Costa Rica Living The Good Life

So, you’re done with the nine to five, the kids are gone and you’re ready for ‘The Good Life’ somewhere warm and exotic and hopefully not too costly.

You may be flirting with the idea of living and retiring in Costa Rica. In this introductory article, we’ll give you a general overview of Costa Rica living for a foreign retiree, offer a taste of the luscious possibilities of a Costa Rica retirement and prime you for what’s to come.

In upcoming articles, we’ll detail the nuts and bolts of retiring in Costa Rica, including information on transportation, language, health care, entertainment, community resources and suggestions on the best places to settle.

Does the thought of leaving home make you twitch with anxiety? Take heart. Foreigners have been retiring in Costa Rica for decades and finding a life they only dreamed of in their homelands.

Costa Rica Retirement – Facts of Life

Look at any guidebook on Costa Rica and you’ll get the basics: a small Central American democracy, unique in its lack of a military (which was abolished in 1948), friendly to foreigners and as politically and economically stable as any country in the developing world. Unstated in guidebooks are some of the more pragmatic facts: Domestic help can be hired for about $2 an hour.

Although ‘First World’ conveniences are pouring in, Costa Rica living retains the laid-back rhythm and ‘tranquilo’ charm of a developing country. And a thriving community of expatriates from all over the world is ready to welcome newcomers.

Costa Rica is swiftly evolving. Mary Adams, retired here since 1970, has seen a lot of changes. “In the old days, although I loved my life here, I had to go back to the U.S. once every year or two to buy clothes and the more specialized household goods,” she said. “Now I find everything I need right here. It’s marvelous!”

Prices on imported goods have dropped considerably in recent years and a stroll through PriceSmart, a recently opened discount chain, reveals that the cost of most items is comparable to U.S. standards. Yet not everything is cheaper in Costa Rica. Gasoline runs about $2.50 a gallon and cars can be expensive.

Buses however are extremely reasonable (from San Jose to the Pacific Ocean beaches for under US$10) and can take you almost anywhere in the country and an hour’s taxi ride will normally cost less than US$10.

Costa Rica abounds with leisure activities and dozens of clubs and associations are listed in the local English language newspaper. Classes, from acting to Yoga, are available in the Central Valley and at many of the more popular beach towns.

Of course, as in the rest of the world, quality of life in Costa Rica is somewhat related to disposable income, yet even on a more restricted budget, a deliciousness permeates the days and nights in this friendly place that’s hard to resist and unrelated to cash flow.

Maybe it’s the silkiness of the air or the wide white grin of the locals. Perhaps it’s the dizzying beauty and lushness of the land… Whether you live on the Caribbean or Pacific coast or elect to retire in the sweeping Central Valley or perhaps on one of the perennially verdant mountains that line it, Costa Rica can be an unforgettable and rewarding place in which to spend the best years of your life.

Barbara J. Adams is a long-term resident of Costa Rica whose mother retired here in 1970. As a free-lance writer and editor, she has worked extensively for many of the country’s English-language publications, including Costa Rica Today, The Tico Times, Business Costa Rica, and Guide Magazine.

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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.