Costa Rica Land and Property
Atenas, Costa Rica Real estate

Discover the Secrets of Costa Rica
(Rich Coast):
by the Costa Rica Land and Property staff

Lower Cost of Living

The farmers market runs every Friday in Atenas, Costa Rica, but get there early as the best fruits, vegetables and flowers sell out quickly.

Costa Rica is a place where average middle-class and working-class people can afford to retire. An affordable PARADISE! Although, the real estate prices have climbed substantially they still remain well below rival retirement areas. It is the cost of functioning in Costa Rica that remains fantastically low. The average electric bill ($70), phone bill ($25), internet bill ($15), and cable TV bill ($35) in Costa Rica combined, would not amount to one of those bills in North America or Europe. To have our garbage picked up twice a week in Atenas costs $8.00 per month.

 

Food costs are also a small fraction of what they are in North America. Especially eating a more healthy diet like the Ticos do, with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown year-round in this fertile country. For example; a huge juicy pineapple is roughly 80 cents in Costa Rica, and cannot be found for less than $5.00 in most North American supermarkets and in taste, there is no comparison! Of course, if you are addicted to Doritos or JIFF peanut butter they are similarly priced, or more, than in the USA. It is reported that you can live up to 50% cheaper in Costa Rica than you can in North America or Europe. And we haven’t even discussed the unbelievable healthcare costs yet… Interested? Read on, or click here to fill out our information request!

Property in Costa Rica with amazing ocean and mountain views

The benefits that Costa Rica has to offer are unmatched by any other place in the world. Re-read the list of these characteristics and compare them to other potential retirement areas. Many of the most inviting retirement areas would be immediately disqualified with ‘Affordable Real Estate’.

Natural Beauty

Many visitors have compared the scenery to that of Hawaii. Although experiencing paradise in Costa Rica comes at a much lower cost and a much shorter flight... and we are just scratching the surface of the splendor of Costa Rica…

Perfect Climate

Costa Rica has one of the best climates worldwide. There are 2 distinct seasons here, the rainy-season and the dry-season. However, each season provides an abundance of sunshine to enjoy. The Central Valley and mountain areas offer warm days (mid-70’s) and cool nights (mid-60’s). Heating or air conditioning is not required for homes in these areas. As you get closer to the coasts, the temperature and the humidity rise. Many micro-climates exist throughout Costa Rica and some areas receive significantly more rain than others.

On the whole, it is considered by many as the perfect climate. In fact, the town of Atenas, where Costa Rica Land & Property is based, was named by National Geographic as having the ‘Best Climate in the World’. Wow, it is hard to believe there is still affordable real estate here in Costa Rica…

Political Stability

This famously democratic country has been dubbed the “Switzerland of the Americas” because of its peaceful political neutrality. The country does not have a military force and is dedicated to peace and tranquility. In his book, Christopher Howard describes the Costa Rican political culture perfectly: ‘This beautiful country is so appealing because it has the warmth and flavor of Mexico, without anti-Americanism and fear of government expropriations: the physical beauty of Guatemala without the large military presence: and the sophistication of Brazil without the abject poverty and far less crime.’

 

The citizens are kind and patient especially as you stumble through your broken Spanish. Unlike in the USA, where it appears many people seem annoyed if you do not speak perfect English, or French Canada when someone speaks English instead of French. The people are welcoming to foreigners no matter what their opinions may be of your home-country’s political policies. The majority of Ticos are generous, spiritual (Catholic), and family oriented people.

Quality Healthcare

Our partner at Costa Rica Land & Property, Rodrigo Méndez, recently had a Wisdom tooth removed for just under $22. Yes, that included anesthesia and a licensed, US educated dentist performing the procedure. That was not his co-pay. That was his private-pay out-of-pocket cost. Do we have your attention yet?

With state of the art equiptment and care and looking more like a luxury hotel than a hospital, CIMA Hospital in Escazú, Costa Rica is ranked #1 in all of Latin America!

Costa Rica’s public health system is ranked the best in Latin America by the United Nations. Furthermore, Costa Rica is routinely ranked in the top 20 in the world. Costa Rican ‘off-shore’ health services are beginning to rival agriculture as the second leading economic industry. Of course, tourism is the number one industry for Costa Rica. Heart by-pass surgery costs roughly one third of what it does in the United States. The low cost on private pay care and procedures is almost as unbelievable as the quality of care.

The newest private hospital CIMA, which is located in the popular suburb, Escazú, of San Jose, is first rate and affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center. The Blue Cross-Blue Shield network is affiliated with another large private hospital in the San Jose area, Clinica Biblica. You can rest easy to know that these affiliations insure that a high standard of care is maintained. Many of the doctors have trained in the United States, Canada or Europe, so English is spoken just about every where you will need health services.

Modern Infrastructure

The infrastructure is constantly expanding, albeit slowly, farther into the countryside of Costa Rica. Unlike Mexico and some other Latin countries the public water is clean and safe to drink. The well water is also very clean and does not require additional softener equipment.

