Buying my Costa Rican Investment Property - Part 2: Safe & Stable

So I'm leaving for Costa Rica in less than one week, to tour numerous properties that Compass Properties is listing, and pick one to buy as an investment.  I'm pretty excited about it, and I tell just about everyone about it.

When I do, a conversation often begins and I'm often asked what Costa Rica is like.  I'm then slightly embarrassed when I have to tell them that I've never been there before!  Still, that is the reason why I'm going - so I can tell people first-hand what Costa Rica is like.

But even now, I can share some important information with others about Costa Rica, as I have become quite "book-smart" about it.  Many people ask if it is safe.  From the things I've read, and the people I have spoken with who have been there, it is very safe.  I do often hear the naysayers state that crime has gone up - and they are correct.  BUT, you need to look closely at the details.  If you examine Costa Rica's crime statistics carefully, you'll see that violent crime levels are well below that of the US.  It's petty theft that has gone up.  So keep your wallet and other belongings close to you at all times.  So overall, Costa Rica is still a much safer place than many North American cities.  Of course, as a foreigner in Costa Rica you always have to be cautious - but that goes for any sort of travel. 

Many people also wonder about the government and economy in Costa Rica.  Is there a chance of civil war, bombings or guerrilla attacks?  Sorry to disappoint everyone, but it's just not that dramatic in Costa Rica.  Costa Rica has a democratic government, and they abolished their army decades ago, redirecting the military money to education and healthcare.  The results?  Peaceful, healthy people that have the highest literacy rate (96%) among all Central American countries, and the second highest per capita in the world.  Oooohhh!!  Scary!  Costa Rica isn't called "The Switzerland of the Americas" for nothing - and it's not because of their chocolate!

And as for their economy?  Costa Rica readily welcomes foreign investment for the primary goal of creating jobs for Costa Rican citizens.  Large US companies - like Walmart, Firestone, Glaxo Smith Kline, and others - have recognized that Costa Rica is a great place to base their businesses.  In fact, Intel has their largest manufacturing plant in Costa Rica.  If Walmart and Intel are in Costa Rica, why aren't you?

So overall, Costa Rica has all the elements that should make a traveler and an investor happy - stable government and economy that is safe to visit - and safe to invest in real estate.

And did I mention the beaches?  J  Pura vida!

Tiffany Wilson is a real estate investor and an International Real Estate Consultant for Compass Properties, with offices in US and Costa Rica locations.  She is passionate about Costa Rica and loves telling people all about it!  She can be reached at mailto:twilson@compasscostarica.net?subject=Costa%20Rica%20Information.  Check out Compass Properties website at http://www.compassproperties.net/ for more information on Costa Rica real estate opportunities.