The retirement journal

Answers before you pack.

Cost-of-living breakdowns, healthcare guides, residency updates and honest expat stories — written by people who already made the move, not by a tourism brochure.

GeneralJuly 28, 2026 · 10 min read

How to buy property in Costa Rica: A step-by-step guide for foreign investors

Learn how to buy property in Costa Rica with this expert guide, covering legal steps, financing, and smart investment tips.

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General· 11 min read

The comprehensive guide to choosing Costa Rica retirement communities

Discover how to choose among the top Costa Rica retirement communities with this guide for a perfect lifestyle change.

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General· 8 min read

How to buy a beach house in Costa Rica: A comprehensive guide

Learn how to buy beach house Costa Rica properties securely with our professional guide for foreign real estate investors.

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General· 10 min read

A comprehensive guide to the cost of living in Costa Rica

Discover the cost of living in Costa Rica and if $2,500 a month provides the lifestyle you seek for your next move.

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General· 8 min read

A comprehensive guide to gated communities in Costa Rica

Discover why gated communities in Costa Rica are the best choice for a secure, luxury lifestyle in a tropical paradise.

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General· 8 min read

A complete guide to buying beachfront property in Costa Rica

Secure your beachfront property Costa Rica with our expert guide to legal titles, coastal regions, and investment success.

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Small forested island in a calm Guanacaste bay

Residency· 9 min read

Costa Rica pensionado residency in 2026: requirements, timeline, and what's changed

The retiree visa, explained by people who've been through it: the $1,000/month rule, the document checklist, realistic timelines, and the updates worth knowing this year.

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Family walking together along a wide Guanacaste beach

Expat Stories· 8 min read

We retired to Guanacaste from Ohio: our first year, honestly

Linda and Tom sold the house in Dayton at 63 and 66. One year into Playa Potrero life, they told us what went right, what went wrong, and what they'd do differently.

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Swimmers in the clear calm water of a Guanacaste bay

Healthcare· 10 min read

Healthcare in Costa Rica for expats: CAJA, private care, and what we actually pay

The healthcare question kept us up at night before we moved. Ten years later, here's exactly how CAJA works, when we go private, and what both cost in Guanacaste.

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Hillside view over a Guanacaste beach town and the bay

Cost of Living· 9 min read

Cost of living in Guanacaste 2026: our real monthly budget, line by line

After ten years retired on this coast, here's what a comfortable month actually costs a couple — rent, groceries, healthcare, the car, and the honest surprises.

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