Discover the Costa Rica Lifestyle
Is the Costa Rica Lifestyle right for you?
Costa Rica has long been one of the top options for tourists, investing, and living overseas. It is a small country with incredible diversity throughout its seven provinces: San Jose, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia, Puntarenas, and Limon.
We hope this little overview help get you started as you look for your perfect paradise. We highly suggest that you come and see for yourself. Take the time to visit one of the many national parks, hike through the mountain ranges , zip through the canopies, and enjoy the sunset on the beach.
Location, Climate and Geography
The country of Costa Rica has a territory similar to the size of West Virginia in the US, Belize, or El Salvador. The mountainous Central Valley separates the Pacific Ocean snd the Caribbean Sea and serves as a bridge between North and South America. The southern border is Panama and to the North, you will find Nicaragua.
The country has both a dry and wet season but the respective starting dates vary in the different regions. In general, you can enjoy the dry season during the months of December through April and the rainy season from May to November. Although it is a relatively small landmass, Costa Rica enjoys a variety of micro-climates and hosts incredible biodiversity.
Costa Rica is privileged to have tropical rainforest, cloud forests, wetlands, mangroves, lakes, and many other ecosystems. With 25-35% of this landmass set aside as national parks and territories, the government has taken a strong stance on the conservation and preservation of the environment.
History, Politics and Economy
The Central American region has always been used as a passageway for the great cultures who occupied North and South America. Many small tribes inhabited the area through the Spanish conquest and colonization, maintaining their own languages and traditions. To this day, you will find archaeological sites and influences of tribes like the Huetar, Maleku, Bribri, Cabécar and others!
The Spanish founded the city of Cartago as the capital in the 1500s. The territory as a whole remained of little interest to the colonial empire because of the lack of gold found. Unlike other areas that relied on slavery, the colonists that settled here farmed the land themselves. Costa Rica has has a relatively peaceful existence since it because independent in 1821.
The country developed a democratic culture early on with a high value on education. Social reform, the creation of a social health service, a short civil war, and the abolition of the army highlighted the mid-1900s.
Costa Rica is now an established democratic country with a President who is voted in every 4 years. The electoral process has historically been peaceful as each candidate markets themselves as the best option. The constitution, established in 1949, divides the power into three including the executive, judicial and legislative.
Historically, the country has thrived with a vibrant agricultural base. The iconic products include corn, coffee, bananas, sugar cane, cacao, flowers, pineapples, mangos, and other tropical plants and fruits. More recently the country’s economy has benefited from the continuous growth of the tourism and the technological sectors. To date, Costa Rica is known as one of the most important tourist destinations in the whole world.
The Local Costa Rica Lifestyle and Culture
The Costa Ricans, or “Ticos”, are generally both very proud of their country and welcoming to visitors. Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken. Throughout the country, you will easily find locals eager to show off the beauty and richness of their country.
Costa Rica is home to one of the few “blue zones” in the world, areas known for higher life expectancy. With a very large middle class and very little social tension, the country is full of hope and faith. Celebrated values like equality, higher education levels, care for nature, family, and human rights make Costa Rica a positive example.
Even though Costa Rica has seen migrants from all over the world, the United States has been the biggest influencer. Similar to the USA, Costa Rica is quite the melting pot making it easy for foreigners to feel at home.
Our RE/MAX Costa Rica certified team is standing by to help make your dream lifestyle a reality. Contact us for more information on the different areas and real estate option throughout the country.
