Why We Moved to Costa Rica. Our Family Journey
Why Did We Move to Costa Rica?
So many of our friends and family members have asked us why we moved to Costa Rica, and how we decided to change our lives by taking this leap of faith. Here’s a glimpse of our journey to answer your questions, fill you in on the details and, hopefully, inspire those of you on a mission to FOLLOW YOUR HEART!
Now don’t get me wrong: this shit ain’t easy! We went through some pretty tough times before making the big move, grappling with the uncertainty and fear of having no clear road map for what we were supposed to do. It was the first time in our lives that we chose, as a couple, to listen to the deeper messages resounding inside us and make this decision, together, as a giant leap of faith. And thank goodness for the shitstorm we experienced before the move, because it made us that much more appreciative of the reality awaiting us up ahead.
My husband Rhett and I had visited Costa Rica four times before we really started to consider making it our home. There were several factors holding us back, and we had no idea how we would actually make it happen. Still, moving to Costa Rica had been a dream of ours forever, and we grew determined to explore the possibilities.
Two young kids, running a company, and fear of the unknown held us back the most. Yet, when we finally decided to follow our hearts and live our dreams, we left our careers and planned a month-long vacation to Costa Rica, where we would have a chance to test the waters and see if we were truly ready.
3 Intentions for Our TEST-IT-OUT Vacation to Costa Rica
Before leaving home, we got crystal-clear on our intentions for the trip.
Intention 1: First and foremost, we knew we were ready to decompress! We were burnt out from work, confused on what we wanted, feeling generally lost and out of control in our lives. We knew we needed this time to just let go of what we thought we were “supposed” to do and calm our nervous systems with a giant reset.
Costa Rica is a magical country. I have traveled to many places, but what makes this country different is the ease of being able to feel truly relaxed here. Among the abundance of nature, the welcoming culture and simply soothing “go-with-the-flow” atmosphere, there is no doubt that Costa Rica is a place for HEALING.
Intention 2: This trip was all about spending time as a family, just the four of us. At the time, our baby boy, Coast, was 10 months old, and our daughter, Mia, was almost four. There could not have been a more precious moment to gift our family this dedicated time with one another, for Rhett and I to reconnect as a couple, and to get to know our kids from dawn to dusk (and sometimes, even earlier and much later than that!).
Our life before the test-it-out trip consisted of the typical grind. With the everyday requirements of running our business, we didn’t see each other as much as we wanted, and we felt disconnected as a family unit. Needless to say, this was difficult, and was weighing on our wellbeing. The minute we made the decision to align our lives with our strong family values, recognizing what was most important to us, we knew right away that we needed a change. This was our chance. Our chance to move to Costa Rica!
Intention 3: We were finally ready to explore the idea of actually being able to call Costa Rica our home. We planned to visit five different destinations, each so different from the next. One of the reasons we love Costa Rica so much, is that there is such a variety of places to visit and so much to do in such a small country. We were excited to spend time in each of our destinations, and we arrived at this journey with zero expectations.
I could go on for hours about this topic, so stay tuned for more on this in my next blog post.
We embarked on this trip with completely open minds. We had no idea if we would actually be able to live in Costa Rica; there are many differences from what we were used to living in the states.
Are we okay with the bugs flying in our hair all day? The constant heat and humidity,and living with just one season all year long? The lack of US-style resources (Amazon, Target and other lifestyle conveniences)? Would we feel comfortable with the healthcare options available? How could we possibly leave everything we know? Is this completely crazy? …Can we really move to Costa Rica? There were so many questions spinning in our minds.
We figured that if we just enjoyed the month and took the time to clear our mental chatter, the answers would arrive naturally. This was our new way of living: trusting the process.
It only took us until about day 5 of our journey, when we both knew for 100% certain that we had to live here!
The Top 5 Reasons Why We Moved to Costa Rica
1. The Surf. Rhett lives for the waves. The ocean is his passion, his therapy and the place he feels most alive and free. Costa Rica has amazingly consistent surf, and seeing his face every morning (and afternoon and evening!) when he would come back from a surf session was enough for us to know. He would return inspired, energetically lighter, and back to his true authentic self – the guy I fell in love with 10 years ago who worked at Red Lobster and lived for the waves! He was back! For our family’s well being, we were certain that we needed to live where the surf was good.
