Your Dream Retirement: Live the Good Life in these Five ... · conveniences of home. The centrally located capital city of San José boasts modern shopping malls and world-class hospitals

Your Dream Retirement: Live the Good Life in these

Five Costa Rica Destinations

An International Living Events report www.InternationalLiving.com

http://www.InternationalLiving.com

Your Dream Retirement: Live the Good Life in these Five Costa Rica Destinations An International Living Events report

Cover photos: © Jason Holland

© Copyright 2017. International Living Publishing Ltd., Woodlock House, Carrick Road, Portlaw, Co.

Waterford, Ireland. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without

the express written consent of the publisher. The information contained herein is obtained from sources

believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Registered in Ireland No. 285214.

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Introduction

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Costa Rica is not a “new” destination for International Living. Back in the early 1980s we regularly encouraged readers to put Costa Rica at the top of their list of overseas retirement havens. Readers who took our advice reaped big rewards. Costa Rica caught on…and became the number-one destination among foreign retirees and investors seeking land buys with big upsides. The upsides were realized. Through the 1990s, the market boomed. Prices for beachfront property along the Pacific coast increased six-, eight-, ten-fold and more. But as property prices rose in Costa Rica, we (and our readers) began looking elsewhere.

But things are changing again and today it makes sense for you to take a fresh look at this darling of Central America.

Long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts…dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife…towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls…mesmerizing sunrises, sunsets, and star-filled evening skies…all these things, and much more, are drawing people back to Costa Rica.

Whether expats live in this beautiful country full- or part-time, they relish the climate, the neighborly atmosphere, the low cost of living, excellent healthcare, stable democracy, and countless ways to have fun.



But of course you already know that Costa Rica has so much to offer…that’s why you’re joining us in San José on August 17 for our Fast Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle and Opportunity Conference.

To give you a head start in preparing for all the great information you’ll hear when we meet in August, we’ve compiled this very special report for you, the attendees.

In this report we’ll give you actionable details and real examples about life in Costa Rica and the reasons why we believe it’s the best retirement destination in Latin America…maybe not the cheapest, and not with the lowest real estate prices…but hands-down the best.

So before you even get on the plane for Costa Rica, you’ll have studied each of the geographic areas we’ll tell you about in this report…along with property examples and the different lifestyles you’ll find there. Once you get to the conference, you’ll know exactly where to focus your energies in order to make the most of it…you’ll know which regions interest you, and what they cost.

What’s more, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’d like to explore after the conference, when the optional real estate tours are available.

So no matter what your budget or what your lifestyle, you’ll learn how you can live the life of your dreams in Costa Rica.

Happy reading

Sincerely,

Jackie Flynn, Publisher, International Living



Map of Costa Rica



Why Live in Costa Rica?

It’s not surprising that expats, in particular Americans and Canadians, are attracted to Costa Rica. With one of the highest standards of living in Latin America and a variety of different climates to suit all tastes, Costa Rica is the perfect retirement destination. You’ll find the tropics along the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts, while most of the Central Valley is cool and breezy. If you find it difficult to choose which climate you prefer, you will be glad to know that the mild temperatures of the Central Valley are just two hours by car from the tropical beaches of the Pacific Coast.

Expats are attracted to Costa Rica for numerous reasons, which include the reasonable cost of living, excellent healthcare, modern telecommunications structure, beautiful beaches, rainforests, lush valleys, and cool mountains…not to mention the theaters, art galleries, and fine dining. There are more than 50,000 North American expats living in Costa Rica and many well-established expat communities.

If you’re ready for la pura vida (the pure life) you might want to consider a Costa Rican retirement. Tucked between Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Costa Rica may truly have it all: a year-round tropical climate, modern cities, Caribbean beaches, Pacific coastline, rainforests, lush valleys, and mountains.

So let’s take a look at some of the amazing benefits that this beautiful country has to offer…and don’t forget, you’ll be hearing more about these benefits when you meet our expats and experts in San José in August.



Easy living…at a reasonable price

How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica? The short answer is: whatever you want…

You can spend just about as much or as little as you want. Expats in Costa Rica can live on as little as $1,400 per month, sometimes even less. To do this, you may have to forego some things, like expensive restaurants and frequent shopping sprees—but that’s not what most people move to Costa Rica for.

For sure you can live like a rock star in Costa Rica on $4,000 per month. Most expats, though, report that they are living quite happily and without sacrifices on a monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,500.

The cost of living in Costa Rica will also depend on where you live. If you choose to live in the Central Valley, for instance, where you won’t need heat or air conditioning, your monthly expenses will be very low, indeed. Then you can afford to treat yourself with things you might not afford at home…like a maid and gardener, spa days, and more…

Housekeepers and gardeners are inexpensive in Costa Rica—usually about $40 a week. Live-in maids, however, are governed by a law that requires a minimum wage of $180 per month, plus food and lodging.

