The upcoming elections in the United States have generated a lot of controversy, and we’ve all heard different people stating they will move to Costa Rica or elsewhere should Trump or Hillary, (depending on each particular political preference), gets elected, some may say this just to say it or as a joke, but many actually mean it.

Although this may come as good news to the Costa Rican real estate market, this is not something new, and who knows if in fact the outcome of the elections will actually drive more U.S. citizens to Costa Rica. The truth is that many have already found good enough reasons to make Costa Rica their new home.

According to stats by the Costa Rican Institute of Statistics and Census as of 2011 there were a total of 16,514 immigrants from the United States living in Costa Rica, this number grew from 9,511 in year 2000. Out of the 16,514, almost half are under 29 years of age and 19% of the total are retired, the majority live in Escazú, Santa Ana, Pérez Zeledón, Alajuela, and Santa Cruz in Guanacaste. These numbers obey to those U.S. immigrants that have legal residency in our country. Yet according to a recent study (2015) by the U.S. Department of State: “It is estimated that approximately 100,000 private American citizens, including many retirees, reside in the country and more than a million American citizens visit Costa Rica annually”.

In regards to this topic, real estate professionals at RE/MAX mentioned “Costa Rica continues to grow in popularity among North Americans looking to live abroad, there’s a number of reasons for this, those that settle in Guanacaste usually are either retired couples that want to live in a warm weather and relaxed environment, more close to nature. Others come with the idea of investing here. Costa Rica’s healthcare system and premium real estate also make it a prime destination for savvy investors and retirees”.

Regardless of the results of the U.S. elections, Costa Rica is and will continue to be a country that offers many advantages for foreigners looking to relocate.