| Retirees seeking second homes in warm climates with | | | | The Costa Rican government is not only receptive to |
| exotic views are taking a fresh look at Central | | | | international citizens retiring in their lush country, but has |
| America. Todays well-traveled generation of retirees, | | | | rolled out the welcome mat. They actively encourage |
| with their increased longevity and better health, are | | | | foreign investment in the country by allowing |
| looking to Central America for locales that offer value, | | | | non-residents to purchase Costa Rican property. |
| unspoiled natural beauty and good quality of life. | | | | Foreigners are entitled to the same ownership rights |
| With close proximity to the U.S., and convenient air | | | | as native citizens. In addition, there is no capital gains |
| travel, places like Costa Rica are a retirees dream. | | | | tax, and property taxes in Costa Rica are very low in |
| Bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and on | | | | comparison to the U.S. and European countries. |
| the North Pacific Ocean on the west, Costa Rica | | | | In recent years, improvements in Costa Ricas |
| (translation: Rich Coast) is about the size of West | | | | infrastructure have increased the countrys appeal to |
| Virginia and boasts 802 miles of coastline. It can be | | | | foreigners. New airports and better roads have |
| reached by air from most U.S. cities in three to seven | | | | enhanced accessibility. For retirees, improvements in |
| hours. | | | | medical care in Costa Rica, including state-of-the-art |
| Because of the affordable prices of real estate in | | | | hospitals that are often staffed by doctors trained in |
| Costa Rica, retirees find that their dollars can be | | | | America, make retiring abroad less intimidating. |
| stretched further to purchase bigger and more | | | | The relaxed pace of Costa Rica also appeals to the |
| luxurious properties. A second home in an exotic | | | | retirement generation. Lazy days on the beach and an |
| location, particularly one with great potential for | | | | afternoon of golf are just want many retirees seek. |
| appreciation, is a great way to diversify their | | | | With the advent of technology like the Internet and cell |
| investment portfolios away from the stock market and | | | | phones, retirees find it very easy to keep in touch with |
| into real estate. Another plus is the benefit of being | | | | people back home. Retiring in Costa Rica doesnt mean |
| able to pass the property on to their children. | | | | living a life of isolation. |
| Developers are meeting the demand for second | | | | Finally, because of the Internet, buying property in |
| homes in Costa Rica by creating resort-like | | | | Central America is easier than ever before, allowing |
| communities with fantastic amenities such as golf | | | | prospective investors to research properties and even |
| courses, beach clubs, infinity pools and marinas to | | | | handle real estate transactions without even leaving |
| meet the desires of retirees eager to enjoy their | | | | their home. |
| golden years. | | | | |