Beach Hopping Down Costa Rica's Coast on My Social Security

Beach Hopping Down Costa Rica's Coast on My Social Security
By Kathy L. Hall

Can anything be better than trying out beaches for a lifestyle choice? I don't think so.

For the last year, I've been searching the world for the perfect place to spend my retirement years. At 64, I'm living off my Social Security benefits, so the search has been truly meaningful, but also laidback, as I'm having such a good time conducting this search.

In Costa Rica, I've dived in—literally—at a number of different beaches on the country's north Pacific coast over the past few weeks. And it's safe to say, there is something for every kind of beach lover along this coastline.

Each one has its own special flavor and all I've visited would offer a great retirement lifestyle. I'm personally seeking a developing beach town with a strong sense of community and lots of local flavor. With that in mind, here are some of my favorite beaches:

Playa Brasilito
I began my "research" in Playa Brasilito, a tiny town situated on a 1.2-mile long, nearly deserted beach. It is definitely on a growth curve with an 85-lot gated community under construction and is no more than a five-minute walk from the sea. And it's affordable with a furnished studio apartment renting for about $200 a month.

The town square occasionally hosts grazing horses as they wait for tourists to request a mount. ATVs are a big attraction in Costa Rican beach towns so legions of them often line up there as well.

There are several dining options, from authentic Tico (Costa Rican style) food, to gourmet offerings. I had one of the best meals of my life here; a Portobello mushroom and mozzarella quiche, accompanied by a huge side salad, and an ice cold mocha for $14. Another day, I split a huge appetizer of sumptuous sea bass ceviche with my friend for just $3 each.