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It takes some guts to move to Costa Rica, but it’s a lot easier now than 45 years ago. For most of those years, I’ve relocated thousands of expats.
Some consider moving abroad when a new president takes office in the USA or Canada. Costa Rica is usually pretty high on the list of options. So, this is a good time to give you that poke in the ribs.
People move abroad for many reasons, each driven by a unique combination of economic, educational, personal, and socio-political factors. Whether seeking a better future, pursuing academic dreams, or escaping difficult circumstances, migration promises new opportunities and experiences. While the challenges of adapting to a new country can be daunting, the potential personal and professional rewards often make the journey worthwhile. As global mobility continues to increase, understanding the diverse motivations behind migration becomes essential in fostering empathy and support for those who choose to make such a life-changing move.
What an adventure
When I was 25, I had the opportunity to move to Costa Rica, and I never felt sorry for it. It was a huge adventure because there was no information about the country or moving here. The internet didn’t exist, and there were no social media, podcasts, blogs, or seminars, and we traveled 27 hours to get here. The world has changed incredibly since then, but people still move here for some of the same reasons we did. What an adventure!
The difference between now and then is that those who don’t do any due diligence (most) before moving here and don’t have a positive experience can sincerely say it’s their own fault.
Oh, that reminds me to recommend the Christopher Howard Relocation Tour and the ARCR Tips and Tricks Seminar for a Pura Vida life to be part of your due diligence.
Do something different
Some people can do the same job their whole lives, day in and day out. Others get fed up with the monotonous lifestyle and want to do something different. I did the same thing myself. When the opportunity was there, I looked at the people around me. Then I said to myself, “I don’t want to be in their place in 30 years.”
I took the same step as many before me did when almost nobody spoke English in Costa Rica. Back then, the bus from Santa Ana took 2 hours to get to San Jose. Santa Ana was then in the middle of nowhere; it’s a booming place now. The road has been long and exciting, fun and an adventure.
An incredible trip in life
Those first few years are incredible, especially if you don’t speak Spanish and don’t need much to live on. Until reality hits you: you gotta make a living. So now you have a choice. You can go native and learn how to eat rice and beans. You can live like a middle-class Tico or be more ambitious. Then you work your butt off and live like an upper-class Tico.
You can be lazy and do nothing all day but surf the waves and eat peanut butter sandwiches. Imagine watching the sun go down from your hammock daily while you drink margaritas or piña coladas.
Should moving to Costa Rica be your plan?
Moving to Costa Rica hasn’t always been easy—it takes quite some guts for many! For most, it’s been fun and lots of adventure. There are good and bad things everywhere. Coming here has enriched my life incredibly.
What have I gained moving here?
I have:
- Learned Spanish and became fluent in it,
- I met thousands of interesting people,
- Learned there are more different cultures than you can imagine,
- Have had five different businesses,
- Met the love of my life,
- Enjoy a more beautiful country than my own every day,
- Have lots of sunshine (and plenty of rain),
- Don’t need to clean my driveway from snow,
- Procreated two great children,
- I can live amongst the friendliest and happiest people in the world.
That is because I made a great choice 45 years ago. Others have done the same and returned because they couldn’t adjust (or didn’t want to). Some didn’t learn the language or started missing the grandkids.
You make your own paradise. Costa Rica can also be hell. Yes, it takes some guts to move to Costa Rica. I invite you to make the step. It’s not easy, but it is very satisfying. When you’re ready, and you are looking to purchase property or would like to request a Zoom meeting with me, please get in touch with us.