Expats are usually delighted when they first go shopping in Costa Rica. Prices at most supermarkets average about 60% below U.S. levels, and produce is even cheaper at outdoor markets. As a general rule, locally grown produce is the best value, while some imported goods can be relatively expensive. Costa Rica has several excellent supermarket chains, including Auto Mercado and Megasuper, which are now competing with branches of Walmart, Target, and other American big-box retailers.

As well as being able to live cheaply in Costa Rica, you can also live comfortably with all the conveniences of home. The centrally located capital city of San José boasts modern shopping malls and world-class hospitals. And reliable high-speed internet is available just about everywhere.

Top-quality, affordable healthcare

Many medical experts say that Costa Rica offers some of the best healthcare in Latin America. The World Health Organization praises Costa Rica for its exceptional government-run healthcare system, and has ranked it better than the U.S., despite spending far less on healthcare per capita. This achievement is the result of a large government investment in the health sector. The influx of foreigners in Costa Rica has also been a big incentive for private hospitals to open and expand their operations.



Costa Rica’s top-quality healthcare is inexpensive—on average about a third of what you’d

pay in the U.S. Doctors, for instance, rarely charge more than $60 a visit, and most of them charge considerably less, even for house calls. Yes, many physicians in Costa Rica still make house calls!

Medications are also much cheaper, especially at pharmacies outside the tourist areas of San José. And don’t worry about a prescription when you buy medicine in Costa Rica. Pharmacies don’t usually require them, except for strong painkillers that could become addictive. Drugstores are even allowed to prescribe medicines, including on-the-spot injections.

In 2010, the government made it mandatory for residence applicants to become members of Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system. The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS),

commonly known as CAJA, is the government agency that is affiliated with nearly three dozen public hospitals in the country and many small clinics in almost every community. Foreigners can have regular access for a small monthly fee.

Keep in mind that the Caja’s low cost and high quality attract many to its hospitals and clinics, and wait times are long for anything from a routine check-up to an important surgical procedure.

You can also buy private insurance—most plans cover dental work, optometry, and cosmetic surgery in the case of an accident. Prescription drugs, certain medical exams, sick visits and hospitalization are covered at 70% cost, and surgeon and aesthetician costs are covered at full cost. Private medical insurance in Costa Rica currently costs about $100 per month per person, depending on age, gender, and other factors.

The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) (the government-owned insurance monopoly) provides low-cost health insurance that entitles citizens and foreigners access to doctors, private hospitals, laboratories, and other medical facilities. For more information, see www.ins-cr.com/index.html.

And don’t worry about language issues—many doctors speak English and have received training in Europe, Canada, or the U.S.`

A variety of affordable real estate

For many years Costa Rica has been on the list of nearly everyone interested in a home in the sun. Today the country is even higher up the list, thanks to real estate bargains throughout the country. Make no mistake, however. You won’t find the rock-bottom prices as you would in places like Mexico where the property market crashed a few years ago. Most real estate experts estimate that prices in Costa Rica dropped 20% to 30% during the economic crisis several years ago, and that includes prices in some of the most sought-after locales, such as the Central Valley and the Pacific Coast.



Many expats are choosing to settle in the Lake Arenal area, about a four-hour drive northwest from San José. Lake Arenal is a 50-square-mile, pristine, tropical, mountain lake. With Volcan Arenal looming majestically at one end, it’s surrounded by rolling hills of cool pine forests and fertile pastures. And the average daily temperature is 75 F. That’s every day—temperatures never vary by much more than five degrees any time of the year. And this area is one of the places in Costa Rica that has yet to hit its stride as far as real estate prices go.

And if the beach is your thing, don’t worry. Costa Rica has more than 1,000 miles of coastline. If you know where to look, you’ll find some incredible bargains there, too. For instance, we’ll take a look at the Costa Ballena, with its palm tree lined, virtually vacant beaches. This area has property prices that are far lower than many other parts of Costa Rica.

Low, low taxes

In Costa Rica, the taxation of individuals is based on the principle of territoriality, meaning that all personal income, which has a foreign source, is tax exempt. Only revenue earned by an individual within Costa Rica is subject to an assessment by the tax authorities. So, you’ll pay zero income taxes on your foreign-earned income…very good news.

And if you buy a home in Costa Rica, your annual property taxes will be laughably low.

Habitation taxes are levied on the cadastral value of the property as assessed by the tax authorities. These taxes are levied by the municipalities at the flat rate of 0.25%. The real estate tax is calculated on a calendar-year basis and must be paid annually, semi-annually, or quarterly, depending on the municipality.

And Costa Rica has no capital gains tax unless derived from habitual transactions. Then they are taxed at the standard income tax rate.

A variety of visa options to choose from

Although there are five categories of residence, most expats, especially retirees, opt for the Pensionado Program. It requires proof that you have at least $1,000 a month in income from Social Security, disability, a pension, or other retirement plan.

