Blog Posts About Life in Costa Rica Expert time-tested advice on how to live, retire and invest in Costa Rica.

The Imminent Demise of Grecia’s Bucolic Way of Life
I remember when I made my first trip to Grecia over 40 years ago. In those days it was really a slice of paradise. Since Grecia has become a haven for many retirees, I always make it a point to include a visit there during the Central Valley portion of […]

A bastion of democracy —How Costa Rica Gets It Right!
With authoritarianism and proto-fascism on the rise in so many corners of the world, it is heartening to see a country where citizens are still deeply committed to democratic principles. And now its people are in the midst of trying to redefine their politics for the twenty-first century. Over the […]

Christopher Howard meets another one of Costa Rica’s presidents
Over the years I have personally met with three of Costa Rica’s presidents to discuss different expatriate issues. Through the many contacts that I have established over the years I have had access to many of the country’s leaders. Since Costa Rica does not meddle in other country’s affairs, it […]

More Kudos for Costa Rica
It’s not surprising that Costa Rica has received another feather in its cap. The country’s impeccable international reputation, natural wonders, unequaled weather, and friendly people have combined to put it a the top of retirement and relocation havens for foreigners. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the country known […]

Costa Rica’s Hidden Minefields — a real danger
When one thinks of minefields, the first thing that comes to mind are the world’s worn-torn zones where armed conflicts take place. Nobody would ever picture peaceful Costa Rica as having minefields since the country has not been at war since the late 1940s. In fact, on December 1, 1948, […]

Costa Rica vs Medellín – Part 2
Before I expound on the subject, it is impossible to compare the whole country of Costa Rica with the city of Medellín. It would definitely be an unfair comparison. A more realistic and objective way to do this is to compare Medellín with Costa Rica’s Central Valley in that they […]

Safety tips for retirees during Easter Week
Easter week is a time for reflection in Costa Rica. But many people to travel to either the beach or mountains with their families. Some even go as far as Nicaragua, Panama, the States or other destinations. Expats also take advantage of this time of year to visit different parts […]

According to realtor.com, retired expats can purchase property in one of the world’s best affordable beach towns
On my monthly Relocation/Retirement Combination Tour one of the areas we visit as part of the due diligence process, is Dominical Beach. In fact, my guests and I spend the night at the beautiful Villas Río Mar resort located just upstream from the town and on the bank of the […]

Costa Rica is still a sure bet for a retirement or vacation home
Costa Rica enjoys a stellar international reputation. You rarely hear anything negative or bad mentioned in the foreign press about the country. Tourists continue to flock here and enjoy the countries natural wonders. Tourism is the motor the fuels foreign real estate investment as is does in others places like […]
San José’s elegant neighborhood springs back to life
Barrio Amón is located in the northeast section of downtown San José and has experienced a resurgence in recent years. The area is very eclectic and filled with colonial architectural gems as well shades of modernity. It was once the neighborhood of choice for the city’s elite. As time passed […]