Costa Rica's Last Boom Towns Could Make You Rich
Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches…dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife…towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear lakes and rivers…
Not only that, but the country offers a great climate, neighborly atmosphere, a low cost of living, excellent health care, and a stable democracy.
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Fast Facts about Costa Rica
Population: 4,516,220
Capital City: San Jose
Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
Time Zone: GMT-6
Language: Spanish (official), English
Country Code: 506
Coastline: 1,290 KM
Read more articles about Costa Rica below
Costa Rica Archives
Video: Playa Herradura, Costa Rica: A Great Weekend Getaway on the Pacific CoastPosted on May 23, 2012 by Jason Holland
Just four miles north of the bustling surf and sport fishing town of Jaco on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast is tranquil Playa Herradura. In this video, IL correspondent Jason Holland gives a short overview of the beach, including the picturesque view across the cove and the casual beach bars and restaurants that line the access road – bare feet and swimsuits encouraged.
Costa Rica Travel, All Expenses PaidPosted on May 14, 2012 by Jason Holland
The best thing about being a freelance writer is that you can work from anywhere—so I packed up and moved to Costa Rica. It might seem like a brave move, but it was also a sensible one. The cost of living is low here—so paychecks go a long way. Plus, my family gets to experience another culture.
How to Save $48,000 on Costa Rican Real EstatePosted on May 3, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
If you think real estate in Costa Rica is for the Wall Street and Hollywood jet set, think again. In fact, Costa Rica is one of more than a dozen markets we’ll run the rule over this June 7-9 for our International Real Estate Investment Forum. And the discounts will be substantial—a savings of $48,000, just on the three deals I outline below.
A New Opportunity in Costa RicaPosted on May 3, 2012 by mlatini
On Friday I told you about the opportunity to buy a lot perched above the shores of Lake Arenal…with a down payment of $2,500 and monthly payments of $187.50. This lot is in a project called The Preserve. Just below The Preserve and on the shores of the lake you’ll find one of Arenal’s most established projects: Turtle Cove.
Lake View Costa Rica for $188 a MonthPosted on April 27, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
In January I told you about the opportunity we have in Costa Rica’s (formerly) undiscovered lake country of Arenal. It’s in a project called The Preserve. Guess what? The market in Arenal there has taken off. The early-in window of opportunity is closing. The best lots are being snapped up and prices are rising. For now we can buy a lake view lot “off market,” perched above the boat dock, with a down payment of $2,500 and monthly payment of $187.50.
Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Costa RicaPosted on April 26, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
November 12-14 – San Jose, Costa RicaCosta Rica is one country that may truly have it all: a year-round tropical climate, modern cities, Caribbean beaches, Pacific coastline, rain forests, lush valleys, and mountains. This November we’ll tell you exactly where to go, who to see, and what kinds of properties make sense if you’d like to buy in this country.
What Does Your Dream Retirement Look Like?Posted on April 25, 2012 by International Living
201 1 Live and Invest Overseas Conference Package
Las Vegas, NV – October 2011In the Live and Invest Overseas Conference Package, we’ll show you how you can make that dream your reality… for as little as $697 a month. Maybe you long for your own cottage on a quiet beach… a grand apartment in a city vibrant with concerts and cafes… a mountain villa where the air is crisp… or even your own vineyard amid gently rolling hills. Whatever you fantasize about… come with that idea in mind. We’ll show you the places in the world today where you can live your dream, for a small fraction of what you’d pay for a comparable life at home.
Live Well and Invest Profitably in Beautiful Costa RicaPosted on April 24, 2012 by International Living
2011 Fast Track Costa Rica Package
San Jose, Costa Rica – August 2011If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own beach side retreat, a private coastal hideaway with lush ocean views…or a lakeside home on a pristine tropical mountain lakeside surrounded by rolling hills of cool pine forests and fertile pastures…in a country with world-class health care, and affordable daily living…then you should turn your attention now to Costa Rica.
2010 Fast-Track Costa Rica PackagePosted on April 24, 2012 by International Living
San Jose, Costa Rica – August 2010
The 2010 Fast-Track Costa Rica Package is no longer available for sale.
Buyers and members of World Club and Publisher’s Roundtable can access the package here.
Buy Costa Rica for $188 a MonthPosted on April 23, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
At Arenal you will find a mirror-flat lake with a dark green, tree-lined shore rising steeply to the cone of a towering volcano. This place is hidden, secret…yet you have safe and stable Costa Rica amenities and attractions on your doorstep. And, the world’s most bio-diverse country all around.