You won’t be able to work as an employee in Costa Rica, but you can own a company and receive dividends from it. As a pensionado, you must remain in the country at least four months each year, and the program includes a spouse and dependents under 18 years of age.



Here are a couple of the other popular visa options:

• The Rentista Program is for people without fixed retirement income. It requires proof of$2,500 monthly income for at least two years or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bankapproved by immigration authorities.

• If you want to invest at least $200,000 in Costa Rica, you can become a resident under theInversionista Program, which applies only to investors, not their families.

More to Come in San José

These are just some of the reasons we love Costa Rica…along with its safe and stable government, the fact that the country has a 100% literacy rate, and 99% of its energy comes from renewable sources (which means dollar savings for you). It’s no wonder the Costa Ricans are the happiest people on the planet.

This is according to the Happy Planet Index, an independent think tank founded to study environmental impact and human well-being. They say: “Costa Ricans report the highest life satisfaction in the world, have the second-highest average life expectancy of the Americas (second only to Canada).”

You’ll hear more about the great lifestyle Costa Rica can offer you from our experts at our Fast Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle and Opportunity Conference in August.



Living the Life of Worry-Free Retirement in Costa Rica

By Jeanette Owens

by Greg Seymour

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When my husband Charles and I retired, even though we felt prepared, it was impossible for us to wrap our minds around all of the immediate and future lifestyle changes we would face.

Before our retirement, as with many other couples, we believed our traditional pensions and 401(k) plans would guarantee our retirement goals for the “Golden Years.” In 2001, there was a market crash that significantly affected the 401(k) plan we believed would guarantee our financial future. Not only was the crash a financial game changer, it also forced me to contemplate the costs associated with healthcare, and who would care for us as we aged.

Those worries evaporated when we moved to Costa Rica.


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During our first year as permanent residents in the small city of Grecia, in the country’s Central Valley, we learned that healthcare is less expensive, and in-home assistance is drastically cheaper when compared to the States. Not only that, the doctors in Costa Rica still make house calls. It’s like the U.S. in the 1960s. In my experience, the average in-home visit costs around $60.

When you do visit the doctor’s office, the doctor supplies you with a copy of the record and also a copy of the X-ray if you would like. They ask how you are, what your issue is…they take their time to discuss your situation as if you’re talking to a friend. They even hug you. You don’t feel like you’re in a medicine factory.

And it’s not just doctors that come to your home. Through socializing at church and with neighbors, we found reasonably priced personal services such as house cleaners, mechanics, drivers, and a gardener. I did not retire to clean the house or wash and iron clothes…and my husband did not retire to cut the grass. We love a clean home and beautiful gardens, but we knew we needed that type of help to maintain a carefree lifestyle and to be able to spend more quality time together.

For the first time in our married life, we were able to spend time doing what we wanted to do together and not what we had to do separately. Part of our move to Costa Rica was to create a new relationship, we wanted to be boyfriend and girlfriend again…and it worked.

Charles and I rapidly grew accustomed to our new lifestyle and loved it. Mother’s Day or anniversaries, my husband would buy me dozens of roses in any color I wanted (in the U.S. he could only reasonably afford six or 12). It’s all part of the convenience of fresh local products grown or raised right in your area.

Farm-fresh eggs and raw milk, jams, honey, and vegetables can still be delivered daily, directly to your doorstep. Passing by a bakery, you can smell the aroma of fresh bread, while just a couple doors down are markets selling fish that earlier that morning came in straight from the ocean. Each small city seems to have its farmers’ market—ours in Grecia is open on Friday and Saturday mornings every week almost all year long, selling organic fruits and vegetables.

Charles passed some time ago. Now more than ever, I’m grateful that we were less interested in how cheaply we could live in Costa Rica, and more interested in how high our quality of life would be.

Today, I’m still living the life of worry-free retirement and loving it. When you come to Grecia, don’t be shy. Stop by and join me for coffee on the veranda.



More about the popular Central Valley

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If you’re looking for a beautiful, friendly, and inexpensive place to live, the Central Valley is hard to beat. Nestled among forests and mountains are villages where expats have been living side by side with Costa Ricans for many decades. As a result, a supportive community has formed, providing schools, clubs, sports, and a huge range of cultural activities. The Central Valley is also the place to find elegant residential communities, excellent medical facilities, first-class shopping, splendid restaurants, luxurious hotels, and spectacular natural wonders, including volcanoes and hot springs.

Contrary to its name, the Central Valley is actually a plateau, as its Spanish name—Meseta Central—suggests. While coastal areas of the country are typically hot and muggy, particularly during the rainy season, the Valley’s altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet makes it comparatively cool all year round, and it has a climate that’s like few others in the world.

Daytime highs are usually in the 70s or low 80s, and lows at night are typically in the 50s or low 60s. Few residents see a need for central heating or air conditioning.

