Costa Rica has been a popular destination for North American expats for decades. And this happy country recently was again named one of the best countries to retire.
Why is Costa Rica such a great place to live?
Stability & Safety
Located in between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America, and with two coastlines (Caribbean and Pacific), Costa Rica has had a stable democratic government for almost 70 years. Costa Rica also avoided most of the conflicts that plagued its Central American neighbors in the 1970s and 1980s.
The government comprises executive, legislative and judicial branches, and presidents are only elected for four years with no consecutive terms. The nation is declared to be multicultural and multiethnic, and is a member of the United Nations.
Costa Rica is far removed from any terrorist threats in the Middle East, Europe or the U.S., and the possibility that someone wants to bomb or start a war with the tiny Central American country is about zero.
High Quality of Life
With an official population of 4,757,606, Costa Rica has only a little more than half the people in New York City, and in a space 42 times greater. U.S. News & World Report ranked Costa Rica the No. 1 Best Country for Comfortable Retirement in 2016, and Costa Rica is consistently cited as one of the happiest nations on Earth.
There are more people over the age of 90 in Costa Rica than any other country in the world, which tells you something about their way of life and the nation’s well-developed health care system.
The economy is powered by tourism and exports of agricultural products like bananas, coffee, pineapple and sugar. A very highly educated workforce has made the country attractive for foreign investment.
Being a tropical country with great weather means you have an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables to eat. Costa Rica has shunned GMOs and most meat is free-range raised. And there are endless opportunities for fun exercise activities.
Environmental Focus
Costa Rica is proud of its international reputation for ecotourism, and protects roughly 25% of the country’s jungles, forests, coastlines and ocean in national parks and private reserves.
In 2015, Costa Rica sourced 100% of its electricity for 285 days from renewable energy. To top it off, the country has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2085.
Costa Rica’s own Christiana Figueres, the United Nations climate chief, helped broker the historic, 195-nation Paris Climate Accord of December 2015 to avert catastrophic climate change.
Friendly People
The local saying “pura vida!” ("pure life") – used for everything from greetings to “It’s all good” – pretty much sums up Costa Rica’s culture of friendly, happy people. There’s a reason why Costa Rica is always at the top of the Happy Planet Index.
Affordable
All things considered, from housing prices to utility rates, food & general living costs, Costa Rica is still a very affordable place to live compared to a lot of the U.S.
Before you relocate, be sure you know the five most important things to consider when deciding where to buy a home in Costa Rica.
Atenas, Costa Rica is a top place for international living and a popular vacation destination for its ideal location, halfway between the capital city of San José (near the San Jose/Juan Santamaría International Airport) and Pacific Coast beaches. Another major draw to the area includes Atenas’ comfortable climate.
To buy real estate in Atenas, Costa Rica, you’ll find a variety of home options and buildable properties to choose from to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs. Get the latest on average housing prices in Atenas, Costa Rica and what you get for your money, along with the Guide to Living in Atenas, Costa Rica from Pure Life Development of Atenas real estate agency.
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