Properties in Costa Rica Blog

One of the most exclusive and diverse communities in Costa Rica, Hacienda Pinilla, has something to offer everyone. Sitting on 4,500 acres of historic farm property, Pinilla stretches over three miles of pristine coastline nestled in by five distinct beaches (Playa Avellanas, Robalo, Mansita, Bonita, and Langosta). Below are just a few of the amenities Hacienda Pinilla has to offer.

JW Marriott

Hacienda Pinilla boasts the only JW Marriott Hotel in Costa Rica with the largest pool in all of Central America. There you’ll find an internationally acclaimed spa and 5 different restaurants featuring cuisine from around the globe. Whether vacationing or having friends and family down to visit, the JW Marriott is the place to stay.

Mountain Biking

Hear the songs of exotic birds and the crashing of waves as the 2 mountain bike paths guide you through the 4,500 acre property, one for amateurs and the other for professional riders. Get your sweat on while riding through the bountiful nature at Hacienda Pinilla.

Golfing

The golf course at Hacienda Pinilla was designed to preserve and enhance the ecological balance of this area. On this par 72 course, with nearly 7,200 yards playing space, you will have the chance to enjoy the extraordinary nature and beautiful beach views Pinilla has to offer.

The Beach Club

The Beach Club at Hacienda Pinilla has everything for days of enjoyment. rom the open air dining to the gnarly waves every member of your family will find something to do. The Beach Club features an incredible infinity pool, a tiki bar, a rejuvenating spa, snorkeling, surfing, a delicious dining spot, and a beachfront fitness center.

Stables

Whether you are looking for a romantic adventure or family fun time, Hacienda Pinilla’s Stables has you covered. With sixteen kilometers of scenic trails be sure not to miss out on this exciting tour. Trotting through natural forest and countryside you’ll experience Pinilla in a whole new light.

Be sure not to miss your opportunity to be apart of the Hacienda Pinilla lifestyle. With a multitude of properties, beachfront homes, luxury villas, hotels, and lots for development, there is something here for everyone.

When you land in a new country, the excitement of all the new adventures you will experience create a type of honeymoon phase. Every cork about the country puts a smile on your face. For some, the charm never wears off, but for others all of these difference settle in and become overwhelming. This is a normal reaction to everything being different.

When many foreigners move to a new country, they bail before the end of the first year, returning to their home country. Yearning for the comforts of home, they suffer from the grass is always greener on the other side syndrome. If you’ve recently moved to Costa Rica or a similar country from a major western metropolitan center than you can probably relate to the feeling of culture shock that settles in after the initial wonder wanes.

Here are some of the challenges and how to embrace the pura vida:

Culture Shock

At first the disco music in the grocery store may have been cute and the long bank lines charming, but after a while you begin to wonder, “what have I done?“. For the majority of expats there will come a moment when they become aware of everything their new country lacks. All the quirks and blemishes become apparent. The honeymoon is over. It’s time to assimilate and adjust. This part of the journey is really about changing your mindset. You may go through a period of homesickness. Suddenly, 60-hour work weeks and being behind on your mortgage doesn’t seem that awful. What’s the world without a little stress to motivate you, right? Calm down, take a deep breath, this state of mind will pass, if you let it. Try remember why you initial enjoyed or smiled at the aspects you now deem flaws. Every place has its good and bad, happiness is a mindset.

Language

Many people expect to pick up the language fast, however, this is a difficult feat. Trying to communicate in English and the few words of Spanish you’ve managed to pick up over the year becomes tiring. Take a step back and change your strategy. Join a Spanish class or find a Tico to engage in language exchange, push yourself to engage the cashier at the grocery store, or watch the evening news in Spanish. The opportunities to improve are endless and the satisfaction of holding conversations in your new language are priceless.

Property

Worried about jumping the gun and purchasing the wrong property? Take a year and rent a house or condo before taking this leap. Spend time researching the property values, and if possible, live in the country for a year and rent first before buying a home. This way you get to know the different areas and true market values. While Costa Rica is a tiny country, the diversity in areas makes it possible for everyone to find their nitch. To avoid the mistake of purchasing an overpriced condo with high HOA fees or overlooking building restrictions, consult and work with a reputable broker and attorney.

Community

Get involved in the local community. Find a new interest, surfing, diving, fishing, yoga, salsa will all allow you to make more friends. Adjusting to a new community takes time, you are essentially rebuilding your life. You have the control to live how you desire.

