CMPK asked:
There are 12 of us, 6 adults and 6 kids ages 9 to 17. We are going to see Arenal and the Pacific Coast. We will be there the last week of July/First week of August. What is the weather really like? Where should we stay at Arenal? Are there luxury places on the beach? Do we really need to take malaria pills?
There are 12 of us, 6 adults and 6 kids ages 9 to 17. We are going to see Arenal and the Pacific Coast. We will be there the last week of July/First week of August. What is the weather really like? Where should we stay at Arenal? Are there luxury places on the beach? Do we really need to take malaria pills?
Posted in: Costa Rica Vacations by admin
Sacha Tarkovsky asked:
If you have a sense of adventure and want to run a business with low costs, bigger profits, less taxation (with government encouragement!) and enjoy sun, sea, sand, surf and rainforest – then you should consider a small business in Costa Rica.
There are several ways to take advantage of this opportunity, with a service industry to the growing US population, or one that simply takes advantage of lower costs and taxation.
Let’s look at the opportunities open to you.
More For Your Money
With this small business opportunity you can reduce costs straight away by swapping your current real estate for real estate in Costa Rica, which costs up to 70% less than real state in the southern US states.
You can then cut the cost of utility bills and daily living expenses by 70 - 80%. ( a three bedroom house can be purchased for just $60,000 ) and consider this you can live comfortably on around $2,000 a month.
What type of business?
With a growing foreign population, obvious opportunities are open in service, leisure and entertainment and the population you will be servicing has cash to spend.
A Trained workforce
You can of course, with Costa Rica’s excellent communications and trained work force (Costa invests 6.5 percent of its GDP to an educational system, which includes over 50 universities. English is taught in the schools as a second language. ) run any type of business at dramatically reduced costs. Real estate is cheap and so tp are office rentals.
The opportunities in running a small business in Costa Rica are endless and you can deal in the country or export your services offshore.
Large companies such as Microsoft, Intel and Proctor and Gamble have re located to Costa Rica and other small businesses are moving in to service them and their employees.
Tax Incentives
As an incentive to investment, the Costa Rican government provides foreign companies with several tax incentives.
For service companies (i.e software development, computer services, customer care call centers and back office/shared service centers) the incentives include a 100 percent income tax exemption for the first 8 years of doing business in the country and an additional four years at a 50 percent rate.
Legal restrictions
The country is friendly in terms of labor regulations and there are no restrictions on foreign corporations owning property (and consider this property has risen on average by 300% in the last 10 years) so you can make money on real estate to increase your asset values.
A growing economy
Whenever you have a growing economy with an influx of new residents with a different culture there will be significant opportunities for profit.
Get in early, get established and you will find that you can get a lead over any competition.
Costa Rica is just three hours from the US and while many come to get more for their money, enjoy the beautiful scenery – they still want the comforts of home.
As the numbers increase ( 1,000,000 Americans are expected to be living in Costa Rica by 1,010 ) and you have an opportunity to service them.
From restaurants, to water sports to computer service companies – the same opportunities that exist back home are available in Costa Rica but you can get a head start:
Cheap real estate, office space, low costs, lower taxation and the chance to be in a less competive market place and last but not least – you can enjoy a lifestyle of sun, sand sea, volcanoes, rainforest, great entertainment and nightlife and much more.
For the adventurous small business owner, Costa Rica offers a fantastic opportunity and a different lifestyle but one that many will find rewarding, from both a personal and profit point of view.
Setting up your new business is easy
Foreign businesses are encouraged by the government, getting residency and getting a corporation off the ground is straightforward.
If you have a sense of adventure then you should consider the advantages a small business in Costa Rica has to offer.
If you have a sense of adventure and want to run a business with low costs, bigger profits, less taxation (with government encouragement!) and enjoy sun, sea, sand, surf and rainforest – then you should consider a small business in Costa Rica.
There are several ways to take advantage of this opportunity, with a service industry to the growing US population, or one that simply takes advantage of lower costs and taxation.
