Costa Rica Living – Costa Rica is a popular destination among tourists who want to experience an unforgettable vacation in an exotic tropical country that not just offers amazing beach activities but also wonderful eco adventures. However, aside from being a major tourist spot, Costa Rica is also a favorite destination among retirees who want to live a peaceful and stress-free life or “Pura Vida”, people who want to live less expensively under the sun and re-connect with nature.
The number of US and Canadian expats flocking to Costa Rica, which increases every year, can also be attributed to this country’s always ranking high on the list of happiest countries on earth plus there is no military violence. People are also drawn to this beautiful country because of its diverse wildlife, protected natural resources like the pristine beaches, lush rainforest and majestic towering volcanoes. People get to enjoy raw nature while taking advantage of safe drinking tap water, high-speed internet and reliable phone service.
Another factor contributing to Costa Rica’s continuing popularity is the high-quality but inexpensive medical service it provides to the people living in here. For Americans who were lucky to get a residency status they were able to enroll in Costa Rica’s public health care system where they can pay a small monthly fee based on their income and have access to about 250 clinics and more than 30 hospitals.
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One other major factor luring retirees to Costa Rica is the low cost of living in this country where an individual can live on $1200 while a couple can get by with $2000 a month. Still, we have to remember that the cost of living is highly dependent on how you wish to live and how you spend your money. If you wish to live in a grand and extravagant manner then you can expect that your monthly expenditure will be higher than the average person.
If you are planning on retiring in Costa Rica there are three popular retirement areas in this country you may want to look into.
- Atenas – Located in the Central Valley, Atenas boasts of having the best climate in the world where people get to enjoy a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. The expats in this area are living in houses up in the hills near the town and get to enjoy gazing at the verdant rainforest and listening to the sound of animals living in there. This is the best place to go to if you want a laidback and rural-like life. What makes it even better is that it is close to everything – 45 minutes from beaches on the Pacific Coast, about 30 minutes from San Jose where the international airport is situated. San Jose is where you can shop, go to theaters and museums, get checked in major hospitals and buy from different chain stores. The cost of living in this area is relatively low where an individual can live on less than $2000 and couples on about $3000. Furthermore the expat community in Atenas which is composed of 70 per cent Americans is very active and has a real sense of community.
- Nosara – Situated on the Northern Coast of Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is a beachfront town that is 30-45 minutes from the Ostional Wildlife Reserve Marine part where you can watch the arrival of hundreds of sea turtles lay their eggs along the black volcanic sand beaches. Furthermore, half of Nosara is a protected forest and the community is steadfast in natural protection and preservation. There are numerous yoga studios in Nosara and you can also find an organic open-air market and eco-chic resorts. Do not worry though, because even if the place is eco-friendly it does not need that modern conveniences are lacking; you can find a couple of groceries and drugstores in this area, a handful of restaurants and bars an airport that has direct flights to San Jose. Another great thing about Nosara is that it is 20 to 30 per cent less expensive than other comparative coast towns in the US.
- San Ramon – This is a city in the canton of San Ramon in Alajuela Province that offers almost all the amenities San Jose offers without the hustle and bustle of the capital. You can find different museums, theaters; symphony and orchestra all intended to showcase arts and culture in San Ramon. This is also home to the University of Costa Rica, the most prestigious university in the country. San Ramon is a vibrant town that has been the haven of retirees who are tired of the city life where they can volunteer to teach English in schools assist in animal rescue or join organizations that aims to improve the lives of Costa Ricans. What’s more the cost is living in this area is budget-friendly since you can live on $1900 per month.
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