Costa Rica is the original retire-overseas destination. Well-established expat communities are scattered across the country. Plus, it’s famous for its long coastlines, both Caribbean and Pacific, its stunning natural beauty, its friendly locals, and excellent health care.

Connecting North and South America, Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Its location blesses the country with a tropical climate and endless beaches, jungles, and mountains to explore.

It’s not hard to see why Costa Rica is a popular destination for retirees. Here, you can live an active, sunshine-filled life, combined with a relatively cheap cost of living and all of the perks of a thriving economy and a democratic government.

Since gaining independence from Spain in 1821, the country has had a peaceful history.

Throughout the 19th century, the coffee industry transformed Costa Rica into a prosperous, contemporary country, creating strong connections to its markets in Europe.

Costa Rica’s capital San José was one of the first three cities in the world to have electricity.

The Pura Vida Lifestyle In The Original Retire Overseas Destination

Nowadays, tourism has overtaken Costa Rica’s agricultural industries—coffee, bananas, and pineapples—as the country’s biggest money earner.

Since the 1980s, the Costa Rican government has focused on creating incentives to attract American expats.

In July of 2021, a law was passed that lowered the minimum investment to achieve Costa Rican residency to US$150,000, introduced 100% tax exemptions on imported vehicles and household goods, and zero tax on any money earned abroad.

These incentives, the country’s incredible biodiversity, breath-taking nature, and tropical climate make for an ideal retirement destination for U.S. expats.