Let’s look at the opportunities open to you.
More For Your Money
With this small business opportunity you can reduce costs straight away by swapping your current real estate for real estate in Costa Rica, which costs up to 70% less than real state in the southern US states.
You can then cut the cost of utility bills and daily living expenses by 70 - 80%. ( a three bedroom house can be purchased for just $60,000 ) and consider this you can live comfortably on around $2,000 a month.
What type of business?
With a growing foreign population, obvious opportunities are open in service, leisure and entertainment and the population you will be servicing has cash to spend.
A Trained workforce
You can of course, with Costa Rica’s excellent communications and trained work force (Costa invests 6.5 percent of its GDP to an educational system, which includes over 50 universities. English is taught in the schools as a second language. ) run any type of business at dramatically reduced costs. Real estate is cheap and so tp are office rentals.
The opportunities in running a small business in Costa Rica are endless and you can deal in the country or export your services offshore.
Large companies such as Microsoft, Intel and Proctor and Gamble have re located to Costa Rica and other small businesses are moving in to service them and their employees.
Tax Incentives
As an incentive to investment, the Costa Rican government provides foreign companies with several tax incentives.
For service companies (i.e software development, computer services, customer care call centers and back office/shared service centers) the incentives include a 100 percent income tax exemption for the first 8 years of doing business in the country and an additional four years at a 50 percent rate.
Legal restrictions
The country is friendly in terms of labor regulations and there are no restrictions on foreign corporations owning property (and consider this property has risen on average by 300% in the last 10 years) so you can make money on real estate to increase your asset values.
A growing economy
Whenever you have a growing economy with an influx of new residents with a different culture there will be significant opportunities for profit.
Get in early, get established and you will find that you can get a lead over any competition.
Costa Rica is just three hours from the US and while many come to get more for their money, enjoy the beautiful scenery – they still want the comforts of home.
As the numbers increase ( 1,000,000 Americans are expected to be living in Costa Rica by 1,010 ) and you have an opportunity to service them.
From restaurants, to water sports to computer service companies – the same opportunities that exist back home are available in Costa Rica but you can get a head start:
Cheap real estate, office space, low costs, lower taxation and the chance to be in a less competive market place and last but not least – you can enjoy a lifestyle of sun, sand sea, volcanoes, rainforest, great entertainment and nightlife and much more.
For the adventurous small business owner, Costa Rica offers a fantastic opportunity and a different lifestyle but one that many will find rewarding, from both a personal and profit point of view.
Setting up your new business is easy
Foreign businesses are encouraged by the government, getting residency and getting a corporation off the ground is straightforward.
If you have a sense of adventure then you should consider the advantages a small business in Costa Rica has to offer.
Posted in: Costa Rican Real Estate by admin
Sean In Costa Rica asked:
It’s no secret that the housing market in most of the US is cooling down. Where is the next big real estate market growth going to be? I think it is going to be Costa Rica. Here’s why I think Costa Rican beach front property is going to see amazing growth in the next few years. The baby boomer’s are going to retire soon and I suspect that many of them have long considered to retire in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the nicest countries in Central America. It more politically stable than it’s neighbors and has more lush tropical paradise like environment. You may have considered purchasing property in Costa Rica. The beach front property in Costa Rica is a tropical like paradise. Costa Rica beaches are one of the most beautiful in the world.
Have you thought about making the giant leap and purchasing beach front property as a second home or an investment? During the past 5 years real estate has been increasing at a remarkable 18 - 30 % per year. How do you invest in Costa Rica beach front properties? Read on, and I’ll share my thoughts on the guidelines to buying beach front property anywhere else in Costa Rica.
