Myths & Misconceptions of Retirement in Costa Rica

Rule #1 when thinking of moving to Costa Rica: Please keep an open mind because unless you have been here you will not know the incredible variety of living choices available.

Perfect Climate and Great Views

• Many people who live here will tell you they live in the perfect climate without having lived in any other part of the country. Most are totally unaware of the affects that altitude and location in relation to major geological features like the Continental Divide have on the daily temperature range and on the amount and frequency of rain and wind.
• Most places have very good views, some have even better views and some have SUPERCALAFRAGALISTICEXPIALADOCOUS views!
• High speed Internet via cable modem is only available in San Jose and some burbs although satellite internet is becoming more available (but expensive) in more rural areas. ICE offers RDSL in Puriscal and there is good high speed internet available in Grecia and San Ramon through line of sight systems for a low rate.

The most common problem is that people are unaware of the many relevant factors from which you can choose. There is no perfect place so you should evaluate the importance of each of the following in your selection:

1. The availability of local quality mentors with integrity to help you adjust and learn all of the local resources. These can be Ticos or Expats. Just check with at least four other Expats who have relied on these sources.
2. The good news is the average temperature is 70F plus or minus 10 degrees F at 4,000 feet altitude. The bad news is the plus or minus is from 85F at sea level
3. Cost of land is totally dependent on perceived value. There are often large price differences even in the exact same area.
4. Cost of existing housing, is totally dependent on perceived value.
5. Security issues. Much better away from San Jose and the popular tourist areas.
6. Distance and types of shopping and entertainment available.
7. Distance, cost, and quality of medical and dental care. Amazingly, the quality, availability, and cost are excellent in most parts of the country.
8. Quality and types of views are selectable from living in a forest by a stream to the top of a mountain with sunset views, ocean views, and Central Valley views
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9. Amount of traffic and quality of road. The quality of many of the roads around San Jose has really improved.
10. Availability and type of water, electricity, phone, and Internet connections. Believe it exists when you see it.
11. Permitting and building restrictions. Can be a huge problem.
12. Your gut feel of the area.
13. Gated Community or isolated location. Security can be good in any combination of this although being too close to your neighbors can be an issue.
14. Whether to buy existing home or to buy property and build. Finding your dream house in dream location for dream price is unlikely since there has been so little building of “spec” homes in most of the most desirable areas.
15. Whether or not custom building is out of the question. If proper guidance is available, this may be your best price/value option however, this requires time and a lot of patience. Cost of building can be less than $75 per square foot which is quoted by many builders who will claim they are quoting you the best price available. Less than $75 per square foot is still doable but costs are rising by at least 20% per year.
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16. Living by the beach is rarely well thought out. There are many locations with ocean views at an altitude with much cooler temperatures and only 1½ hour drive to beaches.
17. Must have a car, roads are very bad, both should be investigated fully. Bus & taxi service is excellent in most places and the roads are new in many places. Car insurance and home insurance can be very reasonable to zero depending on your knowledge of what you really need. Title insurance is usually a waste of money
18. Heath care, insurance, and tax costs, quality, and availability. The basic Social Security (Seguro Social) coverage is very inclusive and you can always use private Doctors for a small fee.

For most gringos there is a total unawareness of the basic happiness, friendliness and generosity of the general population. Your personal experience of this depends a lot on your own attitude and can become a major plus in your decision. The good news is most areas in Costa Rica are very liveable.

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Written by our friend George Lundquist, who is the founder of Costa Rica Retire on Social Security. If you are thinking of retiring in Costa Rica, you might want to consider the retirement tour that George offers, his goal is to share his experiences here with you to save you time and money!

For more information about buying or building a quality home in Puriscal, Costa Rica please contact us using the simple form below:

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.