Retire in Costa Rica

"Retirement in Costa Rica and its surroundings is often seen as an ideal choice for many considering relocating from North America. There is a well-established expat community and excellent infrastructure to accommodate retirees. There are many cultural attractions, including colonial-Spanish architecture, a vibrant art scene, and historic sites peppered across the country. For recreation, outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, rafting and bird-watching are abundant; and nightlife can be found in major cities such as San Jose. Retirees also enjoy access to great healthcare, an affordable cost of living, and warm and friendly people. In other words, Costa Rica is a great country for retirees looking to live an active and fulfilling life," explained a retiree in Costa Rica.

"For me there is not enough cultural activity in San Jose and you really, morally have to pay attention or you'll miss an event, show, performance. Things are poorly promoted here. I don't go in for nightlife but in general Costa Ricans are not late night partyers like other Latins. I do not mingle with expats, but I know there are a LOT of them. My routine is walking all over the city, taking pictures, soaking up the atmosphere," explained one retiree living in San Jose.

"The weather is truly perfect in Escazu, great amazing restaurants with so many choices, live music at Jazz Cafe, 2 great movie theatres showing films in English, lots of expats & English speaking Tico's, great public golf course close by in Santa Ana & perhaps best of all a great little casino close by," said one member in Costa Rica.

"Make sure you have a plan. Research everything. Don't come with vices like drugs, heavy drinking. And make sure you keep busy. Hobbies, events, etc. I don't sit around," said one retiree in San Jose.

"If you don't have an external focus and are happy to embrace the natural bent to living here and connection to your true self - retirement is great. I've been here for the better part of eight years. It took me a number of years to let go of many things that I had identified with - like the work I had done for many, many years. Like my beautiful house in New England and my car and my ........ My, my, my, There's a lot of allowance and acceptance of what is that I had to evolve through. Once that passed, I became much more at ease here. Lifestyle is now what I make of it. Now that "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul" has become a reality, retirement for the moment and that's all I have, is great here," commented one retiree living in Costa Rica.

"My wife and I retired to Costa Rica in 2013. Something we did that we felt helped was to prepare some "lists" before our scouting trips to CR: The first list was of things that we considered "essential" for where we planned to live (including housing, nearby conveniences, such as stores and restaurants, proximity to the beach and to an airport, etc.) The second list included items that would be nice to have but would not be essential; and the third list was of things we would like to avoid. It helped us to agree on what we wanted and helped us narrow down areas to look in," explained one retiree living in Tamarindo.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Costa Rica is adapting to the lifestyle, culture, and language. Learning Spanish can be difficult, and there may be a period of acclimation and adjustment to the country's slower pace of life. The cost of living can also be relatively high compared to other Central American countries and wages may be lower, meaning that retirement savings may need to be managed carefully. Additionally, Costa Ricans are proud of their culture and customs and there may be a social expectation that expats adopt part of the culture in order to feel accepted," said a person in Costa Rica.

"Finding a place to live. Since Costa Rica does not have addresses, it was difficult finding my way around at first and trying to find an apartment based on an ad that said "200 metros detras del Pali."," remarked one retiree in San Jose.

"Making new friends in Costa Rica. Not expats so much, but Ticos. I also enjoy traveling around the country on the buses which are safe and comfortable. I have my own routine. I walk a lot, eat healthier food," commented one retiree living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"My insurance provides coverage at Hospital Biblical, a private hospital with an excellent reputation. It is not close: two buses and a short walk. Or a 6,000 colon cab ride ($11.50). Minor things like colds, infections, etc I go to the pharmacy," said a retiree who moved to San Jose, Costa Rica.

"Costa Rica provides comprehensive and affordable healthcare services to its citizens and expatriates. The country has an extensive network of public and private healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, offering a wide range of medical services. Costa Rica makes a special effort to ensure that free or low-cost services are available to those who cannot afford private healthcare. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers in Costa Rica are highly trained and knowledgeable. The country also has modern medical equipment and facilities, as well as efficient emergency services. Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world to offer universal healthcare coverage to all citizens, and its healthcare system continues to improve over time," said one retiree in Costa Rica.

"Welcome to San Ramon! Yes, lots of organized and also informal gatherings for philanthropy and recreational activities. Start by googling Community Action Alliance and check out their recent archived newsletters. Also look for Gringo Central which provides info on Central Valley groups and other useful info. And, every Thursday an expat group meets for breakfast at a local restaurant near the downtown park, come and go as you please. The Community Action Alliance has details on where. Finally, a few kilometers west of downtown past Magallanes, there’s a growing expat neighborhood with a very nice recreational center used by many expats, called El Palme (I think it’s called that, anyway). Can be found via Google," remarked one retiree in San Ramon.

