Pros
- A gorgeous paradise ***
- Ranked #3 safe Haven in the World *
- Rated #1 Happiest Country in the World ***
- Plentiful food *
- Cost of living
- Long life expectancy (longer than the US)*
- Peaceful, tranquil, stress-free culture
- Healthy lifestyle***
- No need for heat or a/c in most areas ***
- Huge expat community ***
- No military – peaceful nation ***
- Eco friendly ***
- Abundant water***
- Many locals speak English
- Good Internet
- #1 in expat satisfaction
- Close to the US for traveling***
- 1st Class airfare from the US - $1,000
- Flight time from the US – 3-4 hours
- Large white population (can ‘fit in’ and not stand out)
- Property costs
- Educated populace – high literacy rates (higher than the US)*
- Ideal climate in the highlands*
- Real estate investment possibilities***
- Freedom (Ranks ahead of the USA)*
- INEXPENSIVE high quality health care*
- Ease of immigration*
- Nature, the wildlife, birding, waterfalls,
Cons
- Tropics – bugs
- Heat and humidity along the coasts
- Volcanoes and earthquakes
- Capital city San Jose traffic
- Infrastructure (roads are so-so)
- Cost of automobiles and electronics are more than in the US
- Ticos driving (either very slow or very fast)
- The 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of nighttime (it is light by 5:30am and dark by 6pm), year-round.
*** Means this country is the best in this category of the Top 7 Safe Havens
* Means this country is worth noting in this category, a big plus
Here is why you would absolutely NOT choose Costa Rica:
- Tropical diseases concern you.
- You HAVE TO HAVE 4 distinct seasons.
- You hate beaches, jungles, tropical fruit, and rain.
Here is why you absolutely WOULD choose Costa Rica:
- You HAVE TO HAVE 1st World.
- A lush green tropical paradise is a priority. And you LOVE nature.
- You have to be close to the United States.
- The long list of pros listed above rock your boat.
- Peace, tranquility, and happiness are at the top of your list.
- A huge expat community excites you, comforts you, and motivates you.
- You personally went there, compared it to at least two other Top 7 Safe Havens (like #2 Chile and #1 Uruguay), and liked it best for various personal reasons.