Here’s one current example of one the best deals for beach front property that is 38 (plus acres) that could be developed as urbanization or your own personal estate. http://www.Beach-Front-Property-Costa-Rica.com
There are only two ways to go about buying beach front property in Costa Rica? The wrong way, and my way. Based on my experience of living here in Costa Rica for the last 15 years. Here’s my thoughts:
- Make sure the area your looking at is a place you would like to vacation at. If you plan on making a large purchase then spend a few days in the area to see if it is the right place for you. You will get a more in depth idea if you spend more time there. You don’t want to in your “tropical dream paradise” regretting that you’ve done it.
-Find a competent lawyer to represent your investment. Do not use the lawyer who is associated with the buyer. Always find your own lawyer to manage your purchase. It’s important to find one that has considerable knowledge of maritime zone law.
-Costa Rican maritime law is different in every Central American country and you need to know all of the details before purchasing beach front property in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, the maritime zone is 200 meters from the average median high-low tide all year long. The first 50m is public property and the 150 meters from that line is restricted. The 150 meters stretch can not have an “original title”, but can be leased by a concession by the local municipality.
- Once your sure of purchasing your property act quickly (but prudently). Since property in Costa Rica is in high demand a good deal won’t last long. Land prices are on the rise, and not showing signs of slowing down any time soon. Once your sure, act. The current owner may have second thoughts and want to renegotiate or may not want to sell.
- Negotiate directly with the owner. There are many middle men that light be charging you too much. If an agent says you can’t speak with the owner then do not waste your time or money.
- Get a topographer to do a recent survey the land. The owner will have a “plano catestrado”, but you will need to make your own survey to verify the location and size of your property. You want to make sure your getting what you paid for.
The best of luck in your search for your beach front property in Costa Rica!
It’s no secret that the housing market in most of the US is cooling down. Where is the next big real estate market growth going to be? I think it is going to be Costa Rica. Here’s why I think Costa Rican beach front property is going to see amazing growth in the next few years. The baby boomer’s are going to retire soon and I suspect that many of them have long considered to retire in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the nicest countries in Central America. It more politically stable than it’s neighbors and has more lush tropical paradise like environment. You may have considered purchasing property in Costa Rica. The beach front property in Costa Rica is a tropical like paradise. Costa Rica beaches are one of the most beautiful in the world.
Have you thought about making the giant leap and purchasing beach front property as a second home or an investment? During the past 5 years real estate has been increasing at a remarkable 18 - 30 % per year. How do you invest in Costa Rica beach front properties? Read on, and I’ll share my thoughts on the guidelines to buying beach front property anywhere else in Costa Rica.
Here’s one current example of one the best deals for beach front property that is 38 (plus acres) that could be developed as urbanization or your own personal estate. http://www.Beach-Front-Property-Costa-Rica.com
There are only two ways to go about buying beach front property in Costa Rica? The wrong way, and my way. Based on my experience of living here in Costa Rica for the last 15 years. Here’s my thoughts:
- Make sure the area your looking at is a place you would like to vacation at. If you plan on making a large purchase then spend a few days in the area to see if it is the right place for you. You will get a more in depth idea if you spend more time there. You don’t want to in your “tropical dream paradise” regretting that you’ve done it.
-Find a competent lawyer to represent your investment. Do not use the lawyer who is associated with the buyer. Always find your own lawyer to manage your purchase. It’s important to find one that has considerable knowledge of maritime zone law.
-Costa Rican maritime law is different in every Central American country and you need to know all of the details before purchasing beach front property in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, the maritime zone is 200 meters from the average median high-low tide all year long. The first 50m is public property and the 150 meters from that line is restricted. The 150 meters stretch can not have an “original title”, but can be leased by a concession by the local municipality.
- Once your sure of purchasing your property act quickly (but prudently). Since property in Costa Rica is in high demand a good deal won’t last long. Land prices are on the rise, and not showing signs of slowing down any time soon. Once your sure, act. The current owner may have second thoughts and want to renegotiate or may not want to sell.
- Negotiate directly with the owner. There are many middle men that light be charging you too much. If an agent says you can’t speak with the owner then do not waste your time or money.
