Costa Rica has so many things going for it, that it is hard to describe them all in one short article. But that isn't likely to stop me from trying.
Activities
You can do just about anything you want to do in Costa Rica. The beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste Province in Northern Costa Rica are world renown for surfing and scenery, and an excellent place to catch some rays. Nature lovers and ecologists will like Costa Rica for its rain forests, whale watching, sea turtle nesting beaches, and a host of other natural wonders. People that have more urbane tastes will be able to fill their days with shopping or museum going, and their nights visiting the arts or clubbing.
Climate
Costa Rica supplies a wide variety of climates, from tropical rain forest to temperate valley to frigid foothills; you can have your decision. Visit this link of the population of Costa Rica lives in the central valley at elevations of 3000-5000 feet above sea level, where in fact the air is cooler and drier compared to the humid, tropical beaches. The beauty of Costa Rica is you could reside in the climate of your choice, but be only a short drive from the completely different climate. For example, you can live in the cooler, drier hills of Guanacaste Province and start to see the ocean and drive to the beach in no time.
Cost of Living
Many expatriates proceed to Costa Rica for the low cost of living. You can live very comfortably on $1500 per month, much less if your preferences are few. Housing, local food and services, and entertainment are lower in Costa Rica than almost every other developed countries. In case you are on a fixed income or Social Security, it is possible to live much better in Costa Rica than you could in the United States or Europe. Living on the Nicoya Peninsula you can have fresh produce from the farmer's market for a fraction of what it would cost you back. You can go one step farther and purchase your personal farm and increase your own food. As the necessities of life are inexpensive, the luxuries and most imports are pricey, due to high import duties imposed by the government.
Stable Government
The Costa Rican government is really a stable democracy with a history of excellent social programs and a pro business and development policy. The country welcomes tourists and immigrants, both for the revenue they generate and the income that they produce for the Costa Rican Nationals. The Government has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure program-building roads to remote areas, developing beachfront property, and promoting eco-tourism to preserve the country's natural beauty. In the Gold Coast region of Guanacaste, developers are building world class hotels and resorts, increasing property values in the complete region, as tourists and immigrants are realizing the attraction of the area.
Medical Care
Costa Rica has state of the art medical facilities in the major cities and modern clinics in many of the rural areas. Citizens have their selection of private insurance or taking part in the National Healthcare System, both of which are significantly less that comparable coverage in america. Liberia, in the Northern region of the country, has modern medical facilities which serve the residents of Guanacaste Province.
Easy Access
Costa Rica is in the same time zone as Chicago and Dallas, so jet lag isn't an issue for most Americans. With daily flights from two international airports, most cities in the US are less than a 6 hour flight away. Phone service and internet access can keep you touching family and business associates, so that you can talk to anyone whenever. You may be surviving in an exotic tropical paradise, nonetheless it can feel just like you're back (or can be, if you need to).
So, to sum up living in Costa Rica: Plenty to accomplish, great climate, cheaper to call home, friendly government, great health care, and easy to reach. Sounds like an excellent place to live. Because the Costa Ricans say, "Pura Vida" the 'pure life'. I can't argue with that.