If you often stare longingly at the tropical paradise on your screen saver and you’re tired of shuffling papers and putting in your weekly 9-5, it may be time to give some serious thought as to whether the beach life would be a much better life for you.

The Southern Pacific coastal town of Ojochal, Costa Rica is home to a growing group of expats quick to recognize the benefits of living life surrounded by paradise landscapes. Acknowledging that Ojochal life is not all about the beautiful sunsets and delicious cocktails, what else does this beautiful part of the world have to offer?

It can be difficult to imagine what life would really be like living in a sleepy beach side town in a tropical country. Far from being cut off from the rest of civilization many of Costa Rica’s coastal towns enjoy the best of both worlds.

Proximity to fantastic beaches and surrounded by a gorgeous mountainous coastal landscape as well as improved infrastructure and facilities make Ojochal an attractive option for families looking for a positive life change.

For many years the Costa Rican Southern Pacific and the small village of Ojochal have benefited from an isolated existence. The Ojochal community has worked hard to ensure this beach town retains its charm and natural authenticity resulting in a more controlled development. However, most residents would agree that recent improved access to the Southern Pacific has brought positive results for the area, which largely depends on the tourism industry.

Playa Ojochal, a beautiful beach in its own right, is located in an area of Costa Rica which boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the world including Playa Ventanas, Playa Piñuelas and Playa Tortuga to name but a few.

The Marina Ballena National Park is best known for its natural, sandbank whale tail coastal formation. When its low tide, visitors to this area can access the Isla Ballena via this whale tail sandbar and spot humpback whales migrating through these Pacific waters during the winter.

Toucans, monkeys, parrots, iguanas and sloths are just a few of the natural wonders that can be seen in this part of the world. Additionally between the months of July to January sea turtles arrive to lay their eggs.

The Ojochal landscape is picture perfect with brightly colored tropical vegetation and green rolling foothills as a backdrop. This majestic mountainous landscape has meant that although there is a centre, the majority of the local population is dispersed.

Established residences blend into the surrounding foothills taking full benefit of the stunning scenery. Properties in the area have a water and electricity supply as well as internet access and good cell phone coverage.

Speaking to residents who have lived in Ojochal for more than ten years clearly demonstrates that a paradise life is achievable and all agree they feel much healthier in their mind and body. “Its difficult not to lead a healthy lifestyle, living in such a beautiful place, my daily diet is made up of natural local produce and at the age of 65 I am proud to say I regularly practice yoga on the beach, something I never thought I would do,” affirmed one five year Ojochal resident.

If you are used to living life in the fast line dropping down a gear may be difficult to begin with. You may feel that it was easier to get things done in your own country but try to remember what pushed you to make the decision to move in the first place.

To keep your health in check the town of Ojochal has a qualified doctor and dentist as well as an EBAIS clinic which offers basic medical care. A new hospital which opened at the beginning of 2010 is located in just fifteen minutes south of Ojochal and boasts modern facilities and the latest specialized care.

Unless you have been lucky enough to have won the lottery it is necessary to consider what realistic investment and business opportunities are available in the area to ensure you have a regular income, you can’t live on paradise alone!

Sustainable tourism initiatives are big in this part of the world so ensure any business proposal takes this into account.

Ojochal town has a basic structure and facilities include a supermarket, beauty salon, bakery, gas station, hardware store, taxi service and internet café as well as a few bars and a small disco.

As previously mentioned access to the town of Ojochal has greatly improved which is encouraging news for Ojochal’s prospering tourism industry. The vast majority of local businesses in Ojochal cater for tourists but it is still in development and there is plenty of room for growth. Local ATV tours, canopy tours, snorkeling and scuba diving tours, kayaking and sports fishing are a few activities popular both tourists and locals.

Already well known for its multi-cultural cuisine there is large selection of quality restaurants that cater for visiting tourists. Taking into account tourism’s high and low seasons many restaurant owners run additional businesses to top up their incomes.

Acquiring properties for vacation rental during high season is an up and coming trend. With Trip Advisor surveys showing an increased interest in vacationers choosing rentals properties over hotels this option is well worth considering. The Southern Pacific currently offers some of the best real estate investment opportunities in Costa Rica.

Making Ojochal your home will give you and your family a great opportunity to have a very different outlook on life. Surrounded by one of the world’s most bio-diverse landscapes it’s difficult not to be more positive. Many residents use mobile phones but all agree they have little time for television and their children spend a lot of their time outdoors.

Sustainable practices are employed by many Ojochal residents who recognize their responsibility in protecting the environment. Recycling programs and privately owned conservation areas are just a couple of examples of how residents actively participate.

You will find that Ojochal is very much a multicultural community with residents originating from Germany, Italy, America and Canada. An active residents association is an excellent way to get to know your welcoming local community and gives you a chance to make friends and network.

If you are planning to move to Ojochal with your family and are concerned about educational facilities for your children it might be worth contacting the Escuela Verde Costa Ballena. This international school is located in Uvita and offers a comprehensive bilingual curriculum.

The South Pacific of Costa Rica is full of exciting opportunities for you and your family and Playa Ojochal offers an attainable lifestyle. Living by the beach doesn’t just have to be a dream; it can also be your reality.

[custom_script adID=191]

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.