Living in Samara, Costa Rica is probably a little different than visiting. This is a small town with a focus on tourism and travel. However, there are many westerners buying real estate for investment or retirement. Samara is not well known by the international travel community. However, it is finding its way on the travel map. Looking to live in Costa Rica? Samara might be the right place for you.

Living in Costa Rica, however, is a little different from living in a western nation. Despite the fact that it surpasses other Latin American countries, Costa Rica is not without its issues. The biggest issue in the Latin world is the red tape that needs to be sorted. It's not only in Costa Rica that this problem exists. It is a Latin problem. Although, in some Latin countries it is worse than in others. Costa Rica has been identified as one of those countries where the red tape (and even the bribery) are not as problematic, but it still exists.

If you are patient and have the ability to diplomatically pursue what you want, then a Latin American country, such as Costa Rica, might be the right choice for you. In fact, Samara might be a great choice.

The services in Samara are more limited than its northern neighbor, Tamarindo. However, if you own a car, this might not be a problem.

To the north, near Tamarindo, there are several public schools for your children. Tamarindo has an international school that includes grades kindergarten through 12. And, there's a U.S. accredited boarding school in Escazu near San Jose.

The cost of living in Costa Rica is a little bit less than in a western country. However, it is not as inexpensive as some might believe. A healthy budget for a family would be about US$1,500-2,000 per month. Foreigners do not pay taxes on income that they receive from foreign sources. The cost of living is also impacted by the fact that Samara and the surrounding area are an international tourist destination which can drive up prices. Similar to smaller towns throughout western nations, it costs more to purchase goods because the big box stores don't exist in these small travel destinations.

Samara Costa Rica Real Estate

Real estate laws are different in Costa Rica than in your home country. It is important to find a reputable real estate agent and a good lawyer, when buying real estate. Be sure to find a lawyer that is independent of your realtor to ensure that your purchase is legitimate. Research the property that you are buying. It's best to talk to neighbors and people who have lived in the area for awhile. It is a good idea to understand property title guarantees so that you don't buy a property that doesn't have a legal title.

Rent Before You Leap

Moving and living in another country is not always what it is cracked up to be. I lived in Mexico for several years and found that I could not deal with the red tape, the bribery and the manana syndrome that is prevalent in Latin countries. Before you sell everything you own and move to Costa Rica, try it out first. Rent a condo or an apartment for a significant period of time. Test the waters, so to speak, before you commit. It is much easier to sell real estate in California than in Costa Rica. You may own your Costa Rican home for many years longer than you care to live there for. So, don't make a mistake. Try it out first.

Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica is a travel destination known for its white sand beaches and as a surfers paradise. An increasingly popular travel destination, Nicoya offers some terrific centers for surfing, sport fishing, scuba diving and sea kayaking. Well-known places like Playa Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo attract a growing international tourism.