• Environment and Climate • Quality of Life • Population • Healthcare • Education
• Global Accessibility

Pura Vida – or Pure Life – is the national motto of Costa Rica, and it aptly sums up the atmosphere of this pristine, tranquil and spectacularly beautiful country. Costa Rica offers one of the highest standards of living in Latin America as well as one of the highest literacy rates - 95%.

Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of the Americas for its peaceful political climate. It boasts over 100 years of democracy, and has the oldest and most stable democratic government in Latin America. In fact, Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949 in order to channel funds previously devoted to the military into national medical and educational programs.

Moreover, Costa Rica also boasts one of the world’s longest life expectancy rates – 77 years. In fact, a recent NBC News article noted that male residents of the Nicoya Peninsula (where our four Costa Rica real estate offices are located) reach the age of 100 four times more frequently than men in the United States, despite the fact that their medical expenses are only about 7% as much!

As a result, one researcher calls the Nicoya Peninsula a “blue zone” where a diverse set of factors interact to foster longevity and health. Residents enjoy year round access to outdoor physical activities, a healthy diet of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish, and a fabulous dry climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Pura Vida indeed!

The North Pacific, or Gold Coast, of Costa Rica offers some of the globe’s most stunning scenery, with world-class beaches and a multitude of physical activities. Swimming, surfing, sailing, fishing, golfing, diving, kayaking are just some of the options. Picture yourself jogging along the white sands of stunning Flamingo beach each morning, finishing your exercise with a dip in the warm waters of the Pacific, and then heading off for a healthy breakfast of fresh tropical fruit and wonderful Costa Rican coffee.

And enjoying the Pura Vida lifestyle does not mean you have to relinquish all modern conveniences. We have modern banking facilities, with four national banks and about twenty private banks. Scotiabank, Citibank, G.E. Capital and H.S.B.C. are all represented. Many of these banks offer online banking services, investment vehicles, credit and debit cards, and mortgages. The roads are improving every year, high speed internet and cable t.v. are readily available, and Tamarindo (about 10 minutes from Flamingo, Conchal and Potrero beaches) will soon be home to a luxury supermarket where you can enhance your wholesome fruit and fish diet with everything from wasabi to imported chocolate to fine wine.

It’s no wonder that individuals from around the globe are investing, relocating and retiring in this unique country. Modern accommodation is common in most areas, with prices for Costa Rica real estate ranging from $125,000 for a basic condo to $500,000 for an ocean view condo. For the true luxury-seeker, homes and condos priced from $1 million or more feature the finest finishing and views on the planet. Imagine purchasing a quality, concrete constructed, air-conditioned, well-appointed condo for under US$200 per square foot (US$1,800 per square meter), or a jaw-dropping ocean view or beachfront penthouse with every imaginable luxury for US$300 - $400 square foot (US$2,700 - $3,600 per square meter).

Perhaps you’d prefer to build your own dream villa? Construction costs are dependent on factors such as finishing, materials and floor plan. However, a touchstone for building a North American or European quality home is US$80 - $100 per square foot in the capital, San Jose, or US$100-150 per square foot at the beaches. Costa Rica lot prices vary widely depending on size, location and amenities. Please consult one of our RE/MAX professionals about lot options.

Costa Rica real estate not only offers amazing investment potential, but also the opportunity to improve your quality of life. Contact us now to arrange for your private real estate tour and embark on your new Pura Vida lifestyle here in amazing Costa Rica!