Why
Costa Rica?
By Bob Stone and Debby Stone
Someone
recently asked me why anyone of sane mind would want to move to
a third world country such as Costa Rica and actually plan to live
there. I would like to share, and to document, the reasons for this
to my fellow American citizens who may someday decide to pick up
their roots and do the same.
One
of the primary reasons Costa Rica was selected is because of the
multitude of climates that you can select to live in. If you want
to live by the ocean and the great beaches of Costa Rica where it
is hot and the humidity is high, the Caribbean coast is the ideal
location for you. If you desire to live near the ocean and more
great beaches where it is hot but the humidity is significantly
lower, then the upper Pacific coast is the place for you. If you
like it better in the temperate zone between 65 and 75 degrees,
the western central valley is beckoning to you. Drive 20 km north
in the central valley and you may need a sweater by day and two
blankets by night. The coastal areas are the only places where you
may need air conditioning and then only occasionally. There are
cooling breezes throughout the country.
Another
major reason is the lower cost of living. Utilities such as electric,
water, and phone rates are drastically reduced. Food costs are extremely
low with most restaurant meals so inexpensive that dining out may
cost only a few U.S. dollars. Housing in many parts of the country
can be obtained for as little as $100.00 U.S. per month for an unfurnished
home or apartment. The purchase of a three bedroom home in many
locations can be found for $30,000 or less. There are many retirees
who will vouch that they live very comfortably on a retirement income
of less than $20,000 U.S. The Costa Rican people are found to be
a gentle, non-violent, and considerate people. They believe in family
and traditional social mores that many times appear to be lost in
other countries. Costa Rica itself is a democratic country, does
not have a standing Army, and relies on its police force to maintain
law and order which they do very well.
Violent
crime is almost unheard of in Costa Rica. There are occasional break-ins
of vehicles, some purse snatchings, but these are not of the violent
nature where firearms are used and human life is in danger as in
many other countries. These mostly occur in or around the larger
cities. In the country and smaller towns they are almost unheard
of. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries to vacation or to
retire in that can be found. Another very appealing fact to many
is that foreign residents may purchase property in Costa Rica with
many safeguards in place by the government. These may be used for
vacation, investment, or retirement purposes. Property taxes are
extremely low and there is a ready source of labor for domestic
and other purposes in the country with maid and general labor costs
of just over $1.00 U.S. per hour. Homes can be constructed by master
builders for one fourth to one fifth the cost of a similar home
in the U.S. I have not as yet mentioned the breathtaking scenery
of the mountains, rainforests, wildlife, birds, waterfalls, fishing,
sailing, boating, and the many wonderful tours that can be taken
from the many good tour operators in Costa Rica which are outstanding.
I
am sure that given the proper time, I could climb out of my hammock
here on the terrace where a cool breeze is blowing, put down my
drink, and think of many other reasons why someone would choose
to live in the wonderful third world country of Costa rica. However,
at this time I have overtaxed myself in my accounts of these wonders.
As we say in Costa Rica, "if it does not get accomplished today,
there is always manana". I hope I have answered some of the
more basic questions of why anyone would move to Costa Rica. If
you ever get tired of where you are living, and want to vacation
or retire to the wonderful country of Costa Rica, there is always
room for you in our beautiful adopted country. Pura Vida everyone.
Bob
and Debby Stone are former residents of Naples, Florida, and are
now residents of Costa Rica. You may visit them at their website
which is at http://www.costaricapropertysa.com
