When it comes to retirement, it doesn't get any better than retiring in a beachfront home in Costa Rica. Retirement in Guanacaste or along Costa Rica's central or southern coast combines laid back living in the tropics with many of the luxuries of civilization. You will discover gated communities whose residents are primarily North Americans and Europeans, condos, villas and houses in every part of the country.
Keep in mind that if you plan to buy property here, this means opening a corporation (called an S.A.). For one thing, you can save money on taxes if you sell your home, because you simply sell the comporation, which owns the property, instead of the property itself. A reliable attorney will prove invaluable. While there are many local lawyers from which to choose, you will also find several North Americans with years of experience in this country
Retiring in Costa Rica
There are few places south of the U.S. border as safe and secure as here. However, crime has been increasing since 2000. And unless you have reliable security guards, it is not wise to leave your home without having someone there to maintain a presence. This has diminished in recent years, and it is not so much of a problem now but still a concern.
Don't move here if you are counting pennies. Unlike other parts of Central America, the cost of living here is quite steep. In the spring of 2007, for example, gasoline cost upwards of $4 a gallon. And inflation currently runs around 10% a year.