The Costa Rican government operates monopolies for electricity, communications (phone, internet, cell service), and energy (fuel, gasoline, natural gases). Each of these services is solid, but not always efficient. Expansion of these services, especially into remote parts of the country is unhurried. Although, the threat of passing CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) and opening some of these markets to foreign companies has begun to ignite their motivations to expand. High-speed broadband internet can be found in and around cities and in some touristy locations. Also, public transportation is abundant, safe, and inexpensive. And you will never be in want of a taxi as there is always one available.

The most evident deficiency in the infrastructure is seen in the roads. However, a newer highway was built from San Jose to the northern Guanacaste region, dramatically reducing the travel time to the northern Pacific beaches. Currently, a new 4-lane highway is under construction from San Jose to the central Pacific beaches, which will decrease the driving time considerably (estimated to be completed in late 2007 or early 2008). Also, this new highway is heaping loads of potential for real estate investments and growth in its path. Hurry, before it is too late to still find good real estate deals and booming investments…

Endless Activities

Whether you are entering retirement or looking for a simpler life, Costa Rica offers many activities to keep you physically and intellectually stimulated. For starters, learning Spanish can be a difficult adventure, but it will blow your activity potential wide open. For your “new life” what better intellectual activity is there, than to learn a new language. Have you heard the joke ‘what do you call a human being who only speaks one language?... an American’.

Taken at a beach property in Parrita, Costa Rica. You are never too old or too young to enjoy the many opportunities and activities that living and owning property in Costa Rica will present you!

It is impossible for nature lovers to be bored in Costa Rica. You can enjoy bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, sport fishing, surfing, swimming, parasailing, beach combing, horseback riding, nature strolls, zip-lining through the rain forest, and many more activities in one of Costa Rica’s numerous National Parks, resorts or adventure tour areas.. Whatever you do, BRING YOUR CAMERA!!!

Orchid blooming in Esparza

For the people who are not interested in sweating there is plenty for you too. Fine restaurants, museums, theatre, casinos, clubs, internet cafes, golf courses and shopping are all prevalent in Costa Rica.

There are many expatriate groups and clubs that you can join. Not only is this a great way to meet people, but they organize events, speeches and other activities related to their theme or cause.

Having visitors is always loads of fun when you live in your retirement area or abroad. Your family will be surprised that the many commercial flights to Costa Rica are not much longer than traveling to Florida, southern Texas, or Cancun, Mexico and they are reasonably priced.

Retirement Incentives

The lower cost of living, perfect weather, natural beauty, quality health care, political stability, wonderful culture, and amazing business and investment opportunities makes Costa Rica a retirement paradise. It is worth repeating that Costa Rica is one of the only affordable places on Earth where average middle-class people can retire in luxury.

Residency status comes with many benefits and may be obtained with an income of as little as $800 per month for the rest of your life. An application process will take place and as long as you have a clean police record you should be accepted. There are several ways to obtain legal residency. Our company attorney can assist you with the decision of which type of residency is most suited to your individual needs, and help you through the process.

Legal residency allows you to stay in Costa Rica without having to leave every three months. You are also eligible for the same low cost medical care insurance system that is used by most "Ticos" as well as entrance into national parks and some adventure areas at discounted "Tico" rates. After 2 years you can become a "permanent resident". Naturalization is also offered after several years. You do not need to give up your citizenship in your home country in most cases.

RETIRE EARLY in Costa Rica!

An Early Retirement Program designed and exclusively offered by Costa Rica Land & Property provides a path to retiring in Costa Rica before your pension or Social Security matures. Our program allows you to build equity in a home of your choice without a large financial investment up front. In addition, we will help facilitate all aspects of your transition to Costa Rica.

Business & Investments

There are boundless business opportunities in Costa Rica. Costa Rica allows foreigners to own real estate or a business without obtaining residency. The immense growth of real estate development that is happening and the expected explosion from the baby-boomers retiring is creating the perfect storm for ambitious entrepreneurs. It is compared to the new frontier of the Wild West, without the wild. Any business that caters to the needs and desires of tourists and retirees (expatriates) is a safe bet.

Costa Rica provides the tools like phones, internet, web sites, modern banking, and trained professionals to insure success for your business. These tools are essential and less expensive than most modernized countries.

Also, even the safest Costa Rican investments are nearly too good to be true. Can you imagine investing only $100,000 safely and having an income of around $15,000 per year! And believe it or not, 15% is on the conservative end here in Costa Rica. That is what Costa Rica Land & Property pays to our private investors. All of these investments are secured by a mortgage on a specific property. After all, when you buy a safe-rate CD at the bank, who do you think they loan that money to? They lend it to Costa Rica Land & Property and other reputable real estate investors or developers. We just eliminate the middle-man and reward the investor with higher interest rates. Large developments offer similar programs, except theirs are not usually secured by individual mortgages.

Affordable Real Estate

We saved the best topic for last, ‘Affordable Real Estate’. After all that has been written here, it should amaze you that there is still affordable real estate here in Costa Rica. Whether you are looking for a retirement home, vacation home, investment property, land, or a modest home to simplify your life, Costa Rica has what you need. We do not have a crystal ball, but certainly it is difficult to find any reason why property in Costa Rica will decline in value. The benefits and appeal of Costa Rica, plus the massive generation of people set to retire indicate nothing but strong growth and increased investment in real estate for years to come. Please search our property section for your perfect home in paradise. We look forward to helping you in your transition to Costa Rica.