Moving to Costa Rica

Moving to Costa Rica is the perfect choice for pretty much anyone. Enthusiasts of Latin American culture will find themselves right at home in one of Central America’s most peaceful countries. Under the hot sun and between the golden coastlines, you’ll find warm people with a reasonable cost of living!

Costa Rica is a country that can be proud of both its history and its geography. A government underwritten by the philosophy of peace, Costa Rica abolished its standing army in 1949. Furthermore, while most of its neighbors were subject to civil war, dictatorships, and political corruption, Costa Rica has a more than sixty-year history of democracy.

Encompassed by beautiful coastlines to the east and west, Costa Rica is a mountainous and volcanic country rich in forests. Amazingly, while Costa Rica only accounts for about 0.03% of the world’s landmass, its rich ecosystems are home to almost 6% of its biodiversity. 

Nestled among creatures big, small and fantastic, you will find relatively happy groups of international ex-pats spread out across the country, with an average age of 52. Perhaps it’s the sandy beaches or the volcanically enriched coffee, but whatever the case, ex-pats living in Costa Rica have fallen in love with the country. In one survey, just under half of the respondents living there said they were considering staying in Costa Rica forever.

Known as Ticos or Ticas, Costa Ricans are a heterogeneous bunch. Although primarily the descendants of Spanish settlers, plenty can claim heritage from some of the world’s other great empires, such as the British, Italian, and Dutch. Theirs is a culture defined by positivity and inclusivity, and a veritable slogan among them is “Pura Vida!” Although this literally translates into English as “pure life,” the cultural translation is harder to define. Used as a greeting, farewell, or as an answer when asked how you feel, “Pura Vida” has many meanings and is often used. The most accurate translation is probably either “going great” or ”this is living!”.

Furthermore, the Tico culture is centered on the family. The people are very close to their families, and children will often live with their parents well into their thirties. Such a family-oriented culture has resulted in something of a “small-town feel.” If you’ve decided to move to Costa Rica, you will quickly find yourself among friends. 

A good tip for other ex-pats is: “Learn Spanish and talk to your neighbors. They love to help you get the words right.”