Welcome to Costa Rica Books, a wealth of books and articles for anyone interested in live in Costa Rica, invest in Costa Rica or retire in Costa Rica and Central America. Costa Rica’s friendly three million people, or Ticos as they affectionately call themselves, invite you to come and experience their tranquil country, with its long and beautiful coastlines, alluring waters of the Caribbean and the Pacific, pristine beaches and some of the most picturesque surroundings you have ever laid your eyes on.
Confronted with the spiraling cost of living in the United States and Canada, people from all walks of life and all ages—including baby boomers and seniors—are searching for an affordable place to live or retire without sacrificing their current lifestyles. Costa Rica, one of Latin America's best-kept secrets, just might be the country many of these people are seeking.
Despite having one of the highest standards of living in Latin America, purchasing power is greater in Costa Rica than in the United States or Canada. The country is really a bargain compared to most places. In most areas housing costs less than what it does in the U. S. and hired help is a steal. Utilities—telephone service, electricity, and water— are cheaper than in North America. You never need to heat your home or apartment because of Costa Rica’s warm climate. You need not cook with gas, since most stoves are electric. These services cost about 30% of what they do at home. Bills for heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer can cost hundreds of dollars in the States.
A recent study by the Miami Herald rated Costa Rica the 27th safest country for investment of 140 countries surveyed. If you are not impressed by Costa Rica’s ranking, consider that the U.S. was ranked only 22nd! Another recent study found Costa Rica to be the least corrupt country in Latin America.
In addition, U.S. business magazine, Fortune ranked San José Latin America’s fifth best city to do business and placed it within the 25 best cities in the world. According to the report, Fortune considered the city’s ability to create opportunity for its residents, its business climate and how well it can satisfy the business needs of companies that invest there. San José ranked tops in the quality of its labor force, its business environment and the lifestyle it offers resident executives and investors.
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http://www.arenalvolcano.com Take a day trip to Arenal to see one of Costa Rica's greatest wonders and one of the few viewable active volcanoes on the planet. If you didn't have time to stay a few nights in Arenal during your vacation, this is MUST!
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There are hundreds of good reasons
living in costa rica retirement: why: a comfortable climate, beautiful scenery, endless opportunities, tax advantages and warm, pleasant people.
Fun Stuff. News. Seminars & Tours ... answering the most common questions about living in Costa Rica. If you're intrigued, you can learn more
Apart from providing an overview of Costa Rica, this article identifies some pros and cons of settling down in this country, thus favoring a realistic picture instead of a fantastic one. ... of hotel and tour options
Costa Rica is not the place to look for bargain-basement living. ... If you were living in Costa Rica right now, here's what you would be paying to put food ...
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posted by living in costa rica : 12:00 PM
living in costa ricaIf you can’t afford to buy a house in the U.S. or Canada, prices of decent homes in Costa Rica begin at around $50,000 with financing available for new homes if you become a resident. In 1999 we purchased a new $65,000 home in Heredia with 80% financing. Our payments are $452 monthly on a 15-year, 9.0% loan—$150 less than we used to pay for rent in Rohrmoser. The monthly payment includes a life insurance policy that pays off the loan in full in the event of death of the owner.
You don’t have to be a resident of Costa Rica to own property and you’re entitled to the same ownership rights as citizens of Costa Rica. Ownership of real estate in Costa Rica is fully guaranteed by the constitution to all including foreigners. This means your purchase here can be fully secured and safe.In Costa Rica you can build your retirement dream house, if you so desire, since land, labor and materials are inexpensive. However, think twice about undertaking such a project because you could be flirting with disaster.
Many foreigners who have built homes complain that it sounds easier than it really is. They would not do it again because of costly delays, unreliable labor, fussy building inspectors, different laws and building codes and many other unforeseen problems.
Be sure to talk with foreigners who have built homes to see what obstacles they encountered. Costs depend on location, materials and the size of the home you want to build. You generally pay between $300 to $600 a square meter or $30 to $60 a square foot.
