexico City, take a domestic carrier to Tuxtla and then take one of the buses or taxis to arrive in San Cristobal.
A related problem is that being able to obtain certain items, such as electronics, computers, etc. may require a trip to one of the larger cities. The obvious work around is to bring these items back from the U.S. when visiting although attention should be paid to customs and import duties.
So What Comes Next
Learning about Mexico, its history, cultures, and regions is a great place to start your research. After that, there is absolutely no substitute for experiencing San Cristobal de las Casas for yourself. Go there, learn things, and discover the potential that this vibrant highland location has as a place to live and an opportunity to invest – both near and long term.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico has become a favorite destination for expats seeking a Eurocentric atmosphere on the shores of the Caribbean. The strong European, Canadian, and Argentinean influences of this beachside location have made it the fasting growing community on Mexico’s Rivera Maya.
With such a cosmopolitan vibe, it’s little wonder that the number of new residential units and high-end resort properties is growing throughout the metropolitan area. Being able to choose between a modern condominium unit with state-of the art amenities, luxury resort living, or restoring one on the older properties near the center of town makes shopping for real estate an enjoyable task.
Sharon Hahn Darlin
Six Important Tips for Enjoying Life in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
With its unique ambiance, living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico can truly be a life-changing adventure. Here are some tips to maximize your experience.
Embrace the Cultural Blend
Nowhere else in Latin America is the influence of old world European style expressed as strongly as in Playa del Carmen. Often compared to continental resort communities, such as Nice, Playa is becoming a place to see and be seen. For those seeking the best of Euro-chic style and Mexican spice, Playa del Carmen is the place to be.
The central hub of activity is Quinta Avenida, literally translated as Fifth Avenue. With popular stores such as Louis Vuitton, H&M, and Christian Dior, it is little wonder that this former sleepy fishing village is on track to becoming both a cultural and economic magnet for the entire Yucatan peninsula. Despite all its growth, Playa still retains its charm as a small Mexican town and artist colony. One important step that was taken to achieve this was to limit building height within the town center to five stories.
Appreciate the Location
Playa del Carmen, while technically part of the Riviera Maya, is certainly off the normal “tourist track.” Being able to enjoy a more cosmopolitan, less frenetic pace while still being close enough to the action truly provides a style of life that embraces the best of both worlds.
Don’t Worry About Getting There
With its close proximity to Cancún and Cozumel, transportation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico is easy to arrange. The international airport in Cancún has many regularly scheduled flights from most major U.S. cities. Once there, it is just a relaxing one-hour drive along the coast to reach Playa.
A second option is to fly into Cozumel and take the twelve mile ferry ride across the bay. The ferry service offers regular airport transfers making this another option for reaching your destination.
No Spanish? No Problem
One feature of Playa that will definitely appeal to those who are concerned about navigating in a foreign language is that English is widely spoken. As the expat community continues to grow, finding English speakers is increasingly easier.
For those seeking a more rustic Mexican experience the smaller pueblos outside of the metropolitan area still provide a window into the culture of Yucatan. Here Spanish is the dominant language, and English speakers are far less common.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Play and Explore
Playa has a number of great opportunities to relax, explore, and enjoy all that this Caribbean beach town has to offer. The growing number of luxury resorts in the area offers the kind of recreational options that one would expect to find on the European coastline.
The full range of beach activities (scuba, snorkeling, flyboarding, etc.) provides a variety of ways to enjoy the Caribbean waters. For those who enjoy the opportunity to catch their dinner, fishing charters will help anglers hook the big one. After the catch, finding a local restaurant to cook your fish is easy and inexpensive as well.
Less strenuous but equally enjoyable are a number of catamaran and sunset cruises that are readily available beachside. Appreciating the sunset while floating on the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea is a great way to finish off a day in paradise.
Eco-tours to the special reserves of Sian Ka’an Biosphere and Ria Lagartos give nature lovers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the region. For those who desire a more adrenaline-fueled natural encounter, summertime cruises near Isla Mujeres give adventurers the chance to swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.
The nearby Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum (among others) are just a short distance away from Playa. These once in a lifetime experiences are perfect for anyone who wants to discover the mysteries and heritage of the ancient Mayan culture that existed in the area.
Understand That All These Elements Make Owning Now Irresistible
Playa del Carmen, Mexico has a tremendous upside for both expats seeking a unique beach location and investors looking for growth potential. The rich, “Eurocentric” atmosphere blended with the relaxed Mexican vibe makes property ownership both desirable and profitable.
The continued increase in the tourist trade (with cruise lines adding Playa del Carmen as a port of call) and the growing number of expats seeking to settle outside the more heavily trafficked areas of Cancun and the Cozumel districts have resulted in new construction of residential units as well as resorts.
Playacar, a planned tourist and residential center, is a prime example of the development that is going on. For investors, the purchasing of lots or finished units here has a strong potential for a good return on investment. For those seeking to make Playa their home, the well-developed infrastructure can support a cosmopolitan lifestyle while keeping the distinctive cultural aspect of the region.
