However, many middle class Americans are finding that their hard-earned cash just doesn’t go as far as it used to in desirable markets that have been flooded with investors, tourists and a growing population. In fact, areas that were potential goldmines just 15 years ago, such as Florida, California and Hawaii, are now almost completely out of reach for the average income earner.

This desire to invest in real, tangible properties combined with the slowing of real estate and land appreciation in North America has led an increasing number of potential investors to look abroad. One location invariably comes up again and again: Costa Rica.

Bordered by both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and brimming with an ecosystem envied the world over, Costa Rica has evolved from a third-world country to one of the world’s premiere tropical paradise destinations. With an incredible climate, political stability, comfortable lifestyle and business conditions favorable for foreign investors, it’s no wonder that so many are flocking to Costa Rica. In fact, the number of North Americans relocating to Costa Rica has tripled in the last few years alone.

Just how promising is the Costa Rican real estate market? Most properties are currently doubling in price between the time of purchase and development. Because 50% of the country is occupied by cities and farms, and another large portion is environmentally protected, the amount of property available for purchase is limited. And while these factors guarantee that the land will never become overbuilt, the result is a feeding frenzy over the remaining lots.

Despite the demand, real estate in Costa Rica is quite reasonable. In fact, a one-acre lot with a new 3-bedroom ocean view home currently sells for just $200,000. The prices are still attainable, though they won’t be for long. A family of four with a home and car can live quite comfortably in Costa Rica for just $1200-$1500 US per month. Investors moving to Costa Rica are often pleasantly surprised to discover that they can enjoy the same technologies and standard of living as they did in the United States – with lower property taxes, a tropical climate, excellent health care and a relaxed lifestyle.

Even those who choose to invest from the US and resell the property can enjoy Costa Rica as a vacation destination while their investment flourishes in just a short time. Concrete, lumber and building materials are readily available for new construction. Domestic help and construction labor are extremely reasonable. Costa Rica remains the most stable Central American country for investment and as more investors come to this realization, affordable properties are disappearing quickly.

Costa Rican real estate prices are appreciating so rapidly that property here will be out of reach for many in just a few years. We’ve seen this trend time and again in our American market; the time to invest is today!

by David Lovendahl, Costa Vista Marketing