With time your feeling of “what was I thinking” will wear off. You will return to loving your new life. It’s all what you make of it. Moving to another country is a big leap for anyone but don’t give up. When approached with an open mind, it can be the start of an exciting new life chapter. Always remember you came here for a reason, whatever it may have been.

Costa Rica is known for its sustainable initiatives and for having a lifestyle which is close to nature.  Throughout the country one will find 27 protected national parks, with wild secondary and primary rainforest, mangrove lined waterways and protected cloud forests.  Solar powered homes, fresh water sources, organic farming and off the grid land parcels, make up a variety of properties which are integrated into the local communities. The country is one of the first in the world with the goal of carbon neutrality and residents share like-mindedness toward conservation of the countries natural beauty.

In July and August of 2016, Costa Rica ran on 100% renewable energy from a combination of hydro-electric power, wind, solar, and geothermal. Homes which are living off the grid are becoming an easier and more economic option with constantly evolving energy storage and institutional support. The movement towards living in an ecologically sustainable way dominates much of the country’s culture and community initiatives are constantly growing to meet the needs of local towns.

The options for construction of sustainable homes is also evolving, with focus on using materials like bamboo, earth and locally resourced hardwoods, optimization of natural airflow, orientation with the sunlight and minimization of toxic materials.  Building in tune with the natural forest and terrain with little impact on the surrounding ecology is not only “eco-friendly“, but it allows an owner to truly experience all the jungle flora and fauna have to offer, proving a living experience which is rarely found in this world.

Throughout the country, there are thriving sustainable communities where people can purchase land and build a home. One of the many examples is Finca Bellavista, which is a sustainable treehouse community. This is a reflection of one type of construction one can utilize here in Costa Rica.  Through the use of natural materials and focusing on the integration with nature, one creates an unforgettable retreat.  Not only that, this Finca covers 600 acres in the Southern part of Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, protecting the natural resources found within.  The best thing about Costa Rica is there are many opportunities for a private property which encompasses these same values.

For investors who see the value in protecting nature, there are properties which can generate a return.  Green hotels, yoga retreats, or eco-adventure destinations, these businesses tend to thrive in a country focused on ecotourism.  In 2015, an estimated 2 million tourists generated over $2.45 billion in revenue and accounted for 12% of the country’s GDP.  Sustainable rural tourism is an example of ecotourism which is growing in popularity due to its environmental initiatives and support of local economies.  Private wildlife refuges which can provide guests with an unforgettable experience and put them up front and center with the wildlife of Costa Rica in their natural environment are a priceless commodity in this world.

The beauty of investment in this country is; if you are looking for something that meets luxury standards while also supporting carbon neutrality, we have it. If you are looking for something a little more rustic, truly immersed in nature, you can find it here as well. Costa Rica in all its diversity supports a wide variety of preferences and lifestyles. The country and its people strive to remain in balance with the natural world and if you share this philosophy, you too will find a place in this important movement.

While moving to Costa Rica may be a dream come true, some aspects of the process can be unexpectedly daunting. You may be thinking, how am I going to get my dog or cat all the way to Costa Rica? The process is actually quite simple when broken down.

The first step to bringing your pet to Costa Rica is completing the correct documentation and vaccinations. This includes:

1. Up-to-date vaccinations against rabies and leptospirosis certified by your veterinarian.
2. An health examination and signed Federal APHIS Form 7001 by a USDA accredited veterinarian. Fees for this step can range anywhere from $40- $120 per pet. *Note that this certificate is only valid for 10 days once completed.
3. If you have decided to transport your pet by cargo (on a flight different than your own) you will need a special permit.

The next step is to find an airline. American Airlines, United, and Delta all transport animals from the US to Costa Rica. Make sure to check the specific pricing and guidelines for each airline before booking.

An alternative option, known as pet movers, is available for those who want to effortlessly transport their pets. For a price, these companies will prepare your certificates, pick up your pet, pay airline cargo charges, deal with customs, and drop them off at your new home.

Don’t have a furry friend to bring along? Consider adopting one locally! Costa Rica is notorious its beach and street dogs. Its typical to go to the beach for the day only to have a new friend follow you home. Before just adopting the dog as your own, be sure to ask around the neighborhood, as many dogs with homes roam around freely. Haven’t found any dogs in your neighborhood or just looking to visit a puppy paradise? Check out Territorio de Zaguates (Land of the Strays) in Alajuela. This dog sanctuary is home to over 900 animals so you are sure to find the perfect one, unlike any other.