Buy A Lakeside Lot in Costa Rica With Stunning ViewsPosted on April 20, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
This stunningly beautiful place in Costa Rica has been overlooked. I can’t explain why. It’s just one of those anomalies. Sometimes things of great beauty and value are overlooked…for a while. Like the work of a great artist that gathers dust on a shelf until someone spots it. Then everyone wonders how it could have been missed. The drive from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, was on a modern highway. Scenic, interesting and smooth. Around the lake was sporty and dramatic.
Video: Living in Grecia, Costa RicaPosted on April 20, 2012 by Jason Holland
In this video, IL Costa Rica correspondent, Jason Holland shows footage of his beautiful rental home in Grecia, Costa Rica. Just like any desirable retirement destination, you can find luxury in Costa Rica when it comes to where you live. But there is plenty of opportunity for regular folks to find their own slice of heaven.
The World’s Best Real Estate MarketsPosted on March 27, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
In pockets all across the planet, you’ll find amazing opportunities to make money from real estate. I’m talking about beautiful places tucked into lush jungle-clad hills, on white sandy coves, in bustling cities, and in small colonial towns. These are markets on the upswing. The mainstream hasn’t heard of them yet. And in them today you’ll get excellent bang for your buck as well as great profit potential.
Sun, Sea and Yoga in Nosara, Costa RicaPosted on March 27, 2012 by Manya Chylinski
You may not see yourself on a surfboard, but when you’re in Nosara, Costa Rica, it’s hard not to get caught up in the appeal of the Pacific. The sun sparkles down on blue waters a bathtub-warm 80˚ F. The lifestyle is relaxed and this surf town has not one, but four beaches.
The World’s Best Real Estate Markets in 2012Posted on March 27, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
In this Global Real Estate Index, you’ll find listed the 27 places in the world today that boast the most attractive, and potentially lucrative, real estate opportunities. Each of these places has something special to recommend it…some attribute you won’t find elsewhere. Those that top the list hold the most profit potential right now. Those at mid-table and below are ones to watch.
- Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Costa Rica
Posted on March 10, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
November 12-14 – San Jose, Costa RicaCosta Rica is one country that may truly have it all: a year-round tropical climate, modern cities, Caribbean beaches, Pacific coastline, rain forests, lush valleys, and mountains. This November we’ll tell you exactly where to go, who to see, and what kinds of properties make sense if you’d like to buy in this country.
Costa Rica’s Hidden QualitiesPosted on March 6, 2012 by Erin Morris
Life in Costa Rica feels like a dream—but one I don’t have to wake up from. The climate here is awesome. Sunrise and sunset are at the same time every day, allowing my internal clock to get into a natural, uninterrupted rhythm. The sun rises at 5.00 a.m., warms the land and fills me with happiness for 10 months out of the year.
Events: The Most Attractive Retirement “Package” in the WorldPosted on February 21, 2012 by anon
Here’s a round-up of the events you should be keeping an eye on over the coming months. First up, the Fast Track Panama: Lifestyle and Opportunity Conference which is kicking off this April in Panama City. Panama is, arguably, the one country on our beat that offers something for everyone. Beaches. Big City. Colonial enclaves. Highland retreats. In this diverse place, the sun shines someplace, 365 days a year. You have hundreds of miles of sandy expanse…in the hills, green valleys are spring-like, even in January and August…and Panama City is genuinely cosmopolitan, with one of the world’s largest financial districts.
Costa Rica’s Central Valley – Dream it, Find it, Live itPosted on February 21, 2012 by International Living
This report will take a look at a few of the options available in Costa Rica’s Central Valley for anyone looking for a quality lifestyle for less than they would pay in the U.S. or Canada.
So read on…and let us tell you all about Costa Rica’s wonderful Central Valley.
Chill Out in PuntarenasPosted on February 10, 2012 by International Living
Puntarenas Chill Weekend
Puntarenas, Costa RicaThe setting is beautiful. The towering Tilaran Mountains sweep down to the Pacific Ocean. Sandy beaches, dotted with palm trees, run for miles along the coast. Cross the deep blue waters of the bay and you can stroll on beautiful soft sand beaches…and spot international movie stars, models and musicians. It’s easy to get here, just over an hour from Costa Rica’s capital city. But few outsiders know about this place. It’s overlooked and undervalued. Which is why you can buy a 1.25 acre lot from $50,000… If you’re thinking of buying a second home in Costa Rica, this area should be on your shortlist. And there’s an easy way for you to check it out for yourself, on a chill weekend.
