Costa Rica was the first country to make a focused effort to attract American retirees and second home buyers. Costa Rica now competes with dozens of countries that are vying for the attention of American retirees considering living overseas. Here's how to determine whether Costa Rica could be the right retirement spot for you.

Before choosing Costa Rica for retirement, spend extended time in the country. There is a rainy season from May through November when rainfall is regular and sometimes dramatic. All-day rains are not common, but rain can fall hard and quick enough to create flash flooding and wash out roads. If you're considering life in one of this country's beach towns, which often sit at the end of unpaved roads, this is an important consideration, as access can be a challenge some months of the year. On the other hand, the rainy season has advantages. There are far fewer tourists during the rainiest months, and prices are lower.

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