When I came to Costa Rica on vacation almost 8 years ago I was looking for something different. I was burned out with my “Corporate America” lifestyle and knew I wanted a change. I had lived in Hawaii and at the time of my move, Texas. I did not speak the language, I was a fast food junkie, (which was non existent at the beach) and the rainy season was enough to send me over the edge!

I use to say when I would walk the streets of Tamarindo and I had mud up to my knees (this of course was before the road was paved) if my friends could see me now, they would never believe it! I was accustomed to suits, high heels and a Taco Bell on every corner. But I stuck it out and I am grateful everyday to the powers that be, for giving me the courage, strength and motivation that has changed my life and made this beautiful and amazing country, Costa Rica, my home.

For those of you who are considering making Costa Rica your home, I have enclosed some information that you may find interesting.

Costa Rica is a geographic wonderland full of rich tropical forests, black & white sandy beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and nature more abundant than anywhere else on the planet and is contained within a relatively small space roughly the size of West Virginia.

Although it only spans 19,700 square miles, Costa Rica holds 6% of the world’s biodiversity. There are 10,000 varieties of plants, 1,200 of them orchids. There are 1,240 species of butterflies and 845 species of birds. Among the animal life, 205 classifications of mammals inhabit Costa Rica, as do 160 kinds of amphibians, 218 types of reptiles and 1,013 varieties of fresh and salt water fish.

Cost of living is an important issue to prospective residents. It is less than the US but not dramatically less. Housekeeping and gardening help are very affordable and the quality of life can be very good for those who have a $1,000 to $1,500 monthly income.

The climate you want is probably in Costa Rica, you just have to find out where it is! The tiny country boasts as many micro-climates as could be found in any country in the world. Like it cool, very cool? Try high up in the mountains above the Central Valley. Hot and dry on the beach? Try the Guanacaste Gold Coast beaches. Want to live in the rain forest? Like remote? Go to the Osa peninsula or check out the Caribbean Coast.

Your out-of-country income is not taxed by Costa Rica, and if you are employed in CostaRica, income taxes are very low. Basic property taxes are six-tenths of one percent of theProperty’s stated value, very low by North American standards.

Employment opportunities are limited for non residents, especially outside of the city. Health care in San Jose is very good (including optical and dental) and very inexpensive by North American standards.

The social environment in general is very good, Ticos are renowned for their friendliness but most foreigners find that it is good to settle in a community that has some other foreign residents. Petty crime and burglary are alive and well in Costa Rica, violent crime, almost non-existent, especially outside of San Jose. Cultural activities are widely available in the San Jose and Metro area. For those who live outside of San Jose, climb in your car, hop on a bus, or catch SANSA or Nature Air into the big city for a couple of days.

The diverse natural setting means Costa Rica offers an unlimited range of recreation activities for its visitors. World-class sport fishing, Certified SCUBA instruction and dives, sailing cruises, snorkeling, white-water rafting, sea kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching and golfing are daily activities or simply lounging around on one of our beautiful beaches. If your hobby is gardening, you will find paradise.