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.
Learn more about Costa Rica and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE REPORT - Why Are Americans Still Flocking to Costa Rica.
This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Costa Rica and is yours free when you sign up for our IL postcards below.
Enter your email address below
Fast Facts about Costa Rica
Population:4,636,348
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
Still Affordable: The Best Views in Costa RicaPosted on May 21, 2013 by Jason Holland
When you live in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone, the beach and the blue Pacific become a focal point.
All You Need on Your Doorstep: Costa Rica’s Central ValleyPosted on May 19, 2013 by Jason Holland
Expats have been flocking to the Central Valley for decades. Despite the name, it is actually a high-altitude plateau—above 3,000 feet—that is surrounded by tall mountains. In the middle you have Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose.
A Beach to Yourself on Costa Rica’s Pacific CoastPosted on May 14, 2013 by Jason Holland
I’m from Florida, where a day at the beach means fighting for parking—often for an outrageous fee—struggling to find a bare patch of sand, and spending the day listening to loud music and shouting kids.
How to Retire at 41 to Costa RicaPosted on May 11, 2013 by Domini Hedderman
Their vacations in tropical places left Denice and Robert Key wishing for more out of life and thinking, “What if…?” The couple had traveled throughout the Caribbean and Mexico when they were younger, and they could never quite escape the itch to retire early and move to a warm, exotic destination—something completely different from their Colorado home.
A Costa Rican Lifestyle That Pays for Itself…Posted on May 1, 2013 by Margaret Summerfield
“You might wonder why I’m swapping Florida for Costa Rica,” Steve says, “and, you know, the answer is really simple. I’m more relaxed when I’m in Costa Rica.
Four Places Near the Water to Buy NowPosted on April 30, 2013 by Ronan McMahon
The first opportunity is a perfect bolthole if you’re looking for Caribbean living with a European flavor close to home. Direct and affordable morning flights from the U.S. will get you here in time to soak up early afternoon sunshine on the beach or bathe in the turquoise waters
Chill Out in the Southern Zone in Costa RicaPosted on April 29, 2013 by Margaret Summerfield
Costa Rica may seem to you like nothing more than a pricey fantasy. But in fact, you can own a lot here for only $40,000. And it’s in a spot that’s poised to boom.
Caribbean and Pacific Coast Fishing in Costa RicaPosted on April 22, 2013 by Jason Holland
Fancy a few hours battling a half-ton striped marlin Hemingway style? The fish can get so big off the coast of Costa Rica that the skipper straps you into a chair to fight them. The waters of both coasts, the Pacific and Caribbean teem with legendary fish like marlin, dorado, and tarpon that, for decades, have drawn serious sport fishermen (and women) from around the world eager for record-setting catches.
IL’s Calendar of Events: “Jet Fuel” for Your Overseas PlansPosted on April 22, 2013 by International Living
Six months from now, you could be living in paradise… for much less than it costs you to stay home. In the best destinations overseas, your dollar just goes further…first-class healthcare is affordable… you can afford a housekeeper or gardener…and live better than you could back home for a fraction of what you pay now…
Visiting the Hot Springs of Arenal, Costa RicaPosted on April 9, 2013 by Jason Holland
If you’re ever in the Arenal region of Costa Rica there is one activity you have to make time for: a dip in one of the natural hot springs. Known locally as “aguas termales,” the 90 to 110 degree Fahrenheit waters are naturally heated by volcanic activity. In fact, most of the hot springs have a great view of the Arenal volcano from the pools.
Tips for Getting Your Residency in Costa RicaPosted on April 9, 2013 by Jason Holland
There are several categories of residency for those seeking to live and/or retire in Costa Rica. Although it can be quite bureaucratic, the process to obtain your cedula (the Costa Rican “green card”) is actually pretty straightforward. Most expats who retire to Costa Rica and live here full time choose pensionado status.
Bringing Your Car to Costa RicaPosted on April 8, 2013 by Jason Holland
Before you leave, work with the shipping company to make sure your car meets emissions standards. The test is done in the U.S. You should also consider whether your car will make a good match for Costa Rica. Although auto shops are common and labor inexpensive, the most common parts available are for Asian vehicles and every mechanic can fix them. It can be more difficult to repair an American or European vehicle.