"There are many Yahoo! list serves available that help expats get to know where others meet and socialize. Also, Costa Rica AM (www.costaricaam.com) is an English-language e-newspaper that provides a lot of good information," said a retiree who moved to San Jose, Costa Rica.

"Expats can join clubs and activities such as language clubs, tennis clubs, and book clubs that focus on topics related to Costa Rica. Expats can also seek out cultural events geared towards local and foreign populations, such as open-air concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. Expats may also find groups that share hobbies such as surfing, SUP, or yoga. Other popular ways for expats to meet people in Costa Rica are at local festivals, farmer’s markets, English-speaking churches, volunteer organizations, and coworking spaces. Additionally, many expats find work in tourist-facing businesses such as restaurants and hotels, which allows them to socialize with other locals and visitors alike," said one retiree in Costa Rica.

"If you know how to play an instrument, I recommend volunteering your time with the SINEM children's orchestra, a lot of expats teach in this program all through out Costa Rica," commented one retiree living in Montezuma, Costa Rica.

"MONTEZUMA, LIFE DOWNTOWN - After living in Montezuma officially for the last year I look upon it with a deeper understanding, similar to the way one stares at art with new eyes once enlightened by one or two art history classes. When i first moved here it was for six months during the high season so I was able to camp, then as i started to put my roots down i realized the camping lifestyle could only work for the dry season and i would have to move to level two; the house and all the trappings that come with that. Then the job; starting a business downtown and teaching/ studying music, slowly becoming part of the community. Thus bringing me back to seeing more now than i ever did my first month here as a tourist, innocence is lost but the luster still abounds; Montezuma changed my view and approach towards life and how I was leading it, somehow coming face to face with nature so wide, pure, and vivid revitalized me and for that I am forever indebted to this proud little coastal village. What can one say about living here? One of the first things you'll noticed is that this is a "town" in the truest sense, classically so, like the set for a play or Sesame Street or like it was back in the states 100 years ago. This is a positive tight-knit community, where it's easy to know everyone's name in one week, and yet very open and welcoming to new characters on the scene (enter me and my boyfriend, who believes he'll be mayor by the end of the year!) planning on sticking around and becoming part of something great. And then there's the dogs. A great bumper sticker idea: "Costa Rica where every house comes with two dogs" would be a as popular as beanie babies here...because it's true . They usually belong to the cabina owners but dogs here are free so they basically decide where they want to live and with who...[ for more articles on Montezuma please check out our website: paraisopublicidad.com or find us on twitter and facebook for daily updates!]," said a person in Montezuma.

"It is a beach town. Most people are retired from North America. The beach is beautiful. All people go to the beach for walking, socializing, etc," remarked one retiree in Playa Hermosa de Jaco.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Costa Rica has a lot of appeal. There is a vibrant culture and a welcoming attitude towards newcomers, making for a supportive and engaging atmosphere. Nature spots are abundant, and the vibrant and diverse landscape provides many opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. Costa Rica's transportation infrastructure is relatively good for a Latin American country, making it easy to travel within and around the country. The cost of living is generally lower than in most first-world countries and there are a variety of international restaurants and grocery stores. A combination of low taxes and tax incentives makes Costa Rica an attractive place to live and work. The combination of warm weather and modern amenities make it a great place to call home for digital nomads and expats alike," said a retiree who moved to Costa Rica.

"Family is everything as with all Latin American cultures. Ticos make very good friends and once you are introduced into their families you become part of it. They will go out of their way to help you in every way possible," said one retiree in San Jose.

"Before retiring in Costa Rica, expats should make sure to research residency options, learn about the country's healthcare and education system, and familiarize themselves with Costa Rica's culture and customs. It is important to have a working knowledge of the Spanish language. Knowing the local laws and the best ways to finance and protect assets is also essential for a smooth transition into retirement. Expats should also investigate what kind of activities and attractions are available in the region where they plan to settle. It is also a good idea to look into visa restrictions, as some retirees may need to acquire special documentation to stay in the country. Additionally, expats should be aware of the cost of living in Costa Rica and how much they need to budget for their retirement," explained one retiree living in Costa Rica.