- Get a topographer to do a recent survey the land. The owner will have a “plano catestrado”, but you will need to make your own survey to verify the location and size of your property. You want to make sure your getting what you paid for.
The best of luck in your search for your beach front property in Costa Rica!
Posted in: Costa Rican Real Estate by admin
Jennifer Cross asked:
Are you starting to plan your retirement and worrying about how the state of the economy will effect your life style after you turn 65?Are you watching your friends make plans to cash in their paper assets, move to a smaller home, and cut down on spending? This is what many people are doing in the face of a recession in the United States right now. But you imagined having a little money to travel, visit Paris maybe, or go on a cruise. Is all of that just a fantasy now?
Well some people have discovered out how to make the dream a reality and retire in style by living and investing in the heavenly paradise of Costa Rica! It all begins with the real estate market. Those who know say the real estate market in Costa Rica is one of the most stable in the world, and prices are easily comparable to US property or lower. You could easily find a beautiful beach house for $300,000 overlooking the ocean. Or buy a piece of land near the beach for $100,000 and build your dream home. Imagine spend your days walking on the beach, a drink on the terrace, watching the sunset, and socializing with new friends who share your enthusiasm for a good retirement!
You may think it sounds crazy, that people only go to Costa Rica on vacation, but that’s no longer true. More and more foreigners are retiring in Costa Rica, especially Americans but also Europeans and other foreigners. And they are all doing it the same way: investing in property which will only go up in value for years to come, while living their retirement in the sunshine. But how? you ask. The following are just a few examples of the things that make it so easy to live the dream and retire in Costa Rica:
ONLY 2 HOURS AWAY
Costa Rica is only 2 hours away from Florida and all the comforts of home. Take a log weekend in Miami and do some shopping, or grab a connector flight to visit your family, and have them come visit often! And be careful who you invite to come visit you, it is so easy to get to Costa Rica that they will certainly come!
ESPANGLISH
Maybe not everyone speaks English, but no matter where you are, there is probably someone around who will be able to translate. A large majority of the population can speak at least some English, and most of the private schools are English Immersion, so from a young age many of these kids are bilingual. And hey, why not take some Spanish lessons yourself? Stretch your brain a little and make some friends while you are at it.
COST OF LIVING
The cost of living is comparable to the US if not slightly lower. There are some items which are shockingly inexpensive, while others are what you are used to at home. Groceries, restaurants and shopping tend to be about what as you are used to, however workers such as a live in maid or gardener are much less expensive than in the US. During retirement, it can often be a great blessing to have people around to help you with the daily chores.
HEALTH CARE
Health Care in Costa Rica is known for its quality and inexpensive price tag. Many of the doctors are trained in the US or Europe, and hospitals are very modern with all the latest equipment and technologies. Not to gossip but Costa Rica is known for its movie star plastic surgery!
MEDICARE
Both the Costa Rican government and Medicare and are making it extremely easy for ex-patriots to receive their Medicare cheques in Costa Rica through a network of banks in now offering direct deposit to your Costa Rican bank account.
VISAS & LEGAL ISSUES
Do I need a visa, or how does it work? If you are 45 years or older you can apply to be part of a retirement program set up by the Costa Rican government to encourage foreigners to come to Costa Rica. Benefits include tax exemptions and incentives, but the greatest thing is that you don’t have to pay tax on your retirement income in Costa Rica!
CAN I OWN PROPETY IN COSTA RICA?
In Costa Rica foreigners are in no way penalized when purchasing property. Foreigners have the same rights as a Costa Rican and the law will treat them as an equal. You can also incorporate your own company and purchase the property through your company for additional tax breaks.
OF COURSE THE BEAUTY …
The words Cost Rica actually mean Rich Coast, a name Christopher Columbus bestowed on this country overflowing with natural beauty, lush rainforests, mountains, cloud forests, and sandy beaches. Costa Rica is world famous for its diverse natural habitat and beautiful sunsets.