Where To Go For The Best Beaches in Costa RicaPosted on February 6, 2012 by Jason Holland
There’s an easy escape from gringo culture in Costa Rica. The sleepy town of Dominical is inhabited by a mix of bohemian expats, laid-back surfers (some on permanent vacation), and friendly locals. A few years ago, the trip from Quepos to Dominical took over two hours on a bone-jarring, potholed dirt road. But thanks to a recently paved two-lane highway, it’s now just 45 minutes.
Five Places at the Profit Tipping PointPosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
When Ernest Hemmingway was asked how he went broke, he replied, “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” It’s the same pattern with hot new beach destinations (only instead of going broke, you could make money…gradually, then suddenly).
Escape the Beach-Town Tourists in Costa RicaPosted on January 19, 2012 by Jason Holland
The Costa Rican beach towns of Quepos and Jacó can feel a bit like Daytona Beach. Themed restaurants, multi-story condos, U.S. chain hotels and resorts…
Small Town Costa Rican LifePosted on January 12, 2012 by Dev Parikh
I made my escape to Costa Rica in May 2010, to teach English in San Jose. I recently discovered a beautiful little mountain town (where a friend lives) that’s an easy day trip from the capital. Urasca is a small town in the province of Cartago, at about 3,000 feet above sea level. It has a climate quite different to San Jose—Costa Rica is marked by its micro-climates.
- Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Costa Rica
Posted on January 12, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
November 12-14 – San Jose, Costa RicaCosta Rica is one country that may truly have it all and at the Fast-Track Costa Rica Conference we’ll tell you exactly where to go, who to see, and what kinds of properties make sense if you’d like to buy in this country.
Full Details About That Lake-View Costa Rica DealPosted on January 6, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Lake Arenal in Costa Rica’s lake country is stunningly beautiful. The weather, with year- round temperatures in the 70s, is near perfect.
From the lake (and from the elevated lots at The Preserve, the project I told you about yesterday) the views to the towering Arenal Volcano are jaw dropping.
This is rich pasture and tropical jungle country. You might think you are in Switzerland. The roar of howler monkeys… flamboyant and dramatic…and brightly colored birds tells me I’m not.
Get Ready to Buy Costa Rica for $143 a MonthPosted on January 5, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Lake Arenal, Costa Rica has been overlooked. I can’t explain why. I can see no good reason. It’s just one of those anomalies.
It’s stunningly beautiful. The weather is near perfect. The community of locals and expats is welcoming and friendly. The road here is good and you don’t want for any modern conveniences or amenities.
I’ve seen situations like this before.
- Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Costa Rica
Posted on January 3, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
November 12-14 – San Jose, Costa RicaCosta Rica is one country that may truly have it all: a year-round tropical climate, modern cities, Caribbean beaches, Pacific coastline, rain forests, lush valleys, and mountains. This November we’ll tell you exactly where to go, who to see, and what kinds of properties make sense if you’d like to buy in this country.
- Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Costa Rica
Posted on January 2, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
November 12-14 – San Jose, Costa RicaCosta Rica is one country that may truly have it all: a year-round tropical climate, modern cities, Caribbean beaches, Pacific coastline, rain forests, lush valleys, and mountains. This November we’ll tell you exactly where to go, who to see, and what kinds of properties make sense if you’d like to buy in this country.
Teaching English in Costa RicaPosted on December 26, 2011 by Erin Morris
It’s easy to find yourself surrounded by lush green jungle, a kaleidoscope of flowers, and a menagerie of animals. You can have this in your backyard if you wish. For me, this is a huge part of the magic of Costa Rica and the main reason I chose to live and work here.
Property Trip to Costa Rica for 13 MembersPosted on December 21, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Along Costa Rica’s Southern Zone the bright, thick, green jungle canopy rolls down to a coast of sandy beaches and rocky points. It’s truly stunning.
While prices in the north soared…prices here stayed low. It was difficult to get to. But a new smoothly paved coastal highway has changed that.
One project along this coast stands out as the gold standard. It’s here…on a stunning ocean view lot surrounded by jungle-clad hills in Pacific Lots…that a small group of Real Estate Trend Alert members will gather this February 8-11.
