Menu

Free 200+ Page eBook

Top 57 Places to Live & Invest in the Tropics

Quickly find out which country is right for you.
No-hype updates & resource guides. No Spam. Ever.
Limited offer. Instant Download.

Join More than 58,187 people who are breaking free


we value your privacy

Hot Real Estate Offer

The 10 Perks of Retiring in Costa Rica (That You Never Considered Before)

Expats and retirees have been retiring in Costa Rica for many years. The obvious benefits – great weather, beautiful beaches, and growing expat communities are well known. But some of the best things about relocating to this Central American paradise are those you might have never considered.

Finding information about Costa Rica and what it offers is easier than ever before. Discovering the potential that it holds is a journey that varies from person to person.

costa rica

Oha

Hidden Gems in a Costa Rica Retirement

Some of the best aspects of retiring in Costa Rica are intangible in nature. Along with those features, Costa Rica does have many opportunities to reinvent yourself or invest in the future; truly a number of ways to make those “golden years” even more golden. Below are some of those things you might not have thought of when considering a Costa Rica retirement.

The Rhythm of Life

There is something that happens to people when they move to Costa Rica. Time takes on a different perspective and you find yourself feeling less urgency about getting things done.

This, in turn, reduces stress and allows the body and the mind to truly relax. Modern medical science has shown that lower stress has a variety of health benefits. In a real sense, the Costa Rican lifestyle can add years to your life and provide a better understanding of what truly is important and what is just “small stuff.”

Fewer Processed Foods Means Healthier Eating

Unlike the U.S., Canada, and Europe, there are far fewer processed foods to be had in Costa Rica. With the absence of golden arches on every corner (metaphorically speaking), food choices tend to be healthier with local fruits and vegetables taking the place of the products of large commercial farms.

Almost by default, you will find yourself eating less and eating healthier than you might back in the States. If you’re worried about dieting, retiring in Costa Rica can be one of the easiest ways to shed those pounds and those bodily toxins.

Paradise Is Easier to Reach Than Ever Before

One concern many expat retirees have is being able to visit their families back in the States or having family members visit them in their tropical escape. Costa Rica may just be the most accessible Central American country in terms of flights to and from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

With two modern international airports, one in San Jose, the other in Liberia, finding affordable flights to and from most major cities is as simple as the proverbial click of a mouse. Importantly, as Costa Rica’s popularity continues to grow, more carriers are scheduling flights or expanding existing operations, which makes staying connected easier than you might think.

 

costa rica

Didier Baertschiger

And, Speaking of Staying Connected…

Costa Rica continues to expand and improve its cable, cellular, and internet services. High speed internet access is readily available throughout much of the country – something that is unique among its Latin American neighbors.

Cable and satellite services carry many U.S. channels and shows and offer packages similar to those found in the States.  There are also choices in cellular phone services that cover most of the country. Being able to stay connected to those back home, while enjoying the pleasures of a tropical retirement, is truly the best of both worlds.

Be One With Nature

Finding a retirement destination that is clean, eco-friendly, and dedicated to preserving all of the beauty of the natural world is a dream many expats have. Costa Rica has consistently been ranked as one of the cleanest and “greenest” countries in the world. Being one with the environment is an aesthetic benefit that can and does enrich the concept of what retirement is all about.

Costa Rica has been mentioned as one of the Blue Zones (those places where the lifestyle and environment are conducive to longer lives). When you choose a Costa Rica retirement, you may also discover that there are more years (and adventures) that await you than you could have dreamed of.

Beach, Rustic, Mountain, Cosmopolitan? So Many Lifestyle Choices

Costa Rica is definitely not a “one size fits all” destination for your retirement. Containing pristine beaches, small rustic “tico” villages, stunning mountain vistas, secluded tropical rainforests, and modern, cosmopolitan cities, you can truly customize the kind of retirement lifestyle that you are seeking.

Whether you are looking for established expat communities, like those in Escazu; the quiet mountain villages of the Central Valley; the beach lifestyle of Tamarindo, Jaco, or Playa Flamingo; or the laid-back Bohemian vibe found in places like Nosara, your retirement choices are more diverse than in other tropical locations. The choice, truly, is yours.