Buying a Car in Costa Rica: 8 TipsPosted on April 8, 2013 by Jason Holland
When moving to Costa Rica, many expats wonder whether they should bring their car from home or buy something when they get down there. Well… it depends. As covered in this article, “Bringing a Car to Costa Rica,” importing a car from the U.S., while relatively easy, can be quite expensive. In fact, you could pay close to the value of the car in import duties and fees.
The Best Sunsets in Costa RicaPosted on April 6, 2013 by Jason Holland
In my mind, there’s nothing better than watching a sunset in a beautiful location, drink in hand. Fortunately, in my new home of Costa Rica, there’s plenty of opportunity to do just that. There’s 780 miles of Pacific coast–prime sunset-watching territory, as well as several spots inland that give you a great view.
Lifestyle in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Beach Living at its BestPosted on April 4, 2013 by Jason Holland
You couldn’t accuse it of having a secluded, deserted beach. But living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica certainly has its rewards. As one of the country’s most popular beach towns with a large expat community, Tamarindo has a lot of advantages and amenities. You’ll find a variety of options when it comes to housing, from low-cost apartments and condos to large ocean-view homes
Video: Los Chorros: A Spectacular Waterfall in Costa Rica’s Central ValleyPosted on April 4, 2013 by Jason Holland
Thanks to Costa Rica’s mountainous terrain and abundance of rivers, there are spectacular waterfalls throughout the country. In the video below, International Living Costa Rica Correspondent Jason Holland highlights a waterfall, known as Los Chorros, just outside of the village of Tacares. From the center of Tacares you’ll see large signs directing you to the waterfall, officially known as Los Chorros Parque Recreativo, which is three kilometers outside of town
Video: The Hills of Costa Rica’s Central ValleyPosted on April 4, 2013 by Jason Holland
Costa Rica’s Central Valley has been an expat haven for decades. For good reason. It’s got one of the world’s best climates, averaging in the mid-70s year-round. And most towns are within short driving distance (30 minutes to an hour-and-a-half) of the amenities of the capital, San José, and its suburbs like Cariari and Escazu. We’re talking North American-style shopping malls and multiplex movie theaters (with movies in English), plus the country’s best private hospitals.
Living in Alajuela, Costa RicaPosted on April 4, 2013 by Jason Holland
Alajuela, just 13 miles or so from Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is in many ways the country’s second city. It is second in size, with a population of 50,000. And it is also the home to La Liga, one half a bitter soccer (here known as futbol) rivalry with San José’s team, Saprissa. The country’s main international airport is in Alajuela. And it’s the birthplace of national hero Juan Santamaria.
Volunteering in Costa RicaPosted on April 4, 2013 by Jason Holland
For prospective expats in search of a more active overseas life, there is plenty of opportunity, especially in the field of volunteering in Costa Rica. There are several organizations that facilitate many different types of community work throughout the country. You can teach English, rescue wildlife, champion environmental or social causes, preserve habitat, help needy families, and much more.
Living in Santa Ana, Costa Rica: One of San Jose’s Top SuburbsPosted on March 27, 2013 by Jason Holland
San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, is full of small towns and villages that have merged over the years into the greater metro area as the city grew. One of those is Santa Ana, population of about 11,000. At one time known mainly for its ceramics and pottery, this once sleepy hamlet is fast becoming one of San Jose’s top suburbs.
Comfortable and Convenient: Living in San Ramon, Costa RicaPosted on March 26, 2013 by Jason Holland
With 70,000 residents in the metro area, San Ramon, in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, has many of the advantages of big town life: widely available and cheap medical and dental care; an abundance of shops, restaurants, and cafés; and just that feeling of “energy” that comes with living in a bustling regional center.
Living in Jaco, Costa Rica: A Favorite With Expats and TouristsPosted on March 26, 2013 by Jason Holland
Located in the heart of the Central Pacific coast region of Costa Rica, Jaco (pronounced: ha-ko) has long been a favorite of vacationers and expats.
