| Costa Rica, one of the most picturesque locations in all | | | | Even those people seeking a less humid, cooler climate |
| of the world, is now gaining a reputation as not only | | | | have the choice of living in San Jose and in the Central |
| the ideal vacation spot, but also the perfect place to | | | | Valley area where year round temperatures average |
| retire as more and more people are discovering | | | | in the 80s during the days and a balmy 70s or 60s in |
| what's long been known as the "Jewel of Central | | | | the evenings. Heating and air conditioning are usually |
| America." | | | | both unnecessary and many homes are not even |
| In addition to its close proximity to the United States, it | | | | equipped with furnaces. |
| is home to a warm climate and offers plenty of natural | | | | The population of roughly four million residents enjoy a |
| beauty, not to mention the ability to enjoy a high | | | | slower paced lifestyle, along with excellent health |
| standard of living at a relatively low cost. | | | | insurance, a rather alluring benefit for those about to |
| Costa Rica's low cost of living is a fraction of the price | | | | retire soon. Ranked by the United Nations as having |
| it is in other countries, the U.S. in particular. For example, | | | | the best health care services in Latin America and |
| household items and utilities are as much as 70% | | | | amongst the top 20 throughout the world, Costa Rica |
| lower and although the cost of housing has risen | | | | offers health insurance through its government that |
| steadily in recent years in Costa Rica, in comparison, | | | | covers 80% of medical costs. |
| real estate is still far more reasonable than it is in the | | | | This relatively small land, roughly 32,000 square miles, |
| States. | | | | also boasts one of the highest literacy rates of any |
| A small, basic home might average $60,000 to $70,000 | | | | country, an impressive 95%, along with one of the |
| while at the other end of the spectrum, there are also | | | | longest life expectancy rates, an average of 77 years. |
| multimillion dollar estates and luxurious mansions to be | | | | Ticos, or the native people of Costa Rica are also |
| had. | | | | known for their friendly, helping nature and the country |
| Yet another attractive benefit in terms of finances for | | | | continues to enjoy a low violent crime rate. |
| those retiring in Costa Rica from the United States are | | | | Besides all of the gorgeous scenery, there's plenty to |
| no income taxes on social security benefits as well as | | | | do in with its collection of national parks and beaches |
| no taxes on capital gains. | | | | along with a variety of cultural events to experience. |
| Thanks to the constitution and laws of Costa Rica, | | | | If you have ever dreamed of living in a picturesque, |
| foreign nationals enjoy the same rights as the | | | | tranquil place far away from the hustle and bustle of |
| country's citizens. This, coupled with the stable, | | | | everyday life, retiring to Costa Rica and discovering its |
| democratic government in place since the late 1940s, | | | | many hidden treasures may be worth seriously |
| gives retirees the opportunity to have peace of mind | | | | considering. |
| while living in a tropical like environment. | | | | |