The beginning of September marks the annual Whale Watching Festival in Uvita beach within Ballena National Park in Costa Rica. Uvita is a quaint fishing village in Costa Rica’s southern zone. This year marks the 7th annual festival celebrating the peak migration time of the humpback whales. The event takes place over two weekends on September 4th and 5th, and then again on September 12th and 13th. Last year 40,000 visitors flocked to the park to watch the whales and more are expected this year.

Ballena National Marine Park is a favorite whale watching spot. Covering 110 hectares of land and 5375 hectares of the ocean the reserve protects wildlife and the native habitats. The park acts as a sanctuary for whales to breed and give birth. Every year, the magnificent humpback whales arrive from July through October after making the 8,000-kilometer journey across the southern hemisphere. The whales swim north from the Antarctica to the warm waters of Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica. The warmer waters close to the equator provide that optimal habitat to mate and breed. September marks the peak of the migration along the coast of Costa Rica.

In addition to the two-hour whale watching tour, the festival offers activities such as cycling, beach volleyball, hiking, and dolphin watching. Both bottle-nose dolphins and spinner dolphins can be spotted here. There is also the opportunity to watch the legendary sea turtles including olive ridleys, green turtles, and hawksbill who travel to the beaches of Ballena to lay their eggs. The largest numbers of sea turtles make their way to shore to lay their eggs during the waning moon in September. The beaches of Ballena are not as closely monitored as some of the other more well-known beaches. The park asks visitors to be respectful if they venture out at night to catch a glimpse of this wonder of nature as the sea turtles make their way to shore.

Costa Rica is committed to protecting the biodiversity of its many species including many on the endangered species list. Due to strong international cooperation and conservation efforts, the humpback whales where recently removed from the endangered species list. More conservation efforts are needed to protect both endangered and critically endangered species. Festivals such as these aim to increase public awareness for the need for conservation and efforts to protect wildlife. Costa Rica and parks such as Ballena have also been instrumental in protecting sea turtles as well as other species.

The festival is a fantastic time to visit this preserve. Adventurers, families and wildlife enthusiasts can appreciate the laid-back, relaxed environment and rich biodiversity. With activities for adults and children to enjoy, it’s a fun family-friendly event that also provides a great opportunity for children to learn about nature, wildlife, habitats, and conservation. This weekend will be last chance to enjoy one of the spectacular two-hour boat tours to spot the majestic creatures. Tours start at 7 am.

Thanks to Costa Rica’s vast network of hydroelectric dams, it is one of the first nation’s to go carbon neutral. In 2015, the country ran 99% on renewables with the largest source of energy coming from hydropower followed by geothermal and solar power. Costa Rica’s large river system makes it possible for the country to largely depend on hydroelectricity as its major power source. The vast network of rivers has been harnessed to generate electricity through the dams across the country. The country is a world leader when it comes to implementing alternative energy. Sustainability has been a major priority of the government that has paid off making it a global model nation for other countries to follow.

Costa Rica’s hydropower revolution dates back to 1948 when the country eliminated its military budget and decided to instead invest the money into healthcare, education and environmental protection. It marked the beginning of the country’s long pursuit of achieving carbon neutrality. In 1963, Rio Macho, the first hydropower dam, began operating. In the 1970s several more dams launched and since them its been an expanding massive infrastructure investment that can now generate approximately 75% of the country’s power. The abundance of rainfall makes this possible.

The latest dam project, the Reventazon dam is expected to produce 305.5 megawatts of power. The dam went online in March and will be able to generate electricity for approximately 525,000 homes. A bigger hydroelectric dam has been proposed near Buenos Aires in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone which would generate an estimate 652 MW. Costa Rica has begun a few initiatives to guard the country’s vast river network from over damming to protect the habitat and wildlife from the negative impacts of dams. Recently, a 25-year moratorium was signed to protect the Pacuare and Savegre Rivers from damming. These two rivers are vital parts of Costa Rica’s tourism industry, which makes up a significant part of the economy. Aware of some of the negative impacts of over damming, the government is now committed to achieving a balance.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica continues to march forward with additional plans to move the entire country off any reliance on fossil fuels. Plans include a massive electric train being built and replacing gasoline powered cars with electric ones. There are also plans underway to develop additional alternative energy sources such as geothermal. Costa Rica’s volcanoes makes the country a perfect candidate for a massive geothermal initiative in addition to hydropower. Costa Rica is a model nation when it comes to moving to fossil fuel independence. It’s a trend that’s quickly spreading around the world as other countries strive to reach carbon neutral status.

