Retiring to Nicaragua...smart for investors?

Retiring to Nicaragua

If you contemplate retiring to Central America and are a bit of a risk taker, look at retiring to Nicaragua.

In contrast to Costa Rica, next door to Nicaragua...the country of Nicaragua has the lowest standard of living in Central America