After looking at Bali, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico and Panama, we felt that Costa Rica had so much more to offer us. The country is incredibly beautiful, travel is easy, and the people are wonderful. There are many micro climates to suit individual needs and an abundance of things to do. In 1949 the country abolished their army and invested all their money into education and health care and, today, have a well educated, healthy and happy population. Recent surveys show that Costa Ricans are one of the happiest people in the world. Costa Rica has a very low crime rate compared to other countries in Central and South America. They also have a longer life expectancy because of the lifestyle they live - Pura Vida!
The Pacific Highlands where we live is the heartland of Costa Rica with truly awe-inspiring coastal and mountain views, stunning sunsets, year-around weather in the seventies, historic culture, and wonderfully warm people. And San Ramón is the ideal central location for us to easily go to the airport, beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and hot springs as well as cultural attractions like San Jose's Little Theater Group and the infamous Teatro Nacional.