Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Author Archives: Properties in Costa Rica

A Pure Lifestyle Re-Discovered

Expat Family Spots

Editor’s Note: Todays post was written by Josh Linnes, an american expat living in Costa Rica. He writes for Viva Tropical and is the founder of property investment company Emerging Terrains. You can reach him on Google+. With its gorgeous beaches, tropical climate, and exotic wildlife, Costa Rica has been attracting expats searching for a little piece of paradise for years now. While it’s true that a significant portion of expats are childless couples and retirees, more and more expat families are moving down to see what life in Costa Rica is all about. So once the decision to pack up and move down to Costa Rica is made, where should expats look to find that perfect family community?

Top Mistakes Made by Foreigners Buying in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an amazing country with tons of biodiversity and natural attractions, friendly local people, safe for retirees and families, and real estate opportunities for any level investor. Many come to Costa Rica with romantic dreams and grandiose plans of how they will live the rest of their life in tropical paradise stress free on the beach or a mountain retreat. However, some common mistakes can lead to frustration and disillusionment of this idyllic dream and for some, result in returning to their country of origin. This blog will discuss some of those mistakes and how to avoid them in order to truly enjoy the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.

Why it’s Safe to Live and Travel in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been a favorite destination for tourists, retirees, and second home owners for many years. It is perfectly safe to travel and live here full time in this country. Of course you have to use caution in certain areas of the San Jose due to crime concerns and use common sense to avoid petty theft when travelling with cash, passports, and electronics throughout the country. In tourism areas there is always petty theft of thieves breaking into cars and taking wallets, cameras, and cell phones or snatching an unattended bag in a crowded public place. In the capital city of San Jose crime is of greater concern and many home owners have bars on their windows and live in gated communities with 24 hour security.

Costa Rica Local Workers and Their Benefits

Labor in Costa Rica is very affordable compared to the U.S., Canada, or Europe and many ex-pats employ a full or part time gardener and house cleaner. Since the jungle grows so fast around here, a gardener can keep the property and the landscaping maintained. Same for a finished home, having some help cleaning windows, sweeping, mopping, and more helps maintain its beauty. After all most people move to Costa Rica to relax, not do house and yard work.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

The cost of living in Costa Rica is a popular topic among those considering it as a retirement location or for those moving down with their family. Everyone wants to know how far their Dollar or Euro can stretch; which depends a lot on your life style. If you have an affluent lifestyle where you are from, you will also have that type of lifestyle here, just for a bit less. If you can live modestly using mostly local products, then you can save a lot. More importantly no matter what your spending habits are, the quality of life here is so much more than anything I experienced in the U.S. with beautiful natural scenery, pristine beaches, clean rivers and waterfalls, fresh fruits and vegetables, locally caught fish, and the “Pura Vida” laid back lifestyle. In this Blog I will attempt to portray some common expenses that the average retiree or person living in Costa Rica can expect.

The Two Seasons of Costa Rica

The weather in Costa Rica is warm and tropical all year round and depending on which part of the country to visit the climate can vary in temperature, annual rain fall, and humidity. The Guanacaste in the North can be really dry at times and gets winds every March; where as the Central Valley can be cool in the high elevation mountain areas around San Jose. No matter where you are though there are only two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. In this blog we will discuss the typical weather patterns of the Southern Zone and the Costa Ballena area.

Surfer’s Paradise in the Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the top Surfing destinations in the world. Thousands flock to its beautiful rich coast every year to take advantage of prime breaks. Playa Hermosa just South of the city of Jaco is a popular destination for many surfers. But did you know that the area from Dominical to Pavones boasts some of the best surf and untouched beaches in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica Academy Awards

Well, the votes have been cast and counted…and now the results are in! No, not for this year’s Academy Awards, but rather for the annual list of top retirement havens compiled each year by International Living. As usual, Costa Rica has found itself near the top of the list.