Every year it is common to hear that Costa Rica has ranked in the top places as one of the best countries for retirement, and you might ask yourself what makes Costa Rica so special? The fact is that this small Central American country becomes the home of many retired expats due to a number of different reasons. In this article we will list just some of the characteristics that make Costa Rica a great country for retirement.
The first thing that comes to mind when you consider retirement is perhaps peace, you no longer have to work, you have paid your dues and now you get to spend time doing other things that you enjoy. Costa Rica is a peaceful country, one that offers economic and political stability, a country with no army and whose people are generally warm, friendly and welcoming towards foreigners.
Convenient and Safe: Sure, there are many great countries that offer incredible advantages, more developed and modern, but the fact is, that Costa Rica is a very convenient option, hop on a plane from most major cities in the United States and Canada and in just a couple of hours you can be enjoying the Pura Vida lifestyle. Costa Rica has it’s problems and is certainly not perfect but it continues to be one of the safest countries in Latin America.
From lush rain-forests and looming mountains to amazing beaches and modern communities, Costa Rica offers a little bit of everything, warm weather year-round and a number of entertainment activities.
In the recent years, Costa Rica has established itself as a top destination for medical and dental tourism, thanks to its top-notch medical and dental care; prices are considerably cheaper than those of the United States and Canada while the quality of the professionals are excellent. Facilities are well regarded, and the latest technology is available in hospitals and clinics. There are two medical systems in Costa Rica (Public and Private), with expats allowed access to both.
Real Estate: Many expats invest in real estate in Costa Rica because the prices are considered a bargain in comparison to those of the United States. There are many expat communities found across the country such as Los Suenos located on the Central Pacific, which makes relocating that much easier. Also, the high number of English speakers is certainly a plus when you are integrating into your new life in Costa Rica.
Affordable? Costa Rica is not the cheapest by any means, but it is still affordable especially when compared to the USA, studies have demonstrated that a couple can live comfortably in the country with a budget of between $1,800 to $3,000 USD a month depending on their preferences and lifestyle.
Entertainment and Amenities: whether you enjoy a simple life or need the comfort of the modern cities, Costa Rica offers plenty of entertainment and amenities for the adventurer, the lover of nature, those who live a healthy lifestyle or the ones that rather enjoy eating out and socializing.
Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the world!
As you can see there are plenty of reasons that place Costa Rica among the top countries to retire abroad, so pack your bags and make your plans, Costa Rica awaits!