Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Monthly Archives: March 2014


The Day of Happiness

March 20, 2014

Properties in Costa Rica

Today, March 20th,has been designated the United Nations International Day of Happiness. According to the founder of Action for Happiness, “Happiness means feeling good about our lives and wanting to go on feeling that way.  Unhappiness means feeling bad and wanting things to change.”

Costa Rica has been ranked the happiest country on earth for several years in a row. What better day than today to explore what makes Costa Ricans so happy and what factors in general have the ability to make people happier.

Costa Rica is a country with beautiful ocean vistas and incredible biodiversity.  It has been an ecological pioneer, aiming to create a small ecological footprint.  Costa Rican’s have the joy of exploring gorgeous beaches on both sides of the country, and possess the ability to step outside their door to gaze upon beautiful mountain vistas.  Their emphasis on preserving this natural beauty has also boosted its economy, creating more jobs and opportunities.  And with no standing army, more money has been redirected to education (Costa Rica has a 96% literacy rate, the highest of any Latin American country).  Costa Ricans also find joy in the company of friends and family, placing a strong emphasis on loved ones over social capital and financial gains. Perhaps it’s these factors that contribute to Costa Rica’s unofficial slogan, Pura Vida, pure life.

We all want to live happy, fulfilling lives and want the same for our loved ones.  Many different factors can influence happiness:  genes and upbringing, external circumstances, but we can also influence our own happiness by our own choices, personal values and our sense of purpose.   Some people think that success is the key to happiness.  But recent psychological studies show that this is not the case.  Instead, its said that happiness fuels success, rather than the other way around.  When we are positive we become motivated, creative and productive.

One form of the success many people seek is financial. The idea that money can’t buy happiness has been around a long time, but that’s not to say there is no connection between income and happiness.  People with a comfortable living standard are happier than people living in poverty. “Comfortable standard” varies across countries. However, once we reach that standard, anything beyond that does not bring additional happiness.  Buying more things for ourselves- fancy cars or designer clothing, are not effective in turning money into happiness.   Instead, studies show that if you spend on yourself, you should buy experiences, not things.  An evening out with friends, a family trip to the beach will apparently make you happier in the long run than a new designer watch.   Also, the study shows, we should focus on buying for others.  This means indulging less in ourselves and giving others the opportunity to indulge.

Below we have outlined the Action for Happiness 10 keys to happier living. While in Costa Rica we are the happiest people in the world there is always room for growth and ways to make our lives and the lives of others a little sweeter.

Action for Happiness 10 keys to happier living

  • Do things for others
  • Connect with people
  • Take care of your body
  • Notice the world around you
  • Keep learning new things
  • Have goals to look forward to
  • Find ways to bounce back
  • Take a positive approach
  • Be comfortable with who you are
  • Be part of something bigger
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A New International Airport in Quepos, Costa Rica?

March 12, 2014

Properties in Costa Rica

by Rod Martin

For nearly a decade, there has been a lot of speculation about the new airport in the southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica.  The location (Palmar, Sierpe, somewhere closer to the Panama border) of the airport has changed a few times.  The optimistic timeline for “now open” status has been delayed over and over.  The fact is… nobody knows when it’s going to open or where.

This last point has been highlighted after the recent article in Costa Rica’s #1 newspaper, La Nacion, “Comienza Ampliación de Aeropuerto de Quepos” (Expansion of the Quepos Airport To Begin”).

The Civil Aviation Technical Council (CTAC) has begun the process of enlarging the Managua Regional Airport.  According to the director of Civil Aviation, Álvaro Vargas, the expansion will enable the terminal to receive larger national and international aircraft.

The “international aircraft” point is potentially big news for the area.  The Quepos airport currently receives around 15 regional flights and approximately 240 passengers per day.  Improvements will include extending the runway, construction of a terminal for passengers, a fire station, a hangar for aircraft maintenance, and additional parking among other minor changes.

Álvaro Vargas went on to say that the initial work on the runway expansion will be completed in 2015, and “the approximate cost of the purchase of land to extend the runway and make new improvements is $5 million.”

What does it mean for Quepos and the Southern Pacific Zone?

The economic impact will be felt by Quepos sectors like—hotels, restaurants, car rental, tour companies, and real estate—immediately.  More visitors will likely mean a boost to an already strong Manuel Antonio real estate market, which includes the Pez Vela Marina and luxury homes like this, Beachfront Indonesian Estate and exceptional larger parcels, like this Protected Eco-Reserve in Parrita.

The effect on the Costa Ballena, roughly the coastal area between Dominical and Ojochal, will be substantial, as well.  Now that the Coastal Highway is complete, the trip from Quepos to Dominical is a quick 30 minutes.  The Costa Ballena is highlighted by gorgeous beaches and waterfalls, majestic mountains, and ocean view property.

At the time of this article’s release, there has been no word on how the proposed international airport in the Palmar/Sierpe area will be affected.  News of the expansion of the Quepos Airport could delay, or possible spur on, the construction of this new international airport.

Either way, news of the Quepos airport expanding to eventually accept international flights has the southern zone buzzing.

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