2. The People. I don’t know about you, but we really like surrounding ourselves with nice people! Thank goodness that Costa Rica is full of them – seriously like the nicest people ever! The culture here is far from what we can even imagine after living our whole lives in the States. Everyone is so nice and so truly present. People look you in the eye, they ask questions because they genuinely want to know the answer, they help because they want to contribute to your wellbeing in their country, not because they’re just looking for a tip. Most days, we found ourselves looking at each other in awe of the heartfelt interaction we would have with strangers on the street, the server at a restaurant, or a new friend we met on the beach. Even though so many things were new to us, Costa Rica’s friendly people helped us feel so welcome, supported and comforted right away.
3. Pura Vida. Now this one you’ll have to come here to truly experience. Pura Vida is used in Costa Rica as ‘thank you’, ‘hello’, ‘you’re welcome’, ‘what’s up?’ and in many more ways. To us, pura vida means living fully in the moment; being totally present with whatever you are doing. Practicing gratitude. Never complaining. Loving what you do. It means integrity; being honest and loyal. It exudes confidence and sincerity, as it seems the people we meet here have nothing to hide. Everyone is so friendly, pleasant, kind, helpful, welcoming, genuine, and authentic – always laughing and having fun!
4. The Environment. In the vibrant nature of Costa Rica, everything you look at is beautiful. Breathtaking beautiful. From the lush green jungle roaring with wildlife, to the gorgeous empty beaches with consistent surf and bathwater-warm temperature, beauty lives on every horizon as far as the eye can see.
As a country known for its environmentalist reputation, respect for the wellbeing of nature is a priority taken seriously. You’ll see locals picking up trash, recycling and composting organic items. It’s refreshing to be a part of Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability.
Our Little Ones Play OUTSIDE all day, every day!
5. The Pricing Fairness. We love feeling like we’re getting charged fairly for quality services rendered. All the things we need here are a fraction of the price we pay in the US. Health insurance, veterinary appointments, pharmacy needs, housecleaning, childcare, great schools, dentistry, rent, and more.
To be totally honest, our family has never been happier. When we wake up in this paradise every morning, we still can’t believe our eyes that living this dream of ours is now our reality!
We would love to share more of our story about how we got here and the process of leaving our former life behind by banking on faith, and so much more. We will continue to fill you in with blog posts and Instagram stories (#crockettsincostarica), and sincerely we hope you come visit us soon!
Fill out the form below to comment, ask questions and please, keep in touch!
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What areas in CR did you consider moving to and where did you finally decide to move? I’m planning a trial move with my 4 year old in Novemberish (depending on travel restrictions)
Hey Tonja!
We toured the country in January and fell in love with the southern zone. We currently live in Ojochal-a bit south of Uvita. There are several great international private school options here and a ton of great families. Let’s connect when you arrive! Good luck and hope it is soon!
Did you guys become citizens? How do you deal with healthcare and schooling? It’s my wife and I’s dream to move to CR in the next few years. We just had our first baby. I’m 38 and she’s 33. Congrats on following your dream!
Hey Alex,
We are not citizens but we are working on it! Outlier legal services is a great page to follow regarding residency questions. We have a private plan wit BCBS and for schooling we are so fortunate to be near Uvita that has several great international school options. Thanks so much and hope you get to follow your dream too! Keep in touch!
Tiffany! Life is too short not to follow your dreams and heart! So happy for you all! Would love to visit! Much love to you…
Awww Deb thank you! Yes, we completely agree! Thanks for your sweet and supportive message! We love you and can’t wait for you to visit soon! You must do one of your next girls trips here! So fun my adventurous lovely ladies!
Hi Tiff. Wow. What an awesome adventure for your family. I’m super excited for you. What is your house like? Where do you live? What are your jobs? Do you still own the furniture store. I’m coming to visit!!!
Hey girlie!! We live in Ojochal, Southern Blue Zone of Costa Rica where the jungle meets the sea. We love it so much, it is a dream come true for us. We have a 2 bedroom house up a giant mountain in the middle of the jungle with a mind blowing view of the ocean. Yes! Please come visit soon, it is such an amazing place with so many different terrains and things to do! Keep in touch girl!
L❤VE that you are able to follow your dreams! Such a blessing to live a simple life with the ones you love, doing what you want to do! Looking forward to reading more blogs about love, life and laughter with the Crocketts!!!
Simple, love that word right now! You are so right about all of these things you wrote! Yes, we will continue to update you all, thanks so much Paula!!! Follow #crockettsincostarica. Rhett is way better at posting than I am 🙂
I am so proud of you my sweet daughter. To take a leap of faith like this shows how strong you you are. Your happiness is shining through your words and your genuine smile when we chat.