Costa Rica commercial real estate continues to perform well in 2016. Non-residential buildings grew at an annual rate of 18%. The widespread expansion and new construction of commercial buildings in beach communities and San Jose is driving much of the growth of the commercial real estate market. Costa Rica’s economy is also performing well. While most of the world is experiencing a dramatic slowdown or economic turmoil, Costa Rica’s economy is expected to grow 4.2% in 2016. This positive forecast is tied to record high demand. Throughout San Jose, new buildings are going up to meet the demand. Vacancy rates are low and rents are rising. Costa Rica’s economic that make Costa Rica very attractive to North American and European expats.

The real estate market is also being driven by the increasing number of foreign companies with offices in Costa Rica. Five foreign owned companies are expanding their operations in Costa Rica this year. A total of 39 foreign investment projects in service industries and manufacturing technology already created an estimate 12,000 new jobs in 2016. An additional 2,000 jobs are expected to be created by the end of the year. Sykes, Amazon, Pfizer and Manpower are among the corporations expanding their operations. The commercial real estate market continues to benefit from this economic expansion through foreign investment, which not only creates demand for more office space but also restaurants and local businesses.

Beyond a strong commercial sector in San Jose due to the recent job growth and corporate expansion, the beach towns are also thriving as increasing numbers of expats purchase property in these towns. Guanacaste, Papagayo, Arenal, Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Dominical on the Pacific Coast, and Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Cocles and Manzanillo in the Caribbean side are the most popular towns. These local towns are big gathering places for the surrounding residents and tourists who can come together to enjoy music, dine or shop as needed. As the population expands, the commercial market demand continues to grow with it. Costa Rica is also one of the few Latin American countries experiencing rising immigration levels. The increase in the number of people living in Costa Rica with disposable income is a big factor driving the Costa Rica commercial real estate boom.

All this said, Costa Rica is an excellent investment choice at this time. The commercial real estate market is strong. There are 30 retail shopping centers scheduled to be built this year. With rental values rising, commercial property owners are well positioned to take advantage of the market. At this point, the market does not show signs of a slowdown making it a good investment opportunity.

Ask almost any non-Costa Rican who is living in Samara why they’ve stayed, and you can bet that nine times out of ten, the answer will have something to do with the lifestyle. Whether you’re considering buying a vacation property in Samara, Costa Rica, or are thinking of visiting the beach town, you can bet that once you arrive, you’ll find yourself quickly falling in love with the lifestyle, too.

Every year, more North Americans and Europeans find refuge from the noise, appointments and endless responsibilities of home in the laid-back town of Samara. Here, the pace slows to a tempo that provides time and space for appreciating the small things: Conversation with friends, watching a sunset, an impromptu game of soccer on the beach, feeling Pacific waves crash against your body.

What’s an average day like in Samara? It might go something like this:

6:00 am

The calls of howler monkeys in the distance awaken your senses. As your eyes open, you register a glorious sunrise peaking over the tops of the tree covered hills outside out windows, and you hear the songs of a dozen species of birds enter your room with a cool breeze from the sea.

6:30 am

A hot cup of incredible Costa Rican coffee is ready for consumption in the kitchen. You throw on a pair of shorts, and maybe a shirt, plus the nearest pair of sandals and wander out the door, coffee in hand.

6:35 am

Your short stroll down the road leads you to Playa Samara (Samara beach). In five quick minutes, you’ve wished a good morning to no less than four people you recognize as friends or acquaintances, who return the greeting with a smile.

7:15 am

You’ve walked a glorious mile or so along Playa Samara. It’s still a little cool out as the sun rises higher, but the day is heating up. Along the walk, you stopped to chat with a few more friends, watched dogs play in the sand, saw surfers catch the first few waves of the day. You’ve finished your coffee and maybe stopped for a second at Locanda or another cafe right along the beachfront. On your short walk back home, you stop in at the little grocery market to pick up breakfast: a fresh papaya, pineapple and mango, some local cheese and a couple of plantains.

7:30 am

Back at home, you cut up the fresh fruit and grill the cheese and plantains, and sit down for a supremely healthy and delicious breakfast on your patio with the company of your wife or husband and kids. Everyone eats slowly, enjoying every bite and chat about yesterday’s events, about friends, about nature, about whatever. You realize that you’ve never felt closer to your family than this. The kids fight less, no one’s stressed and life in general is rather wonderful.

