New roots, old values: A northern identity overseas

The increasing number of Canadians choosing to make Costa Rica home is indicative of an increased demand across the board for the marriage of natural beauty with high lifestyle quality. Lured by the allure of a slower pace, cleaner air and year-round greenery, these expats are learning that comfort needn’t mean compromise — that your Canadian values can be exported to an entirely different culture.

The change can be surprisingly easy for what it’s worth. There are legal immigrant processes, such as the Pensionado or Rentista programs, that can make residency possible for people with steady income or savings. And as a result, many retirees, freelancers and young families are making their lives in Costa Rica. Social networks and online forums for Canadians living abroad provide connection and practical advice, from finding health care to opening a bank account.

It's all about community, that's the key. Although there is a language barrier, most locals are friendly, and language classes are readily available. In expat-heavy locales, Canadians living in Costa Rica often congregate together, coordinating fundraisers, eco-initiatives and holiday parties that reflect home traditions, albeit with a twist of the tropical.

Health care is another expat’s benefit they frequently mention. The high expectations of Canada’s publicly funded system are met in Costa Rica with care that is both accessible and affordable through public and private providers. Doctors in expat-heavy areas often have bilingual practices, making it easy for newcomers to settle in.

The most revolutionary part, however, may lie in the personal. For lots of the sesquicentennial Canadians living here, the slower pace, the daily proximity to nature and the emphasis on “pura vida” nurture a sense of balance that’s difficult to maintain in the rat race of a country that most of us hail from. It’s not so much an escape as an evolution — a chance to live with intentionality amid beauty, but also with a connection to what is most important. 

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