Why do so many people leave Costa Rica?

Summary
A proportion of the expats who set up a new life and buy real estate in Costa Rica leave after a few years. Why is that? Here are a few reasons why.

The ‘Never contenters’
You can often spot these ones early on. Either they are lamenting the good old days before all the gringos spoiled it for everyone, or alternatively they are sure that their lives will be infinitely happier once that road is repaved, or when the whatever is fixed, or the new cinema is finished. Or if they could just get those waitresses to walk a bit faster. ‘The Tamarindo shuffle’ My personal outlook is that I am content with what we have. In the mid 1990s I liked it, and now I like it too.

The plan was only ever a 3 or 5 year, or just a vacation home

I would say this is the biggest category. A lot of expats are not taking a forever decision and their return home is part of the plan. Nothing wrong with this at all, actually it makes the moving to Costa Rica decision easier if you can think that it is just for a certain period while you decide. Many choose to stay longer.

Didn’t do the research, didn’t take the time
In my video about ‘8 things I wish i knew before I bought’ (link below) I stress the need to take your time, do your research, and spend some time in Costa Rica before you buy. It may be cultural differences with the latin people, cost of living.

Change in circumstances at home
This is a big category too, either because of an elderly relative, or the children’s schooling, or a health issue

Victim of crime, relationship break up
A sudden unexpected event such as being a victim of crime, or having a relationship breakup sometimes causes people to pack up and go home. Crime does happen but fortunately it is rare, (though this depends where in the country you live) and violent crime even more rare

Boredom, lack of stimulation
Busy people who move to Costa Rica suddenly find a lot of time on their hands. This is good because a visit to the bank can take a couple of hours sometimes. But seriously it is important to find like minded people, join groups, take up sports
Not happy here, not happy there.
There is definitely a subsection of residents that is not happy deep down inside, so wherever they are geographically they will never be content. They move looking for something missing, but what is missing is within.

[puravida]

Your points were right on point! I truly enjoy every aspect of Costa Rica. I have been a permanent resident full-time and homeowner in Playa Hermosa, for 7 years. The most positive point I personally learned is patience! I am single, and have seen at least half of my married expat friends in Costa Rica divorce. The beauty and flirtatious nature of Ticas doesn't help.

[RemcoPerla]

Thanks for the video. Nice living room, looks very nice the white with the red couch!

[BloggingMoneyLife]

Thanks for sharing. My wife and I are moving down at the end of June.

[WeAreTheOrofinos]

Your videos are great and super helpful!

[reneekavescanszky]

Thanks so much for your video. We have just gone under contract in Junquillal. We still will have property here in the states so it's not a total commitment just yet but loving to swim and being by the beach makes sense instead of enduring cold winters and indoor chlorinated pool. I'm going to watch as many videos as I can of yours before making that wire transfer!

[calicocookietv]

I would probably never leave if I went there. I wouldn't care if the waitress is slow or the road is not perfect. It's better than anything in the U.S. I've been wanting to leave the U.S. for a while lol

[jenniferkurt]

I was hesitating to watch your video because usually these videos are very draining and negative but I really have to say you kept it so nicely and neutral in your point of view. I like it :)

[RobertWilliams-mbjb]

Some people are not happy no matter where they are.

I've been in Costa Rica for almost 11 years and enjoy living here.

But there are people not happy no matter where they are. I lived a lifetime in southwest Florida. People would move there and complain that things weren't like where they came from. When reminded that Interstate 75 had as many northbound lanes as southbound lanes they tended to shut up.

[greenbeauties]

true, if you are at peace with yourself then you are happy wherever you go.

[FifthKnowledge]

I saw something similar in Thailand. People would think the green trees, blue water and white sands would make them happy. They were surprised when they announced they felt lonely after three days. But I would point out they have water and trees in their own country so if they don't have friends here why should they not feel lonely here too?

[emmawallingford]

Hey Richard! I met you in tamarindo last week. Thanks for these videos. Would love to ask you some questions about moving

[SH-vibp]

I think the smartest thing individuals or couples should do before making any investment in Costa Rica is renting. Many parts of the country are attractive so exploration is a requirement. The decision to live near the beach or nearer the cooler mountains or larger population centers should be weighed. Living day to day, dining out and making contacts is also very important. I am lucky in that my wife is Costa Rican, well educated, connected and knowledgeable. She is still at the top of her game even at 68+. We have purchased and sold lots, a house, have built a house and are building another 15 km from Jaco. Speaking the language is a must IMO.

[jossugonzalez]

I think the main problem is the kind of retirement you want...I don't know who invented the idea that a retirement should be to live in a super hot beach surrounded by peasants...there, you will end up bored, drinking beers all day and mixing with wrong characters...but if instead, you go to live in a city, try the challenge of learning a new language, a new culture and ¿why not?...having a new partner...first, you'll save tons of money because everything is way less expensive and second you'll feel that your life has not ended and you will continue living...

[joelmadrid]

"PANAMA RELOCATIO N TOURS! WITH JACKIE!🙋 😊👍 ❤👈"

[nestormatos]

In general life is good in CR except for two things attorneys and real estate people, here for 20 years and loving it.

[dr.julianataylor]

Times have changed in the U.S., we are developing patience...nothing gets done here since Biden...There might be a more permanent population coming soon.

[anamarcelaavendanomassey]

You was free to come and free to leave as well. I hate these kind of comments from you all "Americans" that think you are the last Coke in the dessert.

[dantechersi]

inside need to find contentment and real happy otherwise no eny place happy ...so if inside mind body soul you normal free from atachment to good annd bad then Costarica perfect place thailand perfect place bali perfect place

[henry]

At least you don't recommend doing bogus PCR test, as before. If the crime rises in CR, it will lose all attractiveness. Low crime is the only attractiveness compared with other places in LA. There are other Latin American countries much cheaper but crime is an issue. This video makes sense.

[danielbarbieri]

So why real estate is so crazy expensive and prices always growing ?