Many are asking this question especially with other countries in Latin American coming into the picture, the rising cost of living in Costa Rica and an increase in crime. Let me address these issues below and then talk about why Costa Rica is still the best choice.

First none of the other countries has as much to offer as Costa Rica. It is still proven product. I traveled all over Latin America before I moved here in search of a better place and couldn’t find it. Every country had something nice but as a whole Costa Rica was by far the best. As far as the increased cost of living here, you really get what you pay for: better health care, great weather, a better quality of life, a user friendly country for Americans, the only country south of the border with a resident’s association to help foreigners, a proven track record as a place to retire with more American residents per capita than any other country outside of the U.S., first-world medical care at a reduced price and so many more intangibles. Furthermore, costs are synonymous with development. The country has experienced a real come of age over the last 20 years and is also the most popular travel destination in Latin America. As for crime, sure it has increased as in most other places in the world. When compared with Mexico, the other countries in Latin America Costa Rica’s crime is much lower. There is NO crime-free society in the world. Costa Rica is a peaceful country with NO army. How many times do you here negative about Costa Rica in the U.S. News? Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba and other countries seem to be making the news in a negative way, but not Costa Rica.

What still makes Costa popular and Latin America’s top relocation haven? The year-round spring-like weather, the country’s unparalleled beauty and above all lifestyle. The country has been the subject of countless documentaries on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic channel and entertainment programs. However, lifestyle is the main draw. The following catchy phrases reflect the way of life here: The national motto Pura vida (Pure Life), solo bueno (only good things happen here) and Aquí se cura todo (Costa Rica cures everything). Once you have bitten by the lifestyle bug found here, you will become enamored with the country. As one person who took my retirement/relocation tour and eventually moved here stated , ”My days are so rewarding and filled with interesting activities that each day seems like a whole lifetime. You couldn’t drag me back to the States for all of the tea in China. What a country!”