The rainy season stretches from May to November, when most parts of the Valley can expect afternoon downpours. There’s usually plenty of morning sun, even in the rainy season.

San José, Escazú, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, and several other major cities are in the Central Valley, which covers a land area of 3,500 square miles. There are plenty of cultural activities for the thousands of American and European expats who live in the area.



San José was an insignificant village until 1824, when the country’s first elected head of state decided to move the government there from the colonial capital of Cartago. Today, the decision might sound like a mixed blessing. While moving the capital symbolized a fresh start for the country, it also created a city without much of the Spanish colonial architecture that makes other Latin American capitals so elegant.

The city has some excellent restaurants, cultural attractions, and bargain-rate hotels.

Property samples in the Central Valley

• A two-bedroom home, with large covered terrace, is available in Atenas with mountainand valley views. There is a shared community pool. Price: $128,000.

• A two-bedroom home is on the market in the quiet community of San Miguel, about 15minutes from Grecia’s bustling downtown. It has a small garden with citrus and bananatrees. Price: $150,000.

• A three-bedroom, two-bathroom town condo is on offer in the wealthy suburb of Escazú,just outside of downtown San José. This condo, in a very secure community, is close toshopping and dining, as well as world-class medical care. Price: $185,000.

• A four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is on the market in the desirable Rohrmoserneighborhood outside downtown San José. The home has a covered carport. Price:$194,000.



The Best of Both Worlds: Relaxation and Fun in Arenal

By Jason Holland

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Quiet. If you gave me one word to describe the Lake Arenal region of Costa Rica, that would be it.

If I had a few more…Verdant. Contemplative. Relaxed.

Although the area is increasingly on the radar of expats from around the world, it remains unspoiled and sparsely developed.

Homes dot the lush green hillsides that slope down to the lakeshore. Development on the lake itself is restricted, so the shoreline remains largely untouched—no big condos or resorts. For such a beautiful waterway, you’ll rarely see any boats.

A few fishing charters stalk the guapote, or rainbow bass. Ferries take tourists from one end to the other. And a couple dozen private owners keep their boats at small marinas. But of the half-dozen times I’ve visited, I’ve seen at most three or four boats on the water at the same time. Not many for a 33-square-mile lake.



It’ll take you about an hour to make your way from one end to the other, a bit more if you stop to take photos and admire the view, observe wildlife— coatimundis are frequent sights—and browse the small art galleries.

I’m prone to pulling over frequently myself. I’m a bit of shutterbug. And when the light hits just right I can’t help but snap some photos. One of my favorite spots is just west of the La Mansion hotel.

You get a view of just about the whole length of the lake. Just watch the shoulder, the tall grasses hide a pretty steep drop.

Most expats live on either side of the town, which has markets, hardware stores, banks, and all the necessities. There’s also the local expat hangout, Rumours Bar and Grill. Check it out at happy hour on Friday for the local gossip—and the inside track on real estate.

Homes here maximize outdoor space with large patios and porches. It’s the best way to enjoy the always spring-like weather, mid-70s to mid-80s year-round (it can cool off a bit at night, enough for a light jacket or sweater), and the serene views of Lake Arenal. A two-bedroom home with lake views can be had for under $150,000. Homes without views start at $50,000.

After researching Costa Rica in the pages of International Living and seeing the country featured in real estate TV shows, Victoria, 67, and Larry Torley, 65, were ready to check it out for themselves.

And it didn’t take long for them to find a new home.

“On that trip we checked out Jacó,” says Victoria, referring to a popular Central Pacific Coast resort town. “But the beach areas are too hot and humid. So we drove up here to Arenal on a Saturday morning. By 5 p.m. we had made an offer on a house.”

Although the couple withdrew that original offer when they found a better deal later in the trip, they knew that the Arenal region, with its centerpiece 33-square-mile lake, was for them. Just three hours from the capital, San José, this area is becoming increasingly popular with retirees and other expats for the same reasons that drew the Torleys.

“I’m so happy here. The green hills, the blue lake, the great climate—no air conditioning needed… It really is perfect,” says Torley. “When we came here, that was the end.”

The couple, from the northeastern United States, moved down in March 2012 and took up residence in their 11-acre property, complete with 20 chickens that provide fresh eggs and grazing cattle (their neighbor’s). Their house is 1,200 square feet. But they spend a lot of time enjoying the lake view and year-round spring-like climate from their 700-square-foot outdoor space.

“Our furniture is made from trees we had on the property that had fallen down. It would have been three to four times more expensive to have pieces like those made in the U.S.,” says Victoria.



If you prefer the serenity of a lakeside community to living on the coast or enjoying the conveniences of the Central Valley, then consider Costa Rica’s Arenal area. Located about three hours North of San José, this region’s natural beauty has attracted tourists for many decades. Mile after mile of clear, smooth water and green, wooded shoreline in every direction await you.