- Easiest Places to Integrate
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ireland 99/100 While small pockets of Irish people still speak the native Gaelic as …
Two Big Benefits of Living in Costa RicaPosted on December 15, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
Healthier and happier. We hear that over and over from IL readers who move to Costa Rica. Ben Hill says “I was a junk food junkie…stopping at every 7-11 and buying a bag of chips and a coke, a candy bar…but now I eat healthy food, I feel better, I’m more flexible and I weigh a lot less than I did back in California.”
Costa Rica Bargains Found on a Real Estate Road TripPosted on December 14, 2011 by Dan Prescher
If you followed the scouting trip to Costa Rica I made with my wife Suzan earlier this year, you’ll know that this is the best time to buy. Here are some of the highlights:
Free Trips in Costa RicaPosted on December 13, 2011 by Robert Carry
With long stretches of sand along the coast, jungle-clad hills, beach towns that range from sleepy to surfer-central, Costa Rica is a great place not only to retire, but also to vacation. Even better—that trip can be free. Through an online contest, the Costa Rica Tourism Board is “gifting” $1 million in week-long vacations to people throughout the U.S. and Canada. Each winner and a guest will spend eight days…
Chill in Costa Rica’s Southern ZonePosted on December 7, 2011 by International Living
Chill at Pacific Lots
August 11-14, 2012 – Southern Zone, Costa Rica
The scenery in this part of Costa Rica is dramatically beautiful. The knife-edge mountain ridges curve like a dragon’s spine, twisting and turning their way to the horizon and dropping sharply to the long sandy beaches that run along this coastline. Rich pristine forests cloak the mountain slopes, teeming with wildlife. Yet you’re only three hours from an international airport. And you’re sipping an espresso you just bought from a little coffee shop. Your picnic basket is filled with goodies…warm baguettes, Brie, smokehouse chicken, mangoes, and fresh-squeezed juice. You’re on your way to meet friends for a day at the beach, sunning yourself on the sand, taking a dip in the warm ocean…relaxing and enjoying life. Think this is a pricey fantasy…one you couldn’t possibly afford in Costa Rica? In fact, you can own a lot in this location for only $40,000. It used to be tough getting here, and that kept property prices low…but a new highway that opened last year is bringing more tourists and property shoppers to this location. You should check this place out now, before it booms. For only $299, you’ll get four days here…meals, accommodation and transport included.
Opportunity Along Costa Rica’s Secret CaribbeanPosted on November 30, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica languished, creating what is today a bargain-hunter’s dream. The neglect of this region is one of those anomalies that produces excellent profit opportunities. And I’ve found a way you can buy land in a Gold Standard gated community here for less than half of what you could pay just outside those gates.
- News and Notes from Around the World
Posted on November 24, 2011 by International Living
News and notes from around the world.
Look Now to Costa Rica’s CaribbeanPosted on November 24, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Not even the Costa Ricans know it’s here. The forgotten province. But they’ll hear about it soon enough—especially with the massive investment slated for the region. The biggest of its type in Costa Rica’s history. So far, there’s been little development of the real estate and tourism markets on this nation’s Caribbean coast (yes, Costa Rica has one). It’s hard to understand why it’s been overlooked. Yet it has… and that means that this stretch of coast holds some of the Caribbean’s most undervalued real estate.
These Readers Did It—So Can YouPosted on November 24, 2011 by International Living
“A Good Base for a Single Woman” Name: Jan Hunsinger Age: 64 From: California …
Upcoming Events
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Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Costa Rica
Event Date: Nov 12, 2012
Fast-Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
November 12-14 - San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one country that may truly have it all and at the Fast-Track Costa Rica Conference we'll tell you exactly where to go, who to see, and what kinds of properties make sense if you’d like to buy in this country.
More About Costa Rica
- Live in Costa Rica
- Taxes in Costa Rica
- Costa Rican Title Insurance
- Health Care in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Real Estate
- Travel in Costa Rica
- Move to Costa Rica
- Retire in Costa Rica
- Beachfront Property in Costa Rica
- Rolodex: Contacts in Costa Rica
- Why Costa Rica?
- Costa Rica Fact File
- Costa Rica Visa and Residency Information
- The Economy in Costa Rica
- Renting in Costa Rica
- Working in Costa Rica
- Cost of Living in Costa Rica
