Costa Rica first came on my map when I first heard the Pretirement talk. This is the spot that Shannon Ward spends her 3 months living large and learning to surf over the winter. It again became interesting when other friends of ours took their 2 kids (1 school aged) there for 6 weeks this spring.
With a low cost of living, notoriously friendly peeps and lots of mid-aged Canadian families spending over-winter time there, Costa Rica is definitely getting itself on the long term living map.
You can pick up this little property (2+acres) for a mere $150,000 US dollars. It has two fully furnished 3 bedroom houses, as well as 4 bungalows that need finishing. The bungalows, when finished, are rentable at least $700 a/w. You can rent out the “spare house” for more, or put the kids in there when they misbehave!
Power, double wells and only a few minutes from an amazing beach, and a variety of activities for your paying guests, Punta Uva is an awesome option for a family who wants a change of pace, and a bit of an adventure!
Schools: There are a variety of options available in the Punta Uva area with a choice of private and public schools. I like to keep my options open with education, understanding that I can always pick up a private tutor for various subjects, and remembering the opportunity the kids are going to have to learn about the new country and picking up various activities available (like surf school… come on!)
Money: We all know that if you can build and operate a business online, you have opened up your options & flexibility. I would suggest pretty-ing up this little spot, blogging your ass off about the process and getting it online as an awesome rental! Share, share, share your journey, and then make it an amazing experience when guests visit. With 4 bungalows on the rent over the winter, you can bring in a manageable income on this low cost of living island. Heck, they even have a craigslist there… with a bit of creativity and an open mind, I am sure something will become available!
Immigration: Visitors from Canada and the US can stay in Costa Rica for up to 3 months without a visa. After that point, you need to leave the country and then re-enter. The process for immigration is, of course, a little more involved, but this is, of course, something you should look into before packing up your suitcase and buying a new bikini! Find a good lawyer who understands the ins and outs of Costa Rica to help you with any investment purchases or immigration needs!
The Dream: If running a little jungle retreat appeals, this one is a steal. It needs some finishing, but it is in a tourist and resident friendly area of Costa Rica (which is a surprisingly inexpensive flight from Vancouver) If its your dream to hear birds chirping and raise little surfer babies while hubby wanders around in board shorts and a tan… this may be the one that gets you moving!
Yes, it is a leap of faith, but imagine the journey if you take it, and for this price tag… it won’t hurt too much if it is short term vs long!