Can’t wait to come visit you and my beautiful grandkids in your new paradise💕
Thanks Mama for being there for me the entire way! The ups and downs and all arounds! I am excited to share my journey and know that I have your support! Love you!
Beautiful Tiffany, I’m so proud of you & your hubby! It takes a lot of courage to do what you did, but I
can see that you’ve never been happier! Raising happy children & living in paradise….what else could you ask for!! Enjoy & Pura Vida!
That is so nice to hear, I really appreciate your kind words! Thank you and yes, we agree completely! Such a great place for the kids especially! Take care and PURA VIDA!
Oh how I love Costa Rica!!!!
Isn’t it the best!! Come back soon!
This. All of it. What an amazing and fulfilling journey. I look forward to reading more! Thanks for sharing!🙏🏽❤️✌🏽
Thanks chica! Hope you are great!
I’m delighted to read about your sweet new life! Thanks for sharing. Sounds sublime!! I’m going to retire in 16 days and would LOVE to spend a month or so w the grands, C & J🌈❤️☀️PuraVida
16 days CONGRATS girlfriend! That is SO exciting as I know how much you have worked your cute little butt off! YES!!!! Bring everyone! It is magical here!!!
I am so happy that you and your family have found your “happy place”. I loved Costa Rica, but not those bugs! LOL
Oh man Jacquie I am not sure how you would roll down here. The bugs are NO JOKE! We would have to put you in some head to toe protective gear….lol!!! It would be worth it. I am amazed of how I have settled into the bugs, geckos on the walls, the whole jungle living is intense, but absolutely amazing!
This inspires me. So happy for you guys.
Thanks David! Hope you are all well!!
Oh Tiff….all of this is so beautiful! I can’t wait to follow you and your family on your new journey and season of life! Bless you 😘
Thanks love! Bless you!
I feel better and more at ease just reading about your story. Incredibly happy for you guys. Will have to pop down there sometime soon. Enjoy your new home
Well that is amazing! Thanks bud, miss you all tons! Hope you can come visit soon!
Amazing and so happy for you. I love Costa Rica.
So proud you followed your heart. Costa Rica is amazing
AWW so good to hear from you! I know you guys love it here too! Hope you can come visit soon!
Tell everyone I say hi!
God Bless you and yours for making the huge leap…..don’t look back, you aren’t going that way! I’m not telling Lucas about this though! Then again, I best do just that….he would love to do what you’re doing!
Thank you Karen!!! That is funny, tell him LOL!
So glad you found your happy place! It is a truly beautiful place to be.
Thanks Kris!!!! It’s SO beautiful! Everywhere you look! Come visit!
I’m so excited for you and your family. I’ve seen many of your pictures and never really noticed it has been a while since I have seen pictures that looked like maybe you were in Yuma. Now I know why 🙂 This is the coolest adventure EVER! Wow, just live in the moment, no regrets. The learning and experience for the kids will last a lifetime. Be safe, be happy, and just have fun!
Thanks Sandy! Such nice words and we so appreciate all that you have done for our family!
Yes! The kids are having such a blast and are SO healthy, and tan lol!
Hope you get to visit us!
Hello! My name is Chris and I’m 55….decided to get off the 30+ year hamster wheel of the Medical device/pharma industry running full bore, retire early, sell my home in San Diego where I’ve lived for 21 years and move to Costa Rica. Will be there in Uvita after restrictions lift! Look forward to meeting you!
Amazing!!! Such a great story! Making a great move!! We are from San Diego, a great place also!
Look forward to meeting you!
So happy for your sweet family. We have one life to live! We would love to visit you when the time is right.
So true! So many events this year that made us really learn and live the “one life to live” lifestyle! Great reminders if you listen! Love you guys! YES! Please come see us soon! We would be SO excited!
Congrats Tiffany, such an awesome life adventure! Very inspiring and your little fam is so gorgeous. I’d love to hear in your next post a little more about logistically HOW you guys are doing this! Are you running a biz/ working remotely? Did you buy or rent there? All because I’m planning a move like this in the future and would love to hear your experience!
Hello love!!! Thanks for the kind words! Your family too is just amazing! We will forever share the bond of our sons being born on the same day!!! Yes, I plan to share much more of the deets in my next post. We are working remotely on projects and renting for now. We should plan a time to chat further and can’t wait to hear more about your next adventure. In the meantime, come visit!!
What do you guys do for work there?
Hi Sonia,
We have remote jobs which we recommend!
Thanks for reading!