Once you have made the decision to move to Costa Rica and settled the question of renting a home or purchasing you should determine whether you want to live here part-time or full-time.

For my husband and me, this decision was an easy one. We are both “nesters” and needed to put down roots in one place that we could call our home.

One important consideration is the financial aspect of maintaining homes in two different countries. If you live in Costa Rica part-time, you will need to ensure that your monthly bills are paid in your absence.

There is also the cost of keeping your property maintained and secure when you are not in residence. This usually involves the hiring of a property manager, another expense.

You do have the option of renting out your Costa Rica property when you’re not here, but let’s be honest about that. Chances are good that you’ll want to be living here when it’s “winter” back home. That means you would want to rent your property out during what is called the rainy season (it sounds better when we call it the green season).

This is low season for tourism & the demand for vacation rental properties is much lower. In any event, you would still need a property manager. We all know the potential hazards of undesirable renters.

If you choose to “snowbird” in Costa Rica, don’t forget that the property in your native country has to be looked after. We are fortunate to have someone back in Canada who has found us excellent renters while the acreage remains on the market.

We don’t have to deal with concerns over paying the bills “back home” or having the property vacant. Having that rental income makes a big difference. We can take our time looking for our “forever home” in Costa Rica.

Many ex-pats choose to live in Costa Rica part-time due to health issues and insurance coverage. You need to assess your situation honestly to determine if this should be a factor in your decision.

Perhaps the factor I hear about the most from ex-pats in Costa Rica (both part-time and full-time) is the consideration of family. We have five children and four (soon to be five) grandchildren that live back in Canada.

They are spread from the Pacific coast to Ontario. We have always had to travel to see them or vice-versa. That fact hasn’t changed – just our home location has.

We look forward to their visits in Costa Rica and our occasional visits back to Canada.

My husband and I made the decision to live in Costa Rica full-time because it was the right decision for us – it’s not right for everybody. I suggest you make a list with the “pros & cons” of living in Costa Rica both part-time and full-time. Have a good look at that list and consider it when making your decision.

Whether you choose to rent, buy or build, live here part-time or full-time, enjoy your life in Costa Rica. It is not perfect (nowhere is) but it is a wonderful country that has so much to offer. Take the time to learn the history and culture as well as the Tico people. You’ll be glad you did.

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Written by VIP Member Peggy Stewart. Peggy Stewart and her husband Rick, both retirees, along with their German Shepherd Tonka, made the move from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada to live full-time in Costa Rica in September 2011.

Peggy has a long history as a trade Union leader and social activist, also working in group homes with troubled teens. Rick worked for almost 40 years as a forest officer with the Alberta government. After first exploring Costa Rica as a retirement destination in early 2009, they made three more trips to Costa Rica before settling in the Atenas area. They currently reside in Santa Eulalia.

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) ranks Atenas as one of “The Best Places to Retire Abroad.” For more information about homes and land for sale in the area please contact our Recommended Realtors in Atenas Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez-Porras 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.