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First things first - I moved when Obama got re-elected (against all odds).  I'm not sorry.  loved Trump, but am happy here.  Now that I see what is happening in the states with Biden and the democrats, not a chance in Hell I'd move back - I truly expect a civil war.  I've been here for 8 years now.  I don't live in a city or even a town.  I live in the mountains near a small village.  Between my bad Spanish and natives with some English and American speaking neighbors communication is not difficult (charades experience comes in handy).  I have my hobbies and I'm retired.  I can amuse myself so entertainment is not a problem.  I have a box for my TV so as long as I have internet, I'm fine,  The natives are usually friendly.  Having to deal with government is not fun, but after you are settled, at least you don't have to deal with them all that often.

I find the cost of living to be less than what I was paying in the states and I moved from Northern Nevada near Carson City.  I was already on the edge between rural and suburban.  I like having a lot of space between me and the next property.  It's quiet here.  Lots of birds, flowers, butterflies, etc.  You don't pay taxes here on what is earned outside this country and that's a big plus..  Speaking for myself, I can live on social security and use my other sources of income for traveling and buying higher ticket items that might be needed or repairs on the house. 

Humidity is my biggest problem.   It tends to make things not last as long.  Plus, all my life I lived in arid areas, so big change.   If you are moving from the states I suggest you buy all your electronic gadgets and appliances in the states as they are way more expensive here (if even available)  My son visits me a couple of times a year and I have a running list for care packages he brings with him.  I have a problem with mail so everything I get is sent to the states and then he brings what I want when he comes - this also goes for anyone visiting me.

I am not sorry I moved here.  Where you pick to settle depends on your own desires.  I don't like the city (but there is more to do there).  I prefer rural areas, with less neighbors and less noise and more space.

I have the national health coverage and it's cheaper than it was for medicare in the states and covers more.  I found doctors who speak English and if for some reason a specialist I need doesn't, I bring a friend to translate for me.  I have a fabulous attorney and she is also fluent in English,.

What made you move to CR? 1000 different reasons but here is one........ 1. The USA doesn't even closely resemble the Country built on the Values it once stood for.

   I immigrated to the USA from South Africa 35 years ago *(a lot different) now the USA is a bunch of entitled crybabies competing in the "WOKE" Olympics, for who is the biggest victim. Just so they can have a valid opinion in the eyes of the woke mob.

1.NO

2. Not sure this is a question.

3. 100% correct

4. Learn Spanish or you will feel like you don't belong.

5. Work, Friends, Hobbies.....just like anywhere.

USexpat707,Just with your question # 3,you know Costa Rica like the back of your hand! 'Fess up ! How long have you really lived here ? With you gringos,your favorite thing to say is"Let's do lunch".Which is interpreted as just a mere expression as in"hello or Goodbye" or some other insincerity like, Pura Vida....

We are Canadian and part of it was the brutal winters.  Checked out Mexico and Belize for five years and could not see us in either. Fell in love with Costa Rica. Bought property in 2010 built in 2013, moved in 2014.  We have integrated ourselves with the locals and it is a good retired life.

I had to laugh because I also looked into Belize as on paper, it was the perfect place for me.  They speak English there and use USD so no conversions with money.  However, after going there a couple of times, I just didn't find anything that made me think I'd like living there.

@Ginger - please share more details about Belize -  esp the difference between "paper" and "reality". Thanks

Which part of Costa Rica are you in?  What is a good telephone provider?  Eddie

Well, on paper, everything matched up.  Language, money, Central America jungle living.  The reality was nothing appealed to me to stay there or spend more time there.  It left me cold, whereas CR was inviting to me in spite of the changes I'd have to make.  Property was more expensive there and I knew I needed to have a custom home built.  I kept to my American standards for space.  I had brought new kitchen appliances from the states because they are a lot cheaper there.  Made them look like they were used (no packing stuff or boxes) so taxes wouldn't be a problem.  I did look into Panama because they had some enticing incentives to move there  but when I was there, it looked dirty to me and worse, it had the highest humidity of all Central America.  Also I looked into governments and wanted one that was democratic and not likely to become a dictatorship and where my money would be safe.  I also looked up the demographics to be sure I was going to be comfortable.  I didn't want sharia law to become an issue like it is in the states.  I may be a bit old fashioned, but I believe if you move to another country, it's you that needs to adapt to their culture, not them that need to change for you.

I am in a small village (just outside actually) called LaFlor de Chiteria.  It's near (4km) of Tres Equis and about a 45 min drive to Turrialba.  I don't have a land line, just a cell and I pay as I go - I have no need for a plan.  I use Kolbi and am satisfied with them.

Hola, I've had an itch to move to C.R. since my first trip there in 1987. The pueblo I live in now didn't even have electricity back then.Went back several times on surf explorations/ fishing trips in the 90's. The reason I immigrated here in 2001 was I was very much in need of a radical life change, a dead end career, and a failed marriage/divorce .I've never regretted my decision / never looked back,,,Pura Vida...

Good cell providers and good internet providers all depend on where exactly you live. A half a mile away can make a huge difference. Just like how Costa Rica has microclimates, they also have Micro service areas for internet and phone. So you have to look specifically in the exact area your house or home will be in order to know how the internet or phone will be there.
At least that's how it is in the San Ramon area. At the beach it could be different.

When I lived in Escazu Tigo had great high speed and cable service but as we here in most post it was not cheap as is electricity

I now live in the mountains of Puriscal and we are on dial up service with no Cable Tv unless you get satellite. They say high speed and cable tv is coming soon as they say the Highway 239 will get paved

As other have said research the area before planting roots to see if the weather, utilities and area will fit your lifestyle