Michael Muraz
The Most Important Tip of All
Mexico has a number of opportunities that investors and expats may not be aware of. Playa del Carmen is one of the special places that combines the potential of a strong investment return with a special ambiance that retirees, expats, and tourists will all be drawn to.
The best way to appreciate what life would be like in Playa is to go there. Walk the beaches, browse the shops along Quinta Avenida, and immerse yourself in the Euro-Mexican cultural atmosphere. There is no better way to start your Mexican experience.
Canoa, Ecuador is not the first place expats might consider when thinking of a tropical destination. However, this beachfront community is poised to become part of Ecuador’s “Gold Coast” along with the neighboring villages of San Clemente, Bahia, Manta, and Crucita.
With the longest stretch of beach in Ecuador (17 km), this rustic fishing village is an ideal location for intrepid investors seeking to get in on a ground floor opportunity. With lots available at very reasonable prices, there is a strong potential for growing your investment dollars.
Elkin Sulvará
The One Thing That You Must Understand About Canoa Ecuador
For those who are considering adopting the expat lifestyle for the first time, Canoa, Ecuador may seem a bit out of the way. Yet it is important to understand that the potential of this small community is nearly limitless both in terms of living there as well as developing a profitable investment base.
There are a number of reasons why Canoa’s prospects are so bright. Some of the highlights can be found below:
The Laid-Back Atmosphere Is a Value-Added Feature
One of the major elements that contributes to Canoa’s potential is the relaxed lifestyle. This is the vibe that one would expect from a beach community where the “endless summer” is always being pursued by lovers of ocean sports.
While there are tourists, the area is not overwhelmed by them. Retirees and others who want a more serene existence will find such an atmosphere easy to come by. Additionally, developers seeking to build investment properties will find a residential market waiting to be established.
Remote But Still Connected
Canoa, Ecuador does not have the infrastructure of some of the larger communities of Manabi Province. That being said, access to the larger towns of San Vicente and Bahia requires no more than a short bus ride.
With the same shopping options, banking facilities, and other services normally found only in larger population centers, Canoa is well connected to the rest of the country, while retaining all the benefits of its more remote location. For those needing the 24/7/365 connectivity of the internet, many of the hotels and hostels in Canoa do have access to the web.
Finding the “Perfect Wave” Is Still Easy
The adrenaline-fueled sports of surfing, paragliding, stand up paddleboarding, and kite surfing have all become popular pursuits in Canoa. Enthusiasts (amateur and experienced) seeking to find a less crowded destination to sharpen their skills have made this Ecuadorian fishing village a popular location. For entrepreneurs seeking to find investment potential, this ready-made market holds great promise.
Building Paradise Is Less Expensive
One of the key aspects that adds to the potential of Canoa, Ecuador is the lower cost of materials and labor. Being able to construct and develop property at a lower cost is another enhancement that makes Canoa a prime location for growth.
You Aren’t Alone
As more and more foreign visitors discover the beauty of Canoa, the English-speaking expat population continues to grow. For those who are not comfortable with a new language, having neighbors who speak English can make the transition to life in this fishing village much more comfortable.
The Tax Burden Doesn’t Loom As Large
One of best features about owning property in Ecuador is the extremely low property tax rate. Assessed between 0.025% and 0.5%, it is rare to pay more than $400 per year.
Another benefit is that those over 65 are only required to pay half of the tax assessed; this certainly is an important benefit for retirees who are living on fixed incomes. When combined with affordable prices, a great beachfront location, and a laid-back lifestyle, it is easy to understand the potential waiting in Canoa Ecuador for those adventurous enough to seek it out.
Canoavilla
Building Your Tropical Dream in Canoa, Ecuador
Finding affordable land in Canoa is an easy proposition. There are a number of parcels, with attractive views of the ocean, that an adventurer could turn into his or her own tropical oasis. Here are some prime examples of what’s currently available:
Canoa Beachfront Lot. For $90,000 you can purchase a beachfront lot that’s located close to town but still quiet and unassuming. It’s ready to build on and could be the perfect place to establish the tropical destination of your dreams.
Beachfront with Income Potential. Also available are twin 1,000 square meter beachfront lots that could easily be used to build four mini casitas. With only an $80,000 initial investment, buyers could have the opportunity to to live in paradise, while having rental income from the other three units. This is a rare opportunity that should not be overlooked.
One Important Consideration
Ecuador has designated the land within 50 km of the national borders and coastlines as National Security Areas. As a result development in these zones is prohibited.
With Canoa being located on the beach, obtaining the services of an experienced real estate attorney can help you ascertain the legal status of any property before committing time and money to the project. This due diligence on the front end will certainly save you a tremendous amount of headaches in the long run.
paradiseintheworld
Summing Up
For those just beginning to explore Canoa, Ecuador as a potential destination, understanding the scope of the possibilities that exists is a necessity. The best way to identify this potential? Go there, walk on the sands, and envision yourself as a part of the growth of what promises to be the next Pacific “Gold Coast.” There is no time like the present to begin the journey.