Why Choose Costa Rica?

If you are considering moving to Costa Rica or purchasing real estate here, you already have some idea of what attracts so many people to this beautiful, peaceful country. A high quality of life and financial incentives are just part of what draws so much international attention to Costa Rica.

 

Top 10 Reasons People Come to Costa Rica

 

1.)   The natural beauty of the country

 

The lure of Costa Rica's beaches, rainforests, mountains and valleys attract people from all over the world. One visit to Costa Rica and people simply get hooked. The long and beautiful coastlines, white sandy beaches and beautiful waters of the Caribbean and Pacific are unmatched. Rolling hills, mountains and active volcanoes can be found in the Central Valley. The verdant green rainforests of Costa Rica's national parks offer jungle trails, a wide variety of wildlife and cascading waterfalls.  

 

2.)   The friendliness of the people

 

Costa Rica is a very welcoming place. Foreigners are accepted into the communities here and can immerse themselves into the local culture with just a little Spanish and a lot of mutual respect. When you meet Americans, Canadians or Europeans living here, be sure and ask them to share their favorite story about the kindness of their neighbors and you will learn a lot about the generosity of Costa Ricans.

1.)   The ability to own a business, invest and buy property

Costa Rica has many ways to allow foreigners to make investments and purchase real estate. See the article "Loans and Banking" to learn more. Owning or starting a business is quite common and surprisingly uncomplicated and even someone traveling on a tourist visa can create their own corporation. See the article "Costa Rica Business" for more information. 

 

2.)   The laid back lifestyle

The pace of life is much slower here and most people are grateful to put the pressure, stress and complications of life in their home country behind them. Things such as having the latest cars, clothes, houses and jewelry are just not important here. You will have the chance to be your true self and relax and enjoy your new life.

 

1.)   Ability to obtain residency

There are several routes to achieving legal resident status in Costa Rica. Unlike many other countries, Costa Rica welcomes foreign investors and potential residents. While the process may seem complicated at first, it is very doable and thousands of foreigners have achieved the right to live, work and buy property here. To learn more about these options, see the article  "Residency in Costa Rica".

 

6.) The climate

Say goodbye to ice and snow! The central valley of Costa Rica features spring-like temperatures in the day, hovering around 72° year round. Cool nights and warm days are typical. You will find higher temperatures as you get closer to the coasts. Temperatures at beach communities will fluctuate between the high 80's and low 90's. Costa Rica's summer occurs from late December to April. The green, or winter season runs from May to mid December. Temperatures are decidedly cooler during this period and of course spectacular rainstorms are common, usually in the late afternoons and evenings.

 

7.)   Peaceful Political Scene

Costa Rica is a freedom-loving democratic country. Their standing army was abolished in 1948 and the country remains a haven from the unrest of some of its Central American neighbors.

 

8) Lower cost of living

Affordable housing and real estate are available all over Costa Rica.  Goods and services, utilities and transportation costs are considerably lower than what you'd pay in the U.S.  It is still possible to purchase ocean view property near the most beautiful beaches in the world for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere.

 

9.)   Lower taxation

There are many tax advantages to living in Costa Rica. For example, there are no capital gains taxes on real estate investments and high interest-bearing bank accounts are tax free also. Property taxes and business taxes are also very reasonable and foreigners do not have to pay taxes on income generated abroad.

 

 

10.) Ability to own property

You do not have to be a resident of Costa Rica to purchase real estate. Costa Rica offers "fee simple" ownership, which provides the same conditions of ownership for foreigners as for Costa Ricans. The concept is the same as in the U.S. Basically, fee simple ownership gives the owner absolute right to: use it, sell it, own it, lease it, improve it, subject the conditions of Costa Rican laws. It also gives the owner recourse in the event that they are obstructed from enjoying any of these property rights. With fee simple title, buyers have the most rights to enjoy and use the property as they wish.

Author Kevin C. Myers is the Broker of Catalina Cove Real Estate, located in Flamingo-Brasilito and is part of the Grupo Do It management team, developers of Catalina Cove. He is the best-selling author of the real estate investment book, Buy It, Fix It, Sell It: Profit! published by Dearborn Financial (Chicago) available in bookstores everywhere. For more information, visit the following website: http://www.realestate-profits.com