So there you have it, not a bad list of reasons to rent out your house, cash in your paper assets, and retire to a beach house in Costa Rica! There may be a coming recession, but you don’t have to live in it, or let it spoil your long awaited liberation from the rat race.
Are you starting to plan your retirement and worrying about how the state of the economy will effect your life style after you turn 65?Are you watching your friends make plans to cash in their paper assets, move to a smaller home, and cut down on spending? This is what many people are doing in the face of a recession in the United States right now. But you imagined having a little money to travel, visit Paris maybe, or go on a cruise. Is all of that just a fantasy now?
Well some people have discovered out how to make the dream a reality and retire in style by living and investing in the heavenly paradise of Costa Rica! It all begins with the real estate market. Those who know say the real estate market in Costa Rica is one of the most stable in the world, and prices are easily comparable to US property or lower. You could easily find a beautiful beach house for $300,000 overlooking the ocean. Or buy a piece of land near the beach for $100,000 and build your dream home. Imagine spend your days walking on the beach, a drink on the terrace, watching the sunset, and socializing with new friends who share your enthusiasm for a good retirement!
You may think it sounds crazy, that people only go to Costa Rica on vacation, but that’s no longer true. More and more foreigners are retiring in Costa Rica, especially Americans but also Europeans and other foreigners. And they are all doing it the same way: investing in property which will only go up in value for years to come, while living their retirement in the sunshine. But how? you ask. The following are just a few examples of the things that make it so easy to live the dream and retire in Costa Rica:
ONLY 2 HOURS AWAY
Costa Rica is only 2 hours away from Florida and all the comforts of home. Take a log weekend in Miami and do some shopping, or grab a connector flight to visit your family, and have them come visit often! And be careful who you invite to come visit you, it is so easy to get to Costa Rica that they will certainly come!
ESPANGLISH
Maybe not everyone speaks English, but no matter where you are, there is probably someone around who will be able to translate. A large majority of the population can speak at least some English, and most of the private schools are English Immersion, so from a young age many of these kids are bilingual. And hey, why not take some Spanish lessons yourself? Stretch your brain a little and make some friends while you are at it.
COST OF LIVING
The cost of living is comparable to the US if not slightly lower. There are some items which are shockingly inexpensive, while others are what you are used to at home. Groceries, restaurants and shopping tend to be about what as you are used to, however workers such as a live in maid or gardener are much less expensive than in the US. During retirement, it can often be a great blessing to have people around to help you with the daily chores.
HEALTH CARE
Health Care in Costa Rica is known for its quality and inexpensive price tag. Many of the doctors are trained in the US or Europe, and hospitals are very modern with all the latest equipment and technologies. Not to gossip but Costa Rica is known for its movie star plastic surgery!
MEDICARE
Both the Costa Rican government and Medicare and are making it extremely easy for ex-patriots to receive their Medicare cheques in Costa Rica through a network of banks in now offering direct deposit to your Costa Rican bank account.
VISAS & LEGAL ISSUES
Do I need a visa, or how does it work? If you are 45 years or older you can apply to be part of a retirement program set up by the Costa Rican government to encourage foreigners to come to Costa Rica. Benefits include tax exemptions and incentives, but the greatest thing is that you don’t have to pay tax on your retirement income in Costa Rica!
CAN I OWN PROPETY IN COSTA RICA?
In Costa Rica foreigners are in no way penalized when purchasing property. Foreigners have the same rights as a Costa Rican and the law will treat them as an equal. You can also incorporate your own company and purchase the property through your company for additional tax breaks.
OF COURSE THE BEAUTY …
The words Cost Rica actually mean Rich Coast, a name Christopher Columbus bestowed on this country overflowing with natural beauty, lush rainforests, mountains, cloud forests, and sandy beaches. Costa Rica is world famous for its diverse natural habitat and beautiful sunsets.
So there you have it, not a bad list of reasons to rent out your house, cash in your paper assets, and retire to a beach house in Costa Rica! There may be a coming recession, but you don’t have to live in it, or let it spoil your long awaited liberation from the rat race.
