Retiring to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the new retirement community for American baby boomers. It is an island of beauty, easy living, and friends. It is becoming an important area of retirement, because your money will go further and take care of you better than our own country at the moment. The island offers great entertainment and good food of every kind and the money you have will go further. For those not ready to retire, jobs are easy to create in this growing community.

But what are the realities of living this ideal life? There are pros and cons to every lifestyle and if you are thinking of moving to Costa Rica you need the right information in order to consider the good, the bad, and the reality of island life.

Get a passport. This is a foreign country and you cannot enter or live there without one. Check into a visa for living and working in Costa Rica. Life will be a lot easier if you have all your paperwork in order before moving there. It is important so you do not have to waste time or more money regarding your living arrangements.

Don’t invest in a home on the island until you have lived there for six months. This will give you time to learn about the island and the different locations you can choose or may like. The island has many areas with rainy or dry seasons. Along the coast it is hot and humid, which makes it perfect for swimming and other water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Depending on your taste, you will need to consider what you are willing to contend with for your needs, health, and entertainment.

If you are a baby boomer relocating and want to run a part time or full time business, you need to learn where your best traffic areas are going to be located. You can choose a larger town like San Jose or one of the many smaller settlements on the island. There are a large number of wonderful places to choose from when you are ready to settle in for a new life on the island.

Phone lines, computer connections and satellite connections are not always available in outer locations and for this reason you need to ask about services before you buy. If you are going to need internet connection to run your business then be sure to check the location you like carefully, including the exact home or location you plan to build.

Before you move, learn to speak Spanish. Locals are much more likely to provide you with a local price for your purchases and not the higher cost they charge tourist. Many residents are learning if you do not speak Spanish you may be paying a higher price for purchases and services.

When you are ready to buy or build your home, find an attorney and get as much legal advise and information as you can. You want to have all paperwork in order and be sure you are buying a home from someone that has the right to sale it!

You have a choice regarding homes in American gated communities if you would feel more comfortable. It is more expensive, but your rights are protected and your home purchase is assured to be correct and legal.

If you are going to build your own home, go through your attorney to find a good developer. Your attorney will make sure all the paperwork and licenses are up to date and the building of your home or business is done properly with all the safety standards you require.

Your attorney can also provide information regarding phone hook up service and electricity to your property. If it is not available you will know before you purchase the home or property. Use your attorney to help you negotiate the best price for all your building and buying cost.

Check the infrastructure of the location you have chosen to live. Find out what medical and emergency services are available to you in case of an accident or illness. Many places in Costa Rica are still developing and may not have access to ready services. Learn what you need to do if you require emergency help.

Costa Rica is a place of extreme beauty and opportunities, but with it come heat, rain, bugs, snakes, and crocodiles so prepare yourself to live within it’s wild landscape. You will love your new lifestyle as long as you are prepared to accept this land as it is.