29/10/2025
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚?
A Personal Journey That Became a Lifelong Love Story
For many North Americans, the dream of living in Costa Rica begins with a single visit — that moment when the tropical air, the sound of the ocean, and the warmth of the people leave an impression that never fades. For me, that journey began twenty years ago with my very first trip to this beautiful country.
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𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚
I first heard about Costa Rica from a man named Omar, who worked with me on the ranch. He had lived there for a while, married a Costa Rican woman, and often spoke fondly about the country and its people. Later, while selling real estate in Oregon, I met another couple who had lived on the Caribbean coast. Their stories sparked my curiosity — and before long, I booked my first trip for February 2005.
Back then, things were a little different. I went through a travel agent who arranged everything. My adventure began in San José, Costa Rica’s bustling capital. After a fascinating city tour full of culture and history, I was off to Tamarindo, a place that would later feel like home.
At the Barceló Resort in Langosta, I discovered the Costa Rica everyone dreams about — pristine beaches, warm ocean water, and an abundance of wildlife. I remember the monkeys swinging through the trees, the bright tropical birds, and the soothing sounds of nature.
A sunset cruise from Flamingo became one of my most vivid memories — calm seas, golden light, and an American expat captain sharing stories about his new life in paradise. I knew then that I’d be back.
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬
From there, I traveled north to Arenal, where I soaked in the Tabacón Hot Springs beneath the majestic volcano. The tropical plants, rising mist, and flowing rivers created one of the most relaxing scenes I’d ever experienced.
Then came Monteverde, where the cloud forest meets the sky. The cool air, enormous trees, and the call of toucans and quetzals made it one of the most magical places I’d ever seen.
When I returned to the U.S., I couldn’t stop thinking about Costa Rica. I read everything I could find — books written by expats who had already made the move — and soon returned to study Spanish in San José.
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬
What stood out most to me wasn’t just the landscape — it was the people. The Costa Rican spirit, or Pura Vida, is real. Locals seem happier, less stressed, and genuinely content with life. Even those with modest means carry a warmth and peace that’s contagious.
Over time, Costa Rica became more than a vacation spot — it became home. I met my wife here, and though we spent a few years back in Montana, the call of the tropics never left us. After enduring bitter winters and harsh winds, we decided to return for good.
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𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞
When we came back, we settled on the Central Pacific Coast, near Jacó and Punta Leona. We lived close to the beach, surrounded by rainforest alive with scarlet macaws, toucans, and playful monkeys. Once, I even saw an ocelot crossing the road — an unforgettable moment.
Life here is simple and fulfilling. Mornings begin with beach walks, afternoons end with breathtaking sunsets, and fresh tropical fruit from the farmers’ market makes healthy living effortless. There are no winters to endure — just a year-round invitation to enjoy life outdoors.
Of course, Costa Rica has changed since my first visit. Roads are better, communities are growing, and expats from across the U.S. and Canada continue to arrive — drawn by the same beauty and tranquility that captured my heart years ago. Yet, the essence of Costa Rica — its kindness, peace, and natural wonder — remains the same.
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Written by:
Brock Higdon
Founder, Costa Rica Law & Relocation
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