On the lake itself, you can swim, boat, fish, windsurf, and more. And often, you’ll be the only ones doing that. Some who come here say it’s like a far-less-developed Lake Tahoe, as lush green hills of pasture and forested land curve gently upwards from the shoreline—with the majestic Volcán Arenal drawing your eye to the eastern horizon.

And it’s not just the site of the Arenal Volcano or the ravishing Lake Arenal—you also have the charming villages of Nuevo Arenal and Tilarán. Today the area—particularly around Nuevo Arenal—is also attracting property shoppers.

During the day, residents often enjoy fishing in the lake, horseback riding, or hiking in the forest amid rare plants and exotic animals. Although relatively small, the town has some great restaurants, nightclubs, and cafés as well as a health clinic, hotels, and banks. Tilarán is somewhat less developed.

Development is increasing around Arenal, but this is no out-of-control “boom.” Developers and builders know that lake views and the laidback lifestyle are what people want. As a result homes meld with the scenery.

People come to live around Arenal, because they fall in love with these views. The weather—not humid, just warm and breezy—is also a big draw. So is the affordable real estate and low cost of living. It’s relaxed, peaceful, and has a welcoming and close-knit expat community. Life in Arenal is certainly good.

They’ve also found a supportive and active expat community. Victoria founded the Arenal Gardeners soon after arriving.

“I’ve always gardened. But when I moved here I was totally ignorant about what to do. So I started a club. We gather and share information. We have more than 100 people. If they all show up for a meeting… God help us,” says Victoria, laughing.

“There’s something in the air. The people who move here are inquisitive…more open…more vibrant,” explains Victoria. “I am more active here than I ever was in the U.S. I have a big circle of friends. And I don’t think it’s just because we’re retired.”

More about peaceful Lake Arenal



Property samples in Arenal

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• A two-bedroom, one-bathroom house is on the market near the village of Tronadora on thelake shore. It was recently upgraded. Price: $85,000.

• You can find a two-bedroom, two-bathroom North American-style home with a panoramiclake view. It sits on 6.7 acres of pasture land and forest. Price: $185,000.

• Also on offer is a villa with two bedrooms and two bathrooms in a well-landscaped andmaintained gated community. And there’s a pool and clubhouse nearby. Price: $149,000.

• A villa with one bedroom and one bathroom on 1,000 square feet is on offer. It features lakeand volcano views, three acres of land, and is just minutes from Nuevo Arenal. It also has acovered porch. Price: $190,000



Thriving in Retirement in Costa Rica's Southern Zone

By Jason Holland

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Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast is known for its dramatic coastline of tree- covered mountains dropping suddenly to the ocean, empty beaches, and lush rainforest full of wildlife like toucans, howler monkeys, sloths, and dozens of other species.

Development has picked up due to the completion of the coastal highway in 2010. This cut the drive time from the capital, San José, and the international airport there, in half—to just three hours. And it’s made the region, also known as the Southern Zone, much more accessible. But it remains a quiet refuge for retirees and other expats looking to truly get away from it all in a beautiful setting.



For Will Poulton and Deb Howe it’s their refuge from the cold weather and stressful lifestyle they had back home in Toronto, Canada. The couple have a custom-built home on a hilltop near the small village of Ojochal in the heart of the Southern Zone, set back from the coast, with a commanding view of the surrounding former farmland, jungle, and Pacific Ocean beyond that.

Thanks to the elevation, they’ve escaped the heat and humidity you find near the beach in Costa Rica. Instead, they have refreshing sea and mountain breezes that keep temperatures comfortable. In fact, their home is designed to be open-air, with large patio doors and windows open from sun up to sundown to let the air flow—no air conditioning needed. Thanks to the elevation, several hundred feet up, they don’t have an issue with bugs.

They have a large covered patio with comfy couches and chairs, a terraced garden with tropical plants and a pool. It’s about a 15 minutes’ drive over dirt and gravel roads up the hill from the two-lane coastal highway to their home. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, especially when it gets muddy in the height of the rainy season, September and October.

“We had never designed a home before,” says Will. “We worked hard at it. The whole idea was to merge the indoor and the outdoor together.”

They first visited the area a little more than three years ago after seeing a display about Costa Rica at a home building show in Canada. Their curiosity about this little Central American country was piqued, especially the south Pacific region. It was love at first sight.

“We knew we didn’t want to stay in North America. We wanted a warm climate. So we came down to take a look. We had never been to Costa Rica,” explains Will. “We travel a fair amount, and we researched Costa Rica. We liked the stability. It seems the culture was a good fit. It just felt right. And every time I came down to visit I felt the stress fall off.”

They bought their lot soon after that initial exploratory trip and began the design and build process with a local contractor. Deb was able to move down first, in late 2014. Will had to finish out work before he retired in early 2016, although he visited often.