8:45 am

After a shower, the family hops in the car for a morning kayak and snorkeling tour to explore the beautiful and white sanded beach in Isla Chora, just a few minutes from paddling off Samara. Kids are stocked to find and interact with all kinds of colorful fish in the clear waters of the island or take a slow stroll along the shoreline where the water laps at the sand with your husband or wife, and try to imagine what your friends back home are up to right now.

11:30 am

Excited after the experience you just had, what better than stopping by the Samara Guide office to say hi to the guys who recommended you such an unique experience, get a super refreshing and healthy 100% organic cold pressed juice made out of local fruits/vegetables and reserve your tour for the next day… Maybe half-day fishing tour, surfing lessons or even an exiting canopy tour!

12:00 pm

Lunch time rolls around. Maybe today the family picks up a “casado” from the local soda (restaurant) and eats in the shade beside a handful of other families, both Costa Rican and from abroad.

Or if you are looking for vegetarian and/or vegan options you can check out LuvBurger… Can’t go wrong!

1:15 pm

It’s coming close to the hottest part of the day, which means it’s siesta time. Everyone heads back to the car for the brief drive home and has a nap in the shade or under the comfort of the air conditioner.

3:30 pm

With the family well-rested and refreshed, you all head out the door again for the short journey into town and check out a few of the cute boutique shops along the main street of Samara. The kids find funny hand-crafted toys and your spouse picks out an original T-shirt that looks like it will stay cool during those hot Costa Rican days.

5:00 pm

It’s happy hour! Most of Samara’s bars and restaurants have happy hour specials toward the end of the day to encourage locals and visitors to come out for a drink or two at sunset. Don’t worry, the kids are allowed in and they pick out iced tea, while you and your significant other decide on mojitos or beers.

5:15 pm

The whole family sits at the beach, enjoying the cool drinks, among dozens of others doing the same. You pick a prime location with uninterrupted views for the approaching sunset. Surfers navigate the crashing waves just a few yards away and the locals pass by, waving hello, with bikes, dogs and friends in tow. A vendor stops to offer a fresh, cool coconut – it’s full of refreshing coconut water, packed with electrolytes. The temperature is very comfortable and you snap a few pictures of the kids and the changing colors of the sky, sitting next to the one you love.

6:00 pm

The sun makes its descent beyond the horizon. The sky is illuminated in a stunning palette of hues: reds, pinks, purples, blues, corals and indigoes. You realize you’d never see something like this back home, or wouldn’t have the time to truly enjoy it like you do here. You make a personal resolution to never miss another sunset.

6:05 pm

Dinner time. Maybe the family stops in at one of the beachfront restaurants for some fresh seafood, salads, grilled meat and seasonal fruits, or you stop at the grocery market once again to pick up pasta and locally grown beef, avocadoes, or whatever you’re in the mood for.

8:00 pm

Dinner was better than any dinner back at home. Not just the fresher food, but you notice that the kids are better behaved and your spouse seems to listen better than ever. The saying Pura Vida you hear so often around here (pure life), begins to resonate.

8:30 pm

You decide it’s game time. With the kids, you play charades or a board game, or maybe a makeshift water polo match in the pool. You realize that back home, the TV would be on and no one would talk to each other, but the kids haven’t even mentioned turning on the TV. This is what life is all about: Quality time spent with the people you love the most, creating experiences and memories for your kids to grow up with.

10:00 pm

The kids are beat and so are you. Everyone heads to bed with the sound of crickets reverberating outside the house as a kind of white noise that guides you to the most restful sleep you can remember in years. In a few hours, the sun will rise again, and the pattern will repeat and you’ll realize, this is how life was meant to be lived.

If you are interested in knowing more about the area or looking at property while here, talk to the people at the Samara Guide/Properties in Costa Rica office, they’ll be happy to help you and guide you in the right direction!

The Southern Zone is known for its laid back vibe and three of the most magical towns in Costa Rica: Dominical, Ojochal, and Uvita. Rainforests, legendary surf spots, long stretches of beaches, an abundance of rich terrain and a laid-back atmosphere define this area. It’s a rare place on earth. While development has picked up recent years due to improved roadways and access to the area, the development and conservation regulations ensure this area will never become a noisy resort town with overbearing skyscrapers.

