La Pura Vida: Costa Rica

It may seem strange at first but more than 20,000 U.S. expatriates live in Costa Rica, many of whom are retirees. In a country of just over four million, why would so many people choose to retire in Costa Rica? Perhaps it is because Costa Rica has one of the highest standards of living in Central America. Or it could be the nearly perfect climate, the beautiful beaches, or the wild, tropical landscape.

Tucked away in between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica has it all with its year-round tropical climate, bustling cities, Caribbean beaches, lush rainforests, and towering mountains. And in spite of its low cost of living and slow pace of life, Costa Rica is largely “undiscovered” by mass tourism.

Even so, living in Costa Rica, you will still find plenty to do, from relaxing days on the beach to going to a show at a theater or exploring art galleries. There are even plenty of fine dining restaurants of every cuisine type. Costa Rica also offers excellent health care and the cost of living averages between 1,000 and 2,000 dollars per month.

To live in Costa Rica, the only thing you’ll need to give up is the cold winters. Temperatures average at 72 degrees year round, and you also won’t need to sacrifice your lifestyle to enjoy the beautiful weather. You can have the luxurious lifestyle you never would have dreamed of in the U.S. in Costa Rica for a very reasonable price.

In Costa Rica, you will experience la pura vida, or the pure life, as you wander along miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches or through dense jungles filled with all sorts of exotic wildlife. Costa Rica’s towering volcanoes, green valleys, and clear rivers, lakes, and waterfalls are sure to entice your sense of adventure and satisfy all of your aesthetic needs. There may not be a more beautiful place on the planet.

Places to live in Costa Rica include Arenalarea, a lakeside area near charming villages. There is also the North Pacific Coast with its spectacular ocean views and opportunities to live the beachside life, snorkeling, kayaking or just laying out on the beach and soaking up the sun. Then, there is the Caribbean Coast where the rain forests press against the white, sandy beaches, offering residents a close-up look at nature in all its untouched glory. Finally, the Central Valley, located at 3,000 to 5,000 feet elevation, is the area where most expat retirees choose to live. With warm days and pleasant evenings, this region is delightful, filled with shops and boutiques, bars and restaurants. In Costa Rica, there is a perfect place for every personality type, a place to live that will satisfy every need. In fact, once of the best places to retire in Costa Rica is in the community of Los Delfines, a community situated in the midst of Costa Rica’s exotic beauty on the Nicoya Peninsula.

If you’re looking for a low cost of living, but don’t want to sacrifice your lifestyle, look no further than retiring to Costa Rica. If you want one of the best places to retire, with a beautiful, tropical climate, choose Costa Rica and live la pura vida.