“In North America, people have so much yet they’re so miserable. People here have so little yet they’re genuinely happy,” says Will.

Since moving down the couple have become friends with many in the close-knit expat community. On Wednesdays they head to the El Castillo hotel for happy hour. It’s a big gathering place, a time to catch up on community happenings and enjoy sunsets over the water.



“Here you really get to know your neighbors. We’re retired, so there is more time to do things and more people around to do it with,” says Deb.

Aside from the Pura Vida (life is good) attitude Costa Rica is famous for, the couple have discovered plenty of other benefits of the Southern Zone. Ojochal, despite being a tiny community in the jungle, is well-known throughout the country for its gourmet restaurants. Talented expats from around the world have opened restaurants: French, Indonesian, Italian…plus there are plenty of solid local places. Fresh seafood, caught in the waters just offshore, is plentiful as well. Regular culinary festivals also draw big crowds, as do craft beer festivals.

“We’re foodies,” says Deb. “And we have great restaurants here. Our favorite local place is Boca Coronado, and we also love Ylang-Ylang.”

And, of course, there’s the natural beauty and wildlife, which surrounds them. It’s just part of living in this off-the-beaten path region, which is marked by large national parks and no large-scale development. But you don’t have to be in a protected area to enjoy it.

“It’s not for everybody,” says Will of moving to Costa Rica, or any “foreign” country for that matter. But, he adds with a laugh,“Thank goodness because otherwise it would be crazy and crowded like North America.”

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More about the Relaxing Central and South Pacific Coast

The Central and South Pacific Coasts have a very different look and atmosphere to the North Pacific Coast. All three regions have beautiful beaches but while the north has a dry climate, to the south you’ll find that lush rainforest meets the ocean.



The Central Coast is close to San José and other places in the Central Valley where you’ll find top-rate hospitals and American-style shopping malls. For many years the 75-mile drive from San José to the coast used to take more than two hours, but now you’ll only need half that time to make the journey with the recent completion of the Caldera toll road from San José to Caldera, making this area more accessible than ever before.

Jacó, known formally as Playa del Jacó, has long been a favorite of Costa Ricans and is now becoming a favorite for Americans and Europeans too. Many of them enjoy lying out on the beach or taking advantage of the many opportunities for surfing, sea kayaking, and fishing. There are plenty of restaurants, galleries, nightclubs, and hotels to choose from here.

Quepos is a few miles south of Jacó, and its name has become synonymous with sportfishing. The big prizes are amberjack, dorado, yellow-fin tuna, marlin, sailfish, snapper, and wahoo. Surfing, sea kayaking, and horseback riding are also popular. Like Jacó, Quepos has many interesting art galleries, restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops.

• In the middle of Jacó is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, air-conditioned condo. It’s a fewminutes from the beach and the shopping and dining of the town center. Price: $165,000.

• In Playa Hermosa, about 10 minutes’ drive south of Jacó, is a two-bedroom walk-to-the-beach villa. The villa is located in a gated community. Price: $149,000.

• In Uvita, just south of Dominical, there’s a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house. Set in thejungle on a quiet side road, the property has a lushly landscaped yard. It’s close to theParque Nacional Marino Ballena, which offers several secluded beaches. Price: $229,000.

• Near the village of Ojochal is a three-bedroom home set in the jungle and bordering a river.The home is surrounded by tropical landscaping and has a private pool. The village hassome of the best restaurants in Costa Rica. Price: $173,000.



A Dream Home and New-Found Freedom in Beach-Town Tamarindo

By Jackie Minchillo

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Kathleen Evans and her husband Steve knew exactly what they wanted in their new overseas home.

“We narrowed down our top contenders based on a set of criteria we came up with,” Kathleen says. “It included: see and hear the ocean every day, a stable government, ability to obtain residence, ability to own real estate outright and maybe purchase a business, ease of travel to and from the U.S., overall lower cost of living, and year-round warm weather.

The place that matched all their criteria was the beach town of Tamarindo, on Costa Rica’sPacific coast, and in 2013 after numerous visits, they made the move from Austin, Texas.

“We rented for a while in addition to some intense research, to become familiar with the area and make sure it was the best choice for us,” says Kathleen. “We ended up buying a condo in the heart of town. Being able to walk everywhere was especially appealing.”



Kathleen and her husband purchased their two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo for $300,000. “It has plenty of North American comforts like granite countertops and full-size appliances including a dishwasher, washer, and dryer.”

Kathleen says the purchase served as a significant enough investment for them to apply for their residence through the Inversionista Program (to qualify, applicants must invest at least $200,000 in commercial or residential property, or a Costa Rican business).

Nearly four years later, Costa Rica has allowed Kathleen and Steve to settle into a slower pace of life, and the opportunity to discover new passions and hobbies. At ages 53 and 56, they are “semi-retired,” Kathleen says. “Steve still has some properties he manages in Austin, and I worked in advertising sales at home and I still maintain some accounts…the internet is a wonderful thing.”

But now, rather than spending their days burned out from the demands of corporate America, they have the freedom to live life on their own terms.

“My day-to-day life is much more relaxed. I wake up when I want, enjoy my coffee, catch up on email, and maybe spend a bit of time on some work,” Kathleen says. “But nowadays I keep busy with more things that I enjoy.”

Kathleen takes a weekly Spanish class for expats, helps to organize a weekly dinner for expat women, and enjoys producing her own radio show at the local station in town, Shark FM. “The show—Midday Madness—has been a fun hobby for me,” says Kathleen. “My partner, Jax, and I have learned a lot about radio production and it’s been an incredible way to meet people in the community and get involved with local philanthropy…it’s been really rewarding.”

Kathleen loves the fact that they have activity at their fingertips in Tamarindo. “We love the safety of the beach here. It’s a hub for water activities and sunsets at the beach never get old,” she says.

Among other hobbies and new discoveries, Kathleen says she and her husband have enjoyed learning how to cook like locals. “It’s been great to discover what local produce is seasonal and how to cook with it,” she says. “I love using yucca as a substitute for potatoes now.”

Kathleen says this has also been a huge factor in keeping their living expenses low. “Buying local food and the property taxes have been the two most significant savings. With the amount of money we save here on property taxes compared with what we were paying in Austin, we can easily live for six months.”



More about the sought-after North Pacific Coast

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No place in Costa Rica lures newcomers as fast as the North Pacific Coast, which extends from the Nicaraguan border along the province of Guanacaste, including the Pacific side of the Nicoya Peninsula. Among the attractions are dramatic ocean views and endless opportunities for fishing, swimming, yachting, horse riding, golfing, or just sunbathing on the beach. The climate is also a

plus. Unlike the Central Valley, the sun shines nearly every day on the North Pacific Coast. It’s also much warmer, with temperatures usually in the high 80s or low 90s.

If you’re looking for luxury resorts, seaside mansions, or elegant condominiums, the area known as Costa Rica’s Gold Coast could be the place where your dreams come true. On the other hand, real estate prices are relatively high here. Some expats in the area relish the idea of seeing their property become more valuable. Others ridicule the new developments and refer to multi-million-dollar

residences as “starter palaces.”

Development, of course, isn’t all bad. In Guanacaste, population growth has been accompanied by the establishment of new medical facilities, an international airport, and English-language schools. The Country Day School, for instance, now has a campus in the heart of the North Pacific at Brasilito. The school has attracted many expats who might otherwise have settled in the Central Valley.

In an attempt to prevent the North Pacific from becoming another Miami Beach, the Costa Rican government has restrictions on the height of buildings near the shore. The complicated regulation means that no new buildings are allowed within the first 50 meters (164 feet) of the water. It also



limits buildings to three stories if they’re within 150 meters (492 feet) and five stories within the next 800 meters (about half a mile) of the water.

While some areas of Guanacaste are beginning to look like South Florida, there are still places along the North Pacific Coast that aren’t overcrowded. If you look hard, you can find small fishing villages and stretches of beach that might remind you of romantic tropical islands. There are also nearby national parks and wildlife preserves that are home to dozens of exotic animals, including leatherback turtles that haul themselves ashore to lay eggs.

And though the small-town atmosphere of the North Pacific is certainly disappearing, the change doesn’t mean that you still can’t enjoy surfing, fishing, sunbathing, or any of the other activities in the area. It simply means that many others may be enjoying them along with you.

Before buying a second home in Guanacaste, check out the neighborhood with extra care. Ask local residents and merchants how the area is likely to change in the coming years. They can also help you contact local expat groups who will be knowledgeable about matters like available healthcare and internet facilities.

For over a decade property prices have risen faster on the North Pacific Coast than anywhere else in Costa Rica. Beachfront villas often sell for more than $2 million. But if you’re willing to take a short walk to the beach, you can find real estate that’s much less costly.

Property samples on the North Pacific Coast

• This two-bedroom, two-bathroom town home is a quick walk from the beach in Tamarindo.The residence, which is air-conditioned and features a community pool, is located nearshopping, dining, and nightlife. Price: $129,900.

• A two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is available in Tamarindo. It’s just a short walk to thebeach, supermarket, and restaurants and comes fully furnished with a community pool.Price: $175,000.

• Only a short walk from Playa Ocotal (just outside of Playas del Coco), this two-bedroomtownhouse has a rooftop terrace and community pool. Price: $125,000.

• A three-bedroom walk-to-the-beach house is available in Potrero. The residence has a largeyard and patio. Price: $99,500.