This lively beach town features several large resorts, as well as many options for longer-term residents, like condos, gated communities, and lots for building.The wide range of housing options in all price ranges, from budget to luxury, as well as many amenities and comforts of home, make living in Jaco, Costa Rica a great choice for lifestyle and retirement overseas.
Flying in Costa Rica: One of the Best Ways to Get AroundPosted on March 26, 2013 by Jason Holland
Costa Rica is relatively small, about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire put together.But although much of the country is crisscrossed by a modern highway system, travel from one end to another can be time-consuming, especially to certain out-of-the-way areas, because of windy mountain roadways and unpaved secondary roads.
Living in Manuel Antonio, Costa RicaPosted on March 26, 2013 by Jason Holland
The Manuel Antonio area on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast has been a long-time favorite of visitors. Just two hours from the capital San Jose on a well-maintained modern highway, Manuel Antonio is the site of the country’s most popular national park. In 2011, Forbes magazine named it one of the world’s best.At 4,000 acres, it’s a relatively small refuge and one of the smallest national parks
Living in Playa Flamingo, Costa RicaPosted on March 26, 2013 by Jason Holland
Those looking for a beautiful, unspoiled beachfront setting, as well as a sizeable community of expats, should find living in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica to be a good match.Playa Flamingo is located on the northern Pacific Coast, in the heart of what is known as the Gold Coast.
“We Drove 6,000 Miles to Find Paradise in Costa Rica…”Posted on March 26, 2013 by Carmen Wise
My husband Mike and I loaded up the van with luggage and our two dogs, Dino and Sprite, and set off on our long road trip. One month and 6,000 miles later, we arrived in paradise. Yanina, the owner of the resort, has been our main guide and comforter as we trudge through the red tape of dealing with customs regarding our shipment of personal goods, setting up bank accounts…
Transportation in Costa Rica: Getting Around the CountryPosted on March 26, 2013 by Jason Holland
Costa Rica is a relatively small country–about the size of New Hampshire and Vermont put together. And that means getting around is easy and inexpensive, and you have a variety of options. For trips to nearby towns and from outlying areas into town, there are regular bus routes, as many Costa Ricans don’t have cars.
World’s Highest Tax RatesPosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
Spare a thought for the citizens of Belgium. Their beer is great and their waffles tasty but they also suffer from the highest effective personal tax rate in the world. That’s according to a survey by KPMG. The auditing firm looked at income tax rates and other deductions like social security to calculate their results.
Enjoy the Secret Beach Life of Costa Rica’s Caribbean CoastPosted on March 25, 2013 by Jason Holland
Sunlight filters through swaying palm fronds. My feet are in the sand, I have an ice-cold Pilsen beer in hand, and I’m savoring my lunch: a heaped plate of rice, beans, plantains, and chicken that cost just $6. Coconut milk and a secret blend of spices are commonly used in Caribbean cooking and it’s delicious.
IL’s Calendar of Events: “Jet Fuel” for Your Overseas PlansPosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
Six months from now, you could be living in paradise… for much less than it costs you to stay home. In the best destinations overseas, your dollar just goes further…first-class healthcare is affordable… you can afford a housekeeper or gardener…and live better than you could back home for a fraction of what you pay now…
Live the Good Life In the World’s Blue ZonesPosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
What’s the secret to a long, healthy, and enjoyable life? A group of researchers believe that residents of five Blue Zones around the world know it. They have the longest life spans on Earth and are less likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, and other serious conditions.
The Benefits of Eating Like a Local in Costa RicaPosted on March 19, 2013 by Jason Holland
Eating like a local is one of the best ways to keep your cost of living low in Costa Rica. And for dining out that means frequenting your local soda, the equivalent of a diner or neighborhood restaurant in the U.S. They serve simple, nutritious food, including the casado, the unofficial national dish, which runs $4 to $6.