"Come and see for yourself before you make a commitment to moving here. There is a lot of hype about Costa Rica being a paradise, a cheap place to live or retire, and a safe place because it eliminated its army in 1948. The reality is that San Jose has a high crime rate, the iron grates on all of the houses and businesses can be off-putting - as can the security guards with loaded riffles - and it isn't a cheap place to live. Food, utilities and rent in certain areas of the city are quite high especially for a developing nation. Other issues in San Jose: air pollution from cars is pretty bad; noise pollution gets on your nerves after a while; it isn't safe to walk outside in the late evening or night; the streets, sidewalks and highways are in terrible shape; and government monopolies make it near impossible to get a cell phone and makes renting cars super-expensive because of the mandatory insurance. People must visit and spend a few weeks talking to people before deciding to move here," said one retiree in living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"We (US/UK retired couple) are in the process of settling in Escazu. We will be applying for the rentista visa, having ruled out the pensionista because of how the Caja charge is calculated. We have chosen the central location in preference to the coast for reasons of climate (warm days, slightly less warm evenings, need for little, if any a/c). Also, San Jose/Central Valley offers accessibility to the variety of experiences Costa Rica has to offer. Proximity to the airport is also important for us. The downsides experienced so far have been the heavy traffic and the serious sticker shock in the supermarkets and restaurants. Nowhere is perfect and we are happy to adjust our daily routines to these local realities. We will be happy to share our experiences as we go through the retirement process here," explained a retiree in Escazu.

"hmmmmmm...take a vacation here first, spend a few months and get a feel for the scene here. Also, online research is an option too," explained one retiree living in Montezuma.

"The Costa Rican people in Atenas are kind and welcoming. There is an international group of expats, from Europe, the US, Canada, as well as from various Spanish speaking countries. I appreciate the diversity. During the dry season, the sun is strong. I am outside in the early morning and late afternoon, and inside from 10:00am-2:00pm. I choose to be car free. I am easily able to walk to shops, dentist, and other services. Atenas has a rural feel as is it a coffee growing region of Costa Rica, as well as a region for fruit and vegetables. There is a small town “vibe” with focus on church and local school activities. The pace is slow. These are some of my personal reflections," said one member in Atenas.

"Costa Ballena Women's club, a poker club, an airsoft group, a few local bands and music groups, surfing, etc," remarked one retiree in Ojochal.

"Recreational activities include surfing on all levels from beginning to highly advanced. Playa Jaco has no shortage of surf schools due to the outstanding conditions in the area. Hiking is common in the area. Miro Mountain is one of the most popular hiking activities as the trail wanders through jungles with a great opportunity for wildlife spotting. The Miro Trail climbs to an elevation of 1,100 feet with spectacular vistas of the Pacific. Miro Mountain Trail is also popular with mountain bike enthusiasts. The area has many mountainous trails so ATV is very popular to reach the higher elevation views and local restaurants. Yoga is popular in the area with many studios and profesional instructors. Art classes are popular in a new facility in Jaco. Golfing at a top course in Playa Herradura is just ten minutes north of Playa Jaco. Playa Herradura Los Suenos Marina boasts one of the best in the area for excellent sport fishing known world wide. Bird watching and nature loves enjoy the Carara National Park just 20 minutes north of Jaco and the Manuel Antonio National Park just one hour south of Playa Jaco," explained one retiree living in Playa Jaco.

"In Costa Rica, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, national parks, and outdoor activities. Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Costa Rica also has a number of national parks, which provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching. Additionally, Costa Rica is home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding, and kayaking. With its diverse range of recreational facilities, Costa Rica is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors," said one retiree in living in Costa Rica.

"Most people shop in supermarkets similar to those the world over. Indeed, in addition to Walmart, Walmart owns two or three supermarket chains, although there are others. I have two supermarkets three blocks away and another one about six blocks away.. There are also chain office supply stores, PriceMart, chain convenience stores, McDonald's and all the rest, It's all pretty normal. Unique are the separate fruit and vegetable stores, farmers selling fruits and vegetables out of trucks on the side of the roads, and so on. Unfortunately also unique is the dearth of large department stores, even furniture stores. Specialty shopping, so to speak, can require going to a bunch of different stores and still not finding what you're looking for.," explained one retiree living in San Jose.

"Playa Jaco has two large "big box" stores Mas x Menos and Maxi Pali. These stores are affiliates of Wal=Mart Corporation. Jaco also has many carnicerias, pescaderias, panaderias, (butcher shop, fish shop, bread/pastry/cake shop) There is a feria (farmers market) in Playa Jaco on Friday morning. There is also an organic market on Wednesday at a local restaurant. A visitor or tourist will find everything needed in Playa Jaco! Other stores feature souvenirs, clothing, surfing supplies, art/crafts and larger appliances stores," said one retiree in living in Playa Jaco, Costa Rica.

"We have a great supermarket in Ojochal, Jaucaloa. We also have a gourmet shop/liquor store (greenleaf), there's a farmers market weekly and a pretty large Mennonite community close by that sells locally produced dairy products and baked goods. There's also a local seafood purveyor as well as roadside fruit and vegetable stands," wrote one person in Ojochal.