Potential for a Good Return on Retirement Investment  

Although Costa Rica has been on the radar of expats and retirees for over a decade, there are still plenty of investment opportunities that exist. There are both residential and commercial properties throughout the country that could provide the opportunity to grow your investment/retirement dollars.

The improvements in infrastructure, such as the new (2010) highway along the Pacific coast, have opened up new areas for development. Uvita, Dominical, and other locations in the southern Pacific zone have become destinations for those looking to build their own tropical retreat and/or investment projects.

Stable Government Means No Expat Surprises

Costa Rica is in the enviable position of having one of the most stable governments throughout Latin America. For retirees, this stability translates into a security that there won’t be any surprises in terms of changing policies that have created uncertainty for many expats in other countries.

costa rica

Roger

It’s About the Benjamins…

The U.S. dollar is accepted throughout much of the country, making shopping and other transactions easy. There are any number of ATMs throughout the country that you can access both colones (the Costa Rica currency) or U.S. dollars.

The knowledge that you can get to your funds easily and conveniently adds a layer of security for retirees who may be concerned about the ability to replenish their cash from time to time. Also, most major credit cards, such as Mastercard and Visa are also accepted at stores and restaurants as readily as they would be back home.

The People

Last, but by no means least, are the people of Costa Rica – the ticos and ticas. Friendly and welcoming, Costa Ricans can make your transition to a retirement life in paradise easier than you could imagine.

It is often said that Costa Rica is one of the happiest places on earth. The people who live in this Latin American gem certainly are proof of that.

Discover These Treasures for Yourself

It is a testament to all that Costa Rica offers that it remains as one of the most desirable places to retire on Earth. Take the time to visit this unique Central American destination, research the possibilities, and see for yourself what a “pura vida” retirement could be like.

Up Next

7 of the Top Places U.S. Expats Are Living in Latin America (and Why)

New data shows where U.S. expats are residing all across the globe. Many of the top destinations are in nearby Latin America. Find out why. (Read It)

Central America's Best Real Estate Buy

Don't miss this up and commer. It has the tropical lifestyle, stunning beauty, and smokin appreciation potential. (Read It)

The World’s Top 10 Best Places to Put Your Money

Offshore banking isn't just for the super rich. But how does the average Joe decide where to put his money? Here are the world's top banking jurisdictions. (Read It)

Nosara, Costa Rica Everything You Need to Know. I Mean Everything.

Imagine a small, beautiful beach town surrounded by jungle and wildlife with a peaceful multicultural community and many of the comforts of home. That place, named by National Geographic as one of the top surf …

(Read It)
panama city panama real estate update

Panama City, Panama Real Estate Market Update

Today we have a guest post written by Kent Davis, owner of one of the most successful real estate brokerages in Panama City The Panama City real estate market may have finally taken a turn in …

(Read It)
costa rica websites

Top 133 Costa Rica Websites for Expats and Investors

Did you know there are dozens and dozens of great resources on Costa Rica for expats and investors? Sure, we have a ton of resources for Costa Rica on our site, and a whole bunch …

(Read It)

The Truth about Living in Costa Rica: The Good, the Bad, and the Muddy

It's easy to find tons of articles and information out there highlighting all the great benefits of living in Costa Rica. But it's also easy to read those blogs and marketing pieces and think, "Yeah, it …

(Read It)

Why Nosara, Costa Rica Is Not Your Average Surfing Town

A deeper look at Nosara and its history will quickly reveal that this long-time mecca for surfing enthusiasts offers so much more than just the sand and sea. The increasing interest in the area as a …

(Read It)

Expats Are Still Falling in Love with Nosara and Here’s Why

What was once the up-and-coming expat haven of Nosara, Costa Rica, has blossomed into one of Costa Rica's most established expat communities that continues to be ranked near the top of the list of most desirable destinations in the Latin …

(Read It)

One thought on “The 10 Perks of Retiring in Costa Rica (That You Never Considered Before)

  1. 1

    We need more like this. Good info.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *