Originally from New York, my wife and I knew that retiring there wasn’t the best option for us. Warmer weather, fresher air, better quality of life, less expensive cost of living – these were just a few of the ideals we were hoping to achieve. We narrowed our “wish list” down to a few states and countries, including Florida, North Carolina, Panama, Jamaica, Ecuador and Costa Rica. (We picked those countries based on statistics where most North Americans retired.)

We compared not just cost of living, but all factors, including climate, stability of government, ease of banking and financial transactions, proximity to international airport,  residency requirements – to name a few. Then we made a list of things we absolutely had to have and things that would be nice to have, but were willing to do without. In every category, Costa Rica continually scored the highest marks, and the decision was made. Five years of research later, we finally made the move. We packed up 6 suitcases and our dog and bought a one-way ticket to paradise.  (You can read all about our journey in our blogs starting in May 2016: www.pathtopuravida.wordpress.com. )

For us, it was the best move we ever made. Nevertheless, Costa Rica, and in particular, the Guanacaste area, is not for everyone. This past year, we’ve been overwhelmed with requests and inquiries from friends and strangers alike about what it’s like to live here, how easy is it to relocate, etc. That’s why I started this business – not to sell Costa Rica as a new home destination, but rather, to provide honest and real-life experiences so that you can make an informed, intelligent decision if Costa Rica is right for you. Are you willing to learn Spanish? Are there “creature comforts” you are willing to live without? Do you need a lot of cultural activities? Can you leave your friends and family behind?

We’ll talk honestly about the pros and cons of living here, the exciting moments as well as the disappointments. Even though we did a lot of research and thought we were well prepared for our new lives here, there were still quite a few surprises. There is so much misinformation on the internet, including outdated web pages and incorrect advice from well-meaning people. That’s why we’ve partnered with experts in each field to ensure that you have up-to-date and relevant information.

This is an opportunity to share our knowledge and experiences with you. Whether you’re considering retiring to Costa Rica in a few years, or thinking of making the move this year, we’ll provide you with invaluable information that will help you make a decision that’s right for you and set you on your own Path to Pura Vida!

Sincerely,

Gary Elferis