Retirement Costa Rica | Living in Costa Rica |

What are your retirement plans and have you ever considered a move to Costa Rica? This paradise Central American country has become a home away from home for many. Those who choose to retire in Costa Rica enjoy the benefits of not only a beautiful tropical landscape and vibrant culture but also a solid infrastructure. Costa Rica is well known for its excellent health care, good telecommunications and a reasonable cost of living. Retiring in Costa Rica may seem like a distant dream for you, but for many it has become a reality.

The current world economic climate has seen a dramatic rise in people planning to live out their retirement years in another country and Costa Rica has proved to be a popular choice for those who are looking for a peaceful existence, surrounded not only by nature but also by the commodities they would expect to find at home. What does Costa Rica really have to offer and what are the important aspects to consider when planning your retirement in this beautiful country?

Retire to Costa Rica and enjoy the benefits of:

• An Excellent Standard of Living: "The greenest, happiest country in the world." 

Rated number one on the Happy Planet Index and with a life expectancy of 77 years it's easy to see why Costa Rica is not only a popular beach vacation destination. For many visitors the transition from vacationer to resident has become an actual reality. Benefiting from a solid infrastructure, surrounded by stunning landscapes and with plenty to see and do, you can take in Costa Rica at your own pace. Those who have chosen to retire in Costa Rica would agree with New Economic Foundation, this country really is, "The greenest, happiest country in the world."

• A Stable Democratic Government 

Costa Rica is famous for being one of the only countries in the world without an army. In comparison to other Latin American countries Costa Rica is seen by many as one of the most economically and politically stable making it an excellent retirement destination for those looking for a little place in paradise. In terms of social development Costa Rica is making great advances in human rights legislation and this has reflected positively on the country's forward thinking image.

• A Stunning Landscape and Abundance of Wildlife 

Whether you choose to retire in the Central Valley surrounded by rolling foothills or live on the verdant South Pacific coast you will always be able to enjoy some of the most stunning views and sunsets in the world. From the arid landscapes of the Nicoya Peninsula, to the lush greenery and white sandy beaches of the Central Pacific, this really is paradise found. 

If you love nature then Costa Rica is the perfect retirement destination for you. Home to an 500,000 tropical species representing an incredible 4% of species worldwide wildlife that can be found in Costa Rica includes sloths, humming birds, toucans, over 1251 species of butterflies, macaws, jaguars, ocelots, leather back turtles, dolphins, red eyed tree frogs, capuchin monkeys, giant anteaters and whales. 

Costa Rica is recognized as a leader in sustainable tourism and conservation and vast areas of the country are protected to ensure the survival of its flora and fauna. A network of National Parks create a biological corridor covering areas such as Manuel Antonio, Las Baulas, Arenal Volcano, Corcovado, Tortuguero and Guanacaste. If you are planning to retire enjoy eco adventure tours then Costa Rica is the place for you.

• Microclimates to Suit All Preferences 

The climate plays an important role in deciding where to retire and with its varying landscape Costa Rica benefits from microclimates that suit all preferences. Although the majority of those that choose to retire in Costa Rica reside in Central Valley other coastal and mountainous locations also have their own qualities. Seasonal change is a gradual one and the rainy season usually lasts from June to November. Experience warm and sunny days from December through to May. 

The South Pacific of Costa Rica including the areas of Playa Dominical and Playa Ojochal is a beach side retirement location that is warm throughout the year. With the arrival of the green season, expect to experience sunny mornings combined with heavy rainfall in the afternoon and evening. 

The North Pacific of Costa Rica including the areas of the Gulf of Papagayo and the Nicoya Peninsula is considerably warmer than other locations. Enjoying a more arid climate with temperatures reaching up to the 90´s and only dropping down to the mid 70´s during rainy season. 

The Central Valley has varying temperature due to its altitude. The average temperature in this part of Costa Rica is 75 degrees with a varying humidity of 75%.

• An Endless Amount of Tours and Activities 

Costa Rica is recognized as one of the best beach and sun vacation destinations in the world. Should you decided to retire in Costa Rica, you will never tire of things to do.

• Nature tours and activities in Costa Rica 

If you want your retirement years to be filled not only with relaxation but adventure Costa Rica is a fantastic home. There is always something to do in this beautiful country even more so if you enjoy the great outdoors. Thanks to Costa Rica´s high standing position when it comes to eco tourism there are an endless amount of nature tours to enjoy. Enjoy hikes through the mountains, take a kayak adventure tour, take a canopy tour or even hop on a sedge way and glide through the rainforest.

Enjoy couple of rounds of golf surrounded by paradise in Costa Rica. Take a boating trip down the river, visit a national park, do a spot of bird watching or visit a waterfall. Stroll along a white sandy beach at sunset, take up nature photography, go sports fishing or even fulfill your lifelong dream of surfing, Costa Rica really has it all. 

• Cultural activities and nights out in Costa Rica 

The main source of income for Costa Rica is tourism which is a real benefit should you choose to retire here. If you enjoy fine dining, would like to sample traditional cuisine or want to enjoy a quiet night out there is plenty going on throughout the week. From art galleries, exhibitions, museums, restaurants, cafes and bars to theatre, ballet and opera Costa Rica is an exciting melting pot of activity.

• Excellent Healthcare in Costa Rica

Even if you are considering early retirement healthcare is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to moving to Costa Rica. Costa Rica has earned itself a fantastic reputation for proving outstanding health and dental care at an excellent price and this is probably why there are currently over 200,000 expatriates living here. Hospital CIMA and Hospital Clinica Biblica located in the Central Valley are perhaps the most noteworthy private healthcare facilities. Local Health Insurance is also available, by paying a monthly fee you are entitled to free care with government hospitals and clinics as well as reduced prices for medication. The added benefit of local health insurance is that you do not need to be a resident to sign up.

• Solid Telecommunication Infrastructure in Costa Rica 

It's no secret that many large corporations operate out of Costa Rica. One of the main reasons they decide on Costa Rica is because of its reliable telecommunication services. The availability of high speed internet connections even at beachside locations has contributed to Costa Rica's popularity as a retirement destination. Whether you want to stay in touch with family and friends at home, run a successful business or just carry out some research online Costa Rica offers a reliable internet connection.

If you enjoy watching television and don't want to miss out on your favorite sports events then rest assured Costa Rica offers a cable and satellite companies which offer channels including CNN, ABC, NBC and Fox Sports. 

• A Vast Choice of Retirement Properties in Costa Rica 

Where would be your ideal place to retire in Costa Rica? Whether you are looking for an ocean view property with landscaped gardens, a small condominium or apartment or even an expansive finca there are a vast choice of retirement properties in Costa Rica. For more information about the best property investment opportunities in Costa Rica please contact: 

• Reasonable Cost of Living in Costa Rica 

Although Costa Rica is by no means the cheapest place to live in Central America the cost of living is relatively low in comparison to western countries. Deciding where you want to live, where you want to shop and what commodities you require for daily living are important factors to consider should you choose to retire in Costa Rica. 

Planning Your Retirement in Costa Rica

• Activities and tours in Costa Rica

• Cost of living in Costa Rica

• Hot markets in Costa Rica

• Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Rica