During a recent conversation with John, a retiree who has lived in Costa Rica for over four decades, he shared his thoughts on what makes Costa Rica stand out as a safe haven in Central America, especially when compared to neighboring countries like Mexico and Colombia.
John’s Take on Mexico: “Mexico is a country with an incredible culture and a large expatriate community, especially from the U.S. and Canada,” John began. “It’s estimated that over a million Americans live there, many of whom are retirees. However, the reality is that Mexico’s safety situation is precarious, to say the least. Even though most expats don’t experience violent crime firsthand, the pervasive violence is hard to ignore.”
He pointed to the grim statistics: “Since 2006, organized crime has claimed over half a million lives, and more than 100,000 people have vanished without a trace. That’s not something you can easily overlook when considering where to settle down.”
John recounted a chilling story that recently made headlines: “In Acapulco, five dismembered bodies were found scattered on a street. One of the victims was actually a candidate for a town council seat. The violence is just on another level. And it’s not just isolated incidents—this kind of brutality is, unfortunately, a part of life in many areas.”
When asked about safety in general, John noted, “There’s also a real danger for those who speak out. Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. When you add up the kidnappings, political assassinations, and daily reports of violence, it paints a very troubling picture.”
Reflecting on Colombia: Our conversation then turned to Colombia. “Colombia is an absolutely stunning country, with so much to offer in terms of culture and natural beauty,” John said. “But its past—and even its present—has been shaped by violence. The country has seen decades of conflict, and while it’s made progress, the scars of that history are still visible.”
He touched on Colombia’s turbulent history: “Back in 1948, the assassination of a liberal leader, Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, led to years of civil unrest. And then there’s the FARC, a guerrilla group that, for many years, funded its operations through kidnapping and drug trafficking. The conflict has left millions of victims in its wake.”
John was quick to point out the ongoing challenges: “Even now, there are multiple factions that still use the FARC name. The violence isn’t as widespread as it once was, but it’s still a factor. And let’s not forget that Colombia’s current president, Gustavo Petro, was once part of a guerrilla group himself. That’s a complex history to live with.”
Why Costa Rica Stands Out: Finally, we circled back to Costa Rica. “Costa Rica is like an oasis of peace in this part of the world,” John said with a smile. “The country’s motto, ‘pura vida,’ isn’t just a saying—it’s a way of life. Since abolishing its military in 1948, Costa Rica has focused on peace, democracy, and human rights. There’s a reason why so many Americans, including myself, have chosen to retire here.”
When asked about recent concerns regarding crime, John was candid. “Yes, there has been an increase in crime, largely due to drug trafficking. Costa Rica’s location makes it a convenient transit point for traffickers, but the government, with help from the U.S., is working hard to tackle this issue. It was a wake-up call for the country, but I’m confident that it will be addressed.”
He paused, reflecting on his decades in Costa Rica. “No place is perfect, and I’m not saying Costa Rica is without its challenges. But after 40 years here, I can honestly say that I’ve never felt unsafe. The people are warm and welcoming, the natural beauty is unmatched, and the commitment to peace is real. That’s why Costa Rica remains one of the top destinations for retirees—and I think it will stay that way for a long time.”
As our conversation wrapped up, it was clear that John’s deep connection to Costa Rica was shaped not just by the country’s safety, but by the quality of life it offers. “There’s a reason why so many people choose to call Costa Rica home,” he concluded. “And safety is a big part of that decision.”
