A paradise set in a tropical location, inexpensive living and retirement, start a business or invest, learn Spanish, gentle breezes, lots of great outdoor sports, lush scenic surroundings with sun-soaked shores and beautiful beaches, beautiful mountains. Add to that a peaceful nation with this poilitcal stability and year round spring-like weather in the Central Valley, the friendly people who actually like Americans and it is easy to see why Costa Rica has become tops on the list of expatriate havens. There are more Americans living there per capita than any other country outside the U.S. The country has become very Americanized and occupies a place somewhere between the first and third world, so Americans should feel right at home and it makes good sense to consider Costa Rica for retirement. There are many advantages that make Costa Rica alluring for retirement. Costa Rica is the perfect destination for your retirement plans. Healthcare in Costa Rica is relatively inexpensive and many doctors are U.S. trained. A good educational system exists for those retirees who bring children under the age of 18 to Costa Rica. And the tax breaks are superb! Retiring in Costa Rica is relatively easy to arrange as anyone 45 years or older can apply for the easy-to-relocate retirement system set up by the Costa Rican government. Qualified retired pensioners are eligible for benefits including specific tax exemptions and incentives.

You do not have to pay tax on your retirement income in Costa Rica! If you choose to go into business, the government offers incentives. For those who wish to buy, housing prices start at about $35,000 with financing available. Beach front property may be purchased but is usually expensive. A very low incidence of violent crime (no society is crime free), a low cost socialized health care system, a wealth of every imaginable activity to stay busy and happy, two excellent English newspapers, cable and DirectTV with all of the U.S. channels and a myraid of exciting business opportunities for enterprising foreigners, all help to contribute to the country's excellent reputation as a place to live. Moreover, most people can live on less than $1,000 monthly excluding rent. Some live for less and some for more depending on their lifestyles. On top of all the above, Costa Rica is considered a single man's paradise. Costa Rican women have an unparalleled reputation as being the most beautiful, flirtatious and accessible women in the Latin America including Brazil. The ladies of Costa Rica are more warm-hearted and eternally devoted than their North American counterparts. Middle age men can find the "Fountain of Youth" here since age does not seem to pose an obstacle when meeting women. In sum, this beautiful little country has the warmth and flavor of Mexico, without the anti-Americanism and fear of expropriations, the physical beauty of Guatemala without a large military presence and climate of fear, the sophistication of Brazil without the abject poverty or violent crime and more winter sunshine than Hawaii of Florida with fewer people.