Your Own B&B in Costa RicaPosted on March 7, 2013 by Jason Holland
Scott Dinsmore, 47, and David Russell, 52, keep busy running their Spanish colonial-style boutique hotel, El Castillo, on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. It sits 600 feet above the beach in the jungle-clad mountains that rise sharply from the deep blue waters.
Starting Your Own Business in Costa RicaPosted on March 6, 2013 by Jason Holland
You wake up early for work. But you’re not slapping at the alarm clock in disgust, then rushing out the door for a long commute. You want to get up…you’re looking forward to the day. You get to enjoy that first cup of coffee as the rising sun makes the Pacific glitter…watch wildlife—toucans, parrots, even monkeys—make their morning rounds in the trees…and bask in praise from departing guests…
A Perfect Climate in Costa Rica’s Central ValleyPosted on March 5, 2013 by Jason Holland
After a lifetime of cold weather in Alberta, Canada, retired couple Rick and Peggy Stewart were ready for a change. And they found a perfect climate—and many more benefits—in the rural community of Santa Eulalia about 20 minutes outside of the small town of Atenas, in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. From their new home in the tropics, they can’t help but rub it in with friends and family back home.
Chill in Costa Rica’s Southern ZonePosted on March 4, 2013 by International Living
A rich, lush wonderland of dizzying mountain peaks, virgin forest and a sandy coastline all combine to make Costa Rica’s Southern Zone our most popular chill week destination. But these are not the only reasons why this stunning area is proving so popular. Thanks to a new road, this location is opening up to tourism, business and development. For now, you can own a lot here for only $40,000, or a brand-new home for $150,000. These chill weekends sell out months in advance, so snap up your spot now.
The Pleasures of an Endless SummerPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
My wife Sylvia and I landed in this Pacific coast village of 302 (300 Mexicans, two gringos) six years ago. We bought a half-acre vacant lot in the center to build a modest, hacienda-style place. We had sailed from San Francisco on our 48-foot sailboat, Sabbatical but were easily lured ashore by the tranquil lifestyle.
Mansions and Luxury HomesPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
Oak floors, chandeliers, large fireplaces, and exposed wood beams are things you’d expect to find in a chateau. And this perfect country getaway in Normandy has them all. Built in 1881, it’s set on five acres and surrounded by a mixture of lush green pastures and the forest of Eu. There’s a fruit orchard and the Yres River runs through the property, with a bridge leading to a private island.
International Living’s Calendar of EventsPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
Panama’s a place of sunshine, 365 days a year. You have hundreds of miles of beach…highland retreats with green valleys where the weather is spring-like, even in January and August…and a genuinely cosmopolitan capital city, too, with one of the world’s largest financial districts. And Panama offers the world’s most generous retiree benefits.
Reclaim the Joy of Weekends in Costa RicaPosted on February 16, 2013 by Jason Holland
Here in our home on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, we’ve taken back the weekends. We sleep in a bit. A small breakfast of fresh fruit and rich Costa Rican coffee follows—just something to hold us over. We pack up and drive from our condo in Tamarindo north along the coast about a half-hour to Brasilito, a tiny fishing village.
Upcoming Events
-
Why Costa Rica?Event Date: Aug 05, 2013
Fast-Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
August 5-7, 2013 - San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa 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. With its slower pace of living , warm, welcoming climate, healthy, fresh foods and reputation as one of the ‘greenest, cleanest’ countries in the world with little pollution and lots of clean water and fresh air… it’s no wonder Costa Ricans are considered the “happiest people on the planet”. Join us in Costa Rica this August, and 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. This time next year—you could be living your dream life in Costa Rica. And the Fast-Track Costa Rica: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference is the best, most efficient way to make it happen.
Welcome to IL
More About Costa Rica
- Living 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
- Free Costa Rica Report
- Costa Rica Classified Ads
Free Report & E-letter
Retire Overseas Now
Sign up for our free daily Postcard e-letter and we'll immediately send you a FREE research report on the most desirable -- and cheapest -- retirement havens available to you today. Each day you'll learn about the best places to retire, travel, buy real estate and enjoy life overseas.
Events in Costa Rica
November 12-14, 2012
San Jose, Costa Rica
Find out more and register here.