Posted in: Costa Rican Real Estate by admin
tarsier2 asked:
My husband and I would like to plan a vacation to Costa Rica in January/Feb but don’t know where to begin. We’ll only have about 5 nights and want a fairly relaxing vacation but are not sure if we’d like an all-inclusive. We are outdoorsy and would like to be on the Caribbean coast (how is snorkeling there?) and of course want to see the jungle. We’d like to stay in a nice place but doesn’t have to be “luxury” (budget is maybe up to $250/day total). Any advice on areas to look at or specific hotels/resorts would be greatly appreciated!
My husband and I would like to plan a vacation to Costa Rica in January/Feb but don’t know where to begin. We’ll only have about 5 nights and want a fairly relaxing vacation but are not sure if we’d like an all-inclusive. We are outdoorsy and would like to be on the Caribbean coast (how is snorkeling there?) and of course want to see the jungle. We’d like to stay in a nice place but doesn’t have to be “luxury” (budget is maybe up to $250/day total). Any advice on areas to look at or specific hotels/resorts would be greatly appreciated!
Posted in: Costa Rica Vacations by admin
TK asked:
I am looking to buy a beachfront vacation home / investment property in Central America. I just went to Costa Rica and it’s great, but have heard that Nicaragua is still undervalued.
I am looking to buy a beachfront vacation home / investment property in Central America. I just went to Costa Rica and it’s great, but have heard that Nicaragua is still undervalued.
Does anyone have experience with buying beachfront vacation homes in either country?
Posted in: Costa Rica Vacations by admin
Adam Morien asked:
When you think of your idyllic retirement what do you see? Some people imagine a bustling down-sized condo right in the heart of Manhattan, while others dream of a $200,000 family estate in the Colorado foothills. What if, for the same price, you could own a piece of the rainforest — complete with waterfalls, resident toucans and a hacienda situated on 1.5 acres of real estate? Costa Rica real estate agents can help you finance the retirement ranch of your dreams, tucked away in the wilderness of South America. The prices are so reasonable, the appreciation value (up 34% since 1998) so high and the land so desirable that even Mel Gibson recently purchased his own chunk of Costa Rican land. Costa Rica real estate agents will tell you that the region is full of British and American ex-patriots!
For many years Costa Rica real estate agents had all this land and nothing to do with it. With a $1.9-billion-a-year tourism industry, it was only a matter of time before some of the world travelers recognized the tremendous development opportunity amid the pristine wilderness. Owing in part to relaxed international development laws (Costa Rica is part of the “Organization of American States” and the United Nations), many tourists decided to build in Latin America, affording houses three times the size and acreage of a similar American investment. Since Costa Rica real estate agents have been so busy over the last decade thanks to true pioneers who were willing to wait for decent roads and amenities in favor of larger land and relative isolation, the infrastructure sector finally caught up. In 2010, the new International Airport (Costa Rica’s third) situated in Palmar Norte will be finished. Additionally, an 80,000 square foot hospital under construction and nearly complete and The Costanera Highway (Pacific Coast Highway) is being widened and repaved to connect Quepos and Dominical. The largest (and only) full service marina is being built in Quepos as well, which is sure to make Quepos a choice destination for investors and retirees alike.
