In fact, if you are feeling the grind, it may be affecting your health: chronic stress can cause or aggravate anxiety, depression, substance abuse, heartburn, chronic pain, high blood pressure, ulcers ? the list goes on. Many Americans have discovered a way to put all this behind them. They've discovered a life where the pace of living is relaxed, and the worst day at the beach is better than the best day in the office.

They've discovered Costa Rica, land of "Pura Vida", where the locals enjoy life and take their time to celebrate it. Becoming more popular every year, this refreshing country is a lovely mix of local, North American, European and Argentinean cultures. The people are generally friendly and laid-back. The cost of living is 30 to 50 percent lower than most American cities and the stress levels are considerably lower.

With a well-developed health care system, good public education, a stable political situation and clean drinking water, Costa Rica is a very progressive country. In fact, Costa Rica was the first country to constitutionally abolish its army, disbanding it in 1948. It's also an environmentally blessed country: Costa Rica contains six percent of the world's biodiversity, and has 12 different climate zones to choose from. It's home to more than 850 species of birds, more than all of North America combined.

Owning property in Costa Rica is open to everybody ? foreigners have a legal and constitutional right to own property. In fact, if you don't want to live here full time it's not a problem - there is no residency requirement. You can rent your property whenever you like, and sell whenever you like. Financing is very easy to obtain and there are no capital gains tax for the average property owner. Although foreigners without a work permit are not allowed to work, you can own a business here, or enjoy your retired life. Those who do earn income here will enjoy the exceptionally low income tax.

So, if you've ever dreamed of getting away from it all, Costa Rica could be your answer. Time to make this dream a reality - It's easier than you think: Costa Rica is truly the land of the dreams, and it's surprisingly painless for Americans to make this place their home.

Posted by Dale Oderman on December 13, 2008 at 12:00 AM

About Dale Oderman
Dale Oderman is affliated with RE/MAX Alliance Realtors, which is located in Albuquerque, NM. For further assistance please use the contact information located on the right.




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