Along the Costa Ballena lie Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal. These three Southern Zone coastal towns are off the radar hot spots. Dominical is a legendary surf spot. Uvita is a commercial center. Ojochal is a small village in the jungle. Deep blue waters meet the towering mountains and green jungles forming a breathtaking landscape that is raw, pure and clean. This is a place for adventurers and those seeking a more laid back lifestyle.

Dominical

Dominical attracts surfers from around the world each year to its legendary waves. The waters here are not for swimming and the waves are legendary. Making the trek to Dominical is a surfer’s pilgrimage. This haven beyond its legendary surf is an attractive laid back village with a few restaurants and shops. Surrounded by estuaries, mangroves, and marshes, the area has an abundance of wildlife. It’s now home to an estimated 700 residents. The pristine environment and warm culture draw surfers and eco-tourists. With lots of yoga and various types of holistic health practitioners mixing with the local culture harmoniously, it is a beacon for wellness. Vegan, raw food, and juicing are common here. Those seeking to live a more sustainable lifestyle flock here. In Dominical, there is time to reflect and just be.

Ojochal

Ojochal is a popular landing spot for expats from North America and Europe. It has grown into a culinary hot spot too. This coastal town is just 30-minutes south of Dominical. With hotels, restaurants, bars, doctors’ offices and a supermarket, it is a low-key Costa Rica town complete with the conveniences of modern life making it an ideal place to visit. With ATV tours, canopy tours, bird watching and mangroves to explore, there is no shortage of adventures and activities. For surfing, there is Playa Ballena and Playa Uvita nearby.

Uvita

Nestled in between Dominical and Ojochal along the Costa Ballena is magical Uvita. This town has a large supermarket and is probably the most developed area of the three places. Scuba diving, horseback riding, canopy tours and wildlife tours are all nearby. Uvita has grown famous for the hosting the annual music festival, the Envision Festival, which celebrates art, culture, yoga and sustainability each year in February. People flock to this small town in Costa Rica each year for the festival, which draws large crowds.

The magic and charm of these three towns lie in the quiet sustainable development, which protects the pristine ecosystems while also providing a level of comfort. The culture is laid back, health conscious and committed to wellbeing. There are few places left in the world that can match what the Southern Zone offers as a quiet refuge from the modern world for adventure, fun, and restoration.

As one of the most biologically intense countries in the world, Costa Rica has long been known for attracting people craving a more self-sufficient way of life. As one of the first countries in the world to be 100% powered by renewables, it serves as a mecca for those seeking to live in harmony with nature. The natural environment and climate is conducive to a sustainable lifestyle. Year after year people who want to grow their own food, be energy independent and have their own independent water supply move here. This trend shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon either.

From farms to eco-retreats to to permaculture to micro farms, there is a large, enthusiastic, committed community for sustainable living and green design here. The country is known for its eco-tourism, and it’s a major industry for this small country. As a country, Costa Rica was the first in the world to run 100% on renewables. What this trend reflects is a desire among the locals as well as incoming expats to simplify their lives. It’s about downsizing, simplifying in style, and living in harmony with nature. People crave a high quality life at a slower pace and Costa Rica delivers on that desire. The country’s commitment to the environment and protecting biodiversity means it supports the sustainable lifestyle new residents seek.

Costa Rica’s climate makes it conducive to living sustainably and the year round near perfect weather simplifies energy needs because the country does not experience large fluctuations in temperatures throughout the year. In addition, the climate also supports year round agriculture, which makes it easy for locals to grow and produce much of their own food. There is a lot of rich land available, and the relatively young housing stock means that homes tend to be simple yet built with current materials, and can easily be adapted.

Self-sufficiency is part of the culture. People purchasing property and homes here want to take more control of their lives and be able to manage their resources for a number of reasons. For some it’s simply about reducing cost of living, and for others, it’s forged through a deep commitment to living a more sustainable lifestyle, and for others, it’s about a lifestyle choice that allows for more independence. The available housing inventory offers plenty of attractive options for those seeking partial self-sufficiency to those seeking 100% self-sufficiency.

The fact remains there are a number of issues attracting North Americans and Europeans to Costa Rica. Self-sufficiency is a rich part of the culture and history; it’s not an idea people are struggling to grasp and adapt to as is the case for much of North America.These expats seek a simpler more balanced life, and Costa Rica is conducive to a self-sufficient lifestyle. It’s a top international destination when it comes to living a sustainably and finding a home to achieve that goal.