Achieving Happiness and Success on the Caribbean Coast

By Camille Willemain

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Eight years ago, Kristin Gilbert Ramirez was living the American Dream. She had a full-time teaching career, health benefits, a home, a car, and fancy electronics. And she was pursuing her master’s degree in the beautiful countryside of Maine.

Only it wasn’t her dream. “I felt miserable. I wanted to ride a bicycle and put my hands in the earth and not care which version of an iPhone everyone had. I wanted to be in a place where friendships, health, and family came first and work and professional progress were the added bonus.”

For years she had been traveling back and forth to Costa Rica and fell in love with the tropical landscape and the relaxed Caribbean way of life.



But for Kristen what the small town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, with its stunning jungle-backed beaches and abundant wildlife, lacked was consistent yoga classes. She decided to take a chance and relocate herself—and her practice—to her favorite beach town in the world.

“My initial investment was quite small. We started on a tiny wooden platform behind a pre-existing café. The maximum capacity was four or five students.”

Kristen explains that once she committed herself to this path, opportunities appeared and doors flew open.

When Om opened its doors in 2008 it was the first time many locals had ever heard of the practice of yoga. To spread the word about the new yoga studio Kristin would ride her bicycle all over town handing out fliers and offering information.

The studio has grown into a full-service yoga and bodywork center, boutique hostel, and eco-minded tour company. Her initial investment was next to nothing and the new facility was built by her husband with locally sourced materials that were mostly free. Her business is now thriving in Costa Rica.

The yoga studio, hostel, and tours are 100% of the income that supports Kristin and her family. She is able to pay for trips back to the states every year to see her family, take advanced yoga and bodywork trainings, dine out, and stock her home with organic produce.

While many may attribute success to income, Kristin has developed a different outlook. “I love Om, I love the south Caribbean, and I love our community. That for me is the ultimate success. I love my life,” she says.


http://www1.internationalliving.com/fund-your-life-overseas/postcards/crft-report.html


More about the heavenly Caribbean Coast

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The Caribbean Coast has attracted foreign tourists for decades, but has lagged far behind the Pacific in terms of luring expats in search of second homes. In fact, Costa Ricans themselves generally choose the Pacific Coast for both vacations and second homes.

Despite the charm and natural beauty of the Caribbean, property shoppers have been put off by the slow pace of development here. As for Costa Ricans, many families have been going to the Central Pacific for decades, and they’re not ready to change direction yet.

Nearly everything but the climate is changing in Limón Province right now. The Costa Rican government signed a $1 billion deal to build a new port terminal in Moín, and construction is ongoing. And a huge project to four-lane the highway to the capital is set to get under way. These projects are expected to bring increased prosperity to a part of the country that has long lagged behind other areas in terms of infrastructure and development.

Meanwhile, the government is tackling a persistent crime problem, and roads—as well as airline transportation—are improving. It’s now easy to fly from San José to Limón, where ground transportation is available to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Manzanillo, and other towns well south of the provincial capital, also called Limón, where most expats live.

What has always attracted people to the Caribbean Coast—a rugged region that stretches from the border of Panama to the border of Nicaragua—is a combination of beautiful beaches, excellent



fishing, great water sports, and seemingly endless opportunities for getting close to nature. Among the wildlife refuges is the world-famous Tortuguero National Park, where turtles go to nest. The Province of Limón is home to most of the remaining Native Americans in Costa Rica, including the Bribri, Cocles, and Cabecar communities. Puerto Limón, once a major banana port, is a melting pot of Afro-Caribbean culture—music, language, food, and a laidback lifestyle.

Today, property developers are stepping up the pace and building residential communities, not just along the coast but a few miles inland. More and more hotels and restaurants are opening, so there’s plenty of nightlife—particularly in Limón, a city of about 105,000 residents, nearly half of whom speak English. The city also has up-to-date supermarkets and a modern hospital.

On the negative side, much of the Caribbean Coast experiences rainy and hot weather, but rainfall varies considerably from one region to another along the coast. Many regions, for example, aren’t nearly as rainy as the South Pacific Coast. Transportation along the Caribbean is sometimes difficult, medical facilities aren’t plentiful, and crime can be a problem in Limón. But, the government is aggressively addressing these problems, and the future looks bright.

Property samples on the Caribbean Coast

• A two-bedroom, one-bathroom house in the jungle is available, just outside of Puerto Viejo.The home is constructed of tropical hardwoods and is a quick walk or bike ride to the beachand town. Price: $135,000.

• A two-story, two-bedroom house is on offer in Playa Chiquita, which is a short distancesouth of Puerto Viejo. Price: $150,000.

• You can find a newly built two-bedroom home near Playa Cocles beach—a 20-minute walk.It has modern appliances and finishes, with a covered porch to admire the surroundingjungle. Price: $170,000.

• A short walk from the beach, this 3,400-square-foot, three-bedroom luxury villa is soldfurnished. It has a large yard with a gazebo for entertaining. Price: $355,000.


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