Knowledgeable Costa Rica real estate agents can tell you which area would best suit you, but there are a few considerations to make before calling. First, decide if you want to purchase unfettered wilderness at a cut-rate price to build your dream home on, or you’d prefer something already established. If you want a pre-existing home in the Costa Rican market, you’ll need to decide if you want a beach condo with all the amenities, a single-family residence in a community or secluded, or just an apartment rental in a culture-saturated Latin American metropolis. According to Costa Rica real estate agents at BuySafeCostaRica.com, roughly two-thirds of the population lives in Central Costa Rica around La Fortuna, Lake Arenal, San Jose, Cartago, Alajuela and the Irazu Volcano. Central Pacific Costa Rica is situated along the Pacific Ocean and offers popular tourist cities like Jaco Beach, Dominical, Quepos and Puntarenos. Some of the natives and early developers complain that foreign investment and unplanned developments have been moved too rapidly in recent years and is taking away from some of the area’s natural beauty. The Caribbean Sea side of the country is known for its warm, laidback beach atmosphere and its Afro-Caribbean culture in Puerto Limon. The Southern Pacific region is bordered by Panama and the Pacific Ocean and houses Buenos Aires, Golfito and San Vito, but is relatively remote still. Prices here are pioneer-cheap because the area is still so untouched by development yet. Even so, Costa Rica real estate agents say the Osa Peninsula is still the starting point for much eco-tourism, sport fishing, diving and wildlife watching (especially at Corcovado Park!)
When you think of your idyllic retirement what do you see? Some people imagine a bustling down-sized condo right in the heart of Manhattan, while others dream of a $200,000 family estate in the Colorado foothills. What if, for the same price, you could own a piece of the rainforest — complete with waterfalls, resident toucans and a hacienda situated on 1.5 acres of real estate? Costa Rica real estate agents can help you finance the retirement ranch of your dreams, tucked away in the wilderness of South America. The prices are so reasonable, the appreciation value (up 34% since 1998) so high and the land so desirable that even Mel Gibson recently purchased his own chunk of Costa Rican land. Costa Rica real estate agents will tell you that the region is full of British and American ex-patriots!
For many years Costa Rica real estate agents had all this land and nothing to do with it. With a $1.9-billion-a-year tourism industry, it was only a matter of time before some of the world travelers recognized the tremendous development opportunity amid the pristine wilderness. Owing in part to relaxed international development laws (Costa Rica is part of the “Organization of American States” and the United Nations), many tourists decided to build in Latin America, affording houses three times the size and acreage of a similar American investment. Since Costa Rica real estate agents have been so busy over the last decade thanks to true pioneers who were willing to wait for decent roads and amenities in favor of larger land and relative isolation, the infrastructure sector finally caught up. In 2010, the new International Airport (Costa Rica’s third) situated in Palmar Norte will be finished. Additionally, an 80,000 square foot hospital under construction and nearly complete and The Costanera Highway (Pacific Coast Highway) is being widened and repaved to connect Quepos and Dominical. The largest (and only) full service marina is being built in Quepos as well, which is sure to make Quepos a choice destination for investors and retirees alike.
Knowledgeable Costa Rica real estate agents can tell you which area would best suit you, but there are a few considerations to make before calling. First, decide if you want to purchase unfettered wilderness at a cut-rate price to build your dream home on, or you’d prefer something already established. If you want a pre-existing home in the Costa Rican market, you’ll need to decide if you want a beach condo with all the amenities, a single-family residence in a community or secluded, or just an apartment rental in a culture-saturated Latin American metropolis. According to Costa Rica real estate agents at BuySafeCostaRica.com, roughly two-thirds of the population lives in Central Costa Rica around La Fortuna, Lake Arenal, San Jose, Cartago, Alajuela and the Irazu Volcano. Central Pacific Costa Rica is situated along the Pacific Ocean and offers popular tourist cities like Jaco Beach, Dominical, Quepos and Puntarenos. Some of the natives and early developers complain that foreign investment and unplanned developments have been moved too rapidly in recent years and is taking away from some of the area’s natural beauty. The Caribbean Sea side of the country is known for its warm, laidback beach atmosphere and its Afro-Caribbean culture in Puerto Limon. The Southern Pacific region is bordered by Panama and the Pacific Ocean and houses Buenos Aires, Golfito and San Vito, but is relatively remote still. Prices here are pioneer-cheap because the area is still so untouched by development yet. Even so, Costa Rica real estate agents say the Osa Peninsula is still the starting point for much eco-tourism, sport fishing, diving and wildlife watching (especially at Corcovado Park!)
Posted in: Costa Rican Real Estate by admin