Costa Rica is one of the best countries in the world for nature lovers and retirees

For many years the country has been considered a “nature lover’s Disneyland” because of its many natural wonders. Those interested in surfing, hiking bird watching zip lining, river rafting and the outdoors in general, will fall in love with this beautiful country.

Recently, Conde Nast Traveler published it’s ranking of “The 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World” and Costa Rica tops the list. The magazine took the top 30 countries listed in the “attractiveness” section of the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report and polled their editors for their personal choices to come up with a final list. Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand, Austria, Dominican Republic, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Mauritius and Spain make the top 10. Mexico, Australia, Greece, Kenya are also part of this selection.

In addition, because of the country’s stellar international reputation it is considered one of the world’s premier retirement and relocation destinations. Costa Rica like every country in the world has its share of internal problems. But on the world stage the country is a bastion of sanity when compared to most places.

A few disgruntled expats nitpickers complain about the way the locals do things. Essentially they are would be unhappy anywhere they lived. That said let’s look at why Costa Rica is tops on the list of relocation and retirement havens.

1. The climate. The country’s Central Valley offers some of the best weather in the world: spring-like year-round temperatures. Most home do not need heat or air-conditioning. Just imagine what you can save on your utility bills by living here.
2. Friendly people who like Americans. We fit in very well here.
3. NO military since the late 1940s and the oldest democracy in Latin America.
4. NO threat of terrorism due to the country’s peaceful political stance. Yes, there is some crime, but when compared with the rest of the world Costa Rica is an oasis of peace and sanity.
5. Affordable medical care when compared the the good old U.S.
6. A good sized and well-established expat community since the 1980s. So it is easy to make new friends.
7. Scores of activities and things to do for every taste. So, you will not be bored here.
8. Near the U.S. in the event that you need to return home quickly.
9. Affordable public transportation.
10. The cost of living is higher than some of the other so called “retirement havens” in the area. But you should not equate price with quality of life and especially lifestyle. Many potential expats make this mistake. You basically get what you pay for.