Costa Rica
The Case for Costa Rica
You've decided to invest offshore, but where? You want to find paradise in the tropics but there are over 20 countries in the Caribbean and Central America to chose from and some of them are very friendly towards ex pats, while some are decidedly UNfriendly.
Some places charge tourists a lot, while others don't. Risk of life and property is an important consideration as well. The Developer chose Costa Rica based on an evaluation of these countries based on 4 important criteria:
- Climate — Costa Rica is south and west of "hurricane alley", which devastates much of the Caribbean almost yearly, so hurricanes are rare. The climate is very consistent, with sunny average mean temps in the 70's-80's. Plus it never rains in the winter!
- Culture — Costa Ricans, or Ticos, are one of the friendliest nations on earth. They know they have the economic tiger by the tail in Central America and appreciate our investment in their country. Furthermore, the country is open to foreign investment and tourism. Costa Rica is a democracy, with elections every 4 years the same way we do.
- Cost — Land and building costs are much more affordable than many tropical countries. Eagle's View properties are very affordable and home construction costs are cheap compared to more developed nations.
- Clear Title — In Costa Rica, we have the same legal rights as Ticos(Costa Rican citizens). Furthermore, they embrace the concept of clear title the same way we do. When you buy land at Eagle's View you even receive title guarantee insurance for peace of mind.
Conclusion — Costa Rica ranked highest of all 25 tropical countries surveyed in terms of affordable land that was available on the ocean, in a democracy with a strong legal system, no hurricanes, with predictable, beautiful weather and the friendliest people in Central America. (Belize scored second, but didn’t have the tourism & investment momentum Costa Rica currently enjoys).
Moreover, Costa Rica’s healthcare system is world class, compared by many to the high standards we enjoy in mature economies. Costa Rica is blessed as a unique investment opportunity that offers a great quality of life, with the opportunity to live overlooking white sand ocean beaches in a tropical paradise for less than a similar vacation home would cost in North America. Costa Rica’s land prices are still very affordable when compared to other developed tropical destinations.
Quality of Life Index
The International Living Quality of Life index measures each country on the following variables: Cost of living, Culture & Leisure, Economy, The Environment, Freedom, Health, Infrastructure, Safety & Risk, and Climate.
This is the Quality of Life Index for 2008 for these Vacation and Retirement Hotspots:
- 71 — Costa Rica
- 68 — Mexico
- 68 — Panama
- 66 — Belize
- 66 — Dominica
- 65 — Saint Kitts & Nevis
- 62 — Antigua & Barbuda
- 62 — Cayman Islands
- 61 — Barbados
- 61 — Bahamas
- 60 — Dominican Republic
- 60 — Puerto Rico
- 60 — Bermuda
- 59 — Jamaica
- 58 — Nicaragua
- 56 — Trinidad & Tobago
- 56 — Martinique
Source:
Quality of Life Index www.QualityOfLife2008.com
Economic Statistics
Have a look at these three key economic indicators:
- Inflation
- Inflation falling from 15% to 9.4% in 2006 and 8% in 2007
- Inflation 8% in 2007 and 6% in 2008
- Lowest inflation rate since 1978
- Gross Domestic Product
- GDP growth has doubled since 2004 to 8% in 2006
- Public Debt to GDP ratio down to 52% from 60% in 2003
- Tourism
- Tourism doubled in 3 years, to 1.7 million visitors in 2006 (vs. 800,000 in 2003)
- Tourism in Costa Rica up 16% in the first half of 2008
Sources:
- Director of the Central Bank, Costa Rica Economic Summit, San Jose, Feb 20-23 2007
- Tico Times Newspaper
Photos of Costa Rica
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