I came to the realization that it appears that the majority of us seem to focus on the negatives about Costa Rica living and not spend as much time on the positives. So I decided to create a post about the good qualities so that anyone considering a move to CR has a balanced perspective. And yes, there are many great things about living in CR. Otherwise there wouldn't be as many expats here as there are. Wikipedia estimates the expat population in CR to be about 70,000, so there must be a lot of great things as well.
First example: As I write this I am sitting at my desk with a view of the Gulf of Nicoya, the Pacific Ocean in the distance and tree covered mountains in the foreground. There are no visible houses seen from my property. All the doors and windows in the house are open as they are 99% of the time - year round. It's 30c (86F) degrees, will drop to about 19c (65F) degrees tonight. These are pretty much the year round temperatures for the area that I live in. This morning there was a troop of Capuchin monkeys in the trees that surround my house, 10m from the windows. They visit often to steal my bananas. (I have several hundred banana trees). My daughter has free-flying Macaws surrounding the house daily. She has about 30 rescued parrots on the property.
You are allowed to build your own home here which I did. (Following the plans and in accordance with building codes of course.) I bought several acres of land and built a 600 m2 (2,000 sq. ft.) two story house, 60% windows, for less than $100,000.00, total. (That's the cost it will be if I ever finish it. It's 90% complete. 🤓) The annual property taxes are about $250 per year. Where in North America or any other safe country could you have all of this for that cost?
Next, Costa Ricans: The majority of Ticos are extremely happy people and more than willing to lend a hand when needed. They are simple in their lives and appreciate family first. Even the wealthy Ticos that I've befriended do not have that need to show it. They remain very down to earth compared to many North Americans. They don't have the bravado that many Gringos bring with them when the move here. If you are someone of an opulent nature, and feel the need to show it, you may find Ticos more standoffish. You will also set yourself up for criminal types.
You really have to live here for a while to experience the life to find what you might see as good or bad. It's a different experience for everyone. It is such a different life than what we are accustom to in North American/Europe. It has to be experienced to truly understand.
So, for the other CR expats, what do you find to be the finer qualities of Costa Rica living? What keeps you here?
- Expat Dave