Costa Rica Named Top Retirement Destination 2014

[Shannon Farley]

One of the biggest retirement dreams is moving to a sunny, warm place where you can relax, pursue hobbies and enjoy the “golden years” of life with no stress. Moving to a lower cost location, of course, helps stretch your savings. Having good quality health care available is also a top consideration.

In the Americas, Costa Rica continues to dominate the rankings for one of the most popular retirement destinations.

HelpAge International, an index that measures the wellbeing of older people, named Costa Rica fourth best for 60-or-older residents in Latin America, and at the top in Central America. Out of 91 countries worldwide, Costa Rica scored 28^th on the list, but its ranking in health care – second only to Chile in Latin America and above the USA – boosted the country to top status.

International Living Magazine selected Costa Rica as a top retirement haven for 2014, designating it as “among the best for health care.”

Costa Rica’s year-round warm weather and longtime political stability have made it a top retirement destination for more than 30 years. Infrastructure and services are well-established and high quality and very affordable medical care is readily available. You can become a legal resident as a retiree (pensionado) with a monthly income of $1,000 from Social Security, disability benefits, a pension, or other source. Only one person in a couple has to show that income; their spouse is included as a dependent.

On Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, away from the hubbub of busy tourist towns like Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Jacó – yet close enough to visit easily – is Portasol Rainforest and Ocean View Living residential community. The unique eco-community of pristine rainforest, clear streams, mountain ridges and sea views is perfect for retirees.

 

“Portasol is the perfect place for people to retire who want to contemplate and enjoy the physical and mental benefits that the tropical rainforest of Costa Rica offers,” notes owner Guillermo Piedra. “It is a place for people who are really nature lovers and who need or seek the peace that only this destination offers.”

 

Less than three hours from the capital city of San José, Portasol is 35 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park, 20 minutes from the Quepos Marina, and 15 minutes from the Quepos Airport (a quick flight to San José takes 25 minutes) and the Quepos Hospital. Dominical and the Ballena Marine National Park to the south are 15 minutes and 40 minutes respectively. The closest beach, Playa Matapalo, is 10 minutes away.

 

Take Portasol up on its “Fly and Buy” offer that lets you come and check out their properties for sale while you stay on site.

 

Article by Shannon Farley