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| Created by Gemini |
Previous Posts
Part 1 Here - Why Not Canada?
Part 2 Here - Our Thought & Planning Process
Our Thought Process When Considering the Pros and Cons of Retiring in Costa Rica
As we continued our research into potential retirement destinations, Costa Rica initially topped our list for numerous compelling reasons:
- High rankings in International Living magazine
- A pleasant climate in the highlands
- Quality healthcare services
- Affordable and attractive housing options
- Simplified visa processes
- Proximity to Canada, with the same time zone
- A thriving expat community
- Rich biodiversity and countless opportunities for exploration
- Availability of acreage for purchase
- A relatively low cost of living
Where in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica captured our imagination, and our research quickly focused on the highlands west of San José, particularly the areas between Atenas, San Ramón, and Alajuela. We also explored the Lake Arenal region, which initially seemed promising but was eventually ruled out due to its high humidity and heat.
The San Isidro area along the southwest coast of Costa Rica also piqued our interest. However, its remoteness and the considerable distance from San José and the international airport made it less practical for our needs.
As we shared our retirement dreams with a friend who had lived in Costa Rica, they introduced us to a retiree living there. Our conversation with her offered valuable insights and forced us to reevaluate our plans.
Additionally, we began to notice rising home prices and an increasing cost of living as more retirees flocked to Costa Rica. While having a supportive expat community was important to us, the growing influx of retirees was driving up expenses, making the dream less feasible. Friends who have travelled there recently corroborated these observations, noting how expensive it has become to navigate the country.
Why Did We Cross Costa Rica Off Our Retirement List
Ultimately, Costa Rica was crossed off our list for the following reasons:
- The influx of expats driving up housing prices and the overall cost of living.
- Feedback from the retiree about the climate, particularly the persistent humidity in the highlands despite being described as “spring-like year-round.”
While Costa Rica had many appealing qualities, these factors led us to shift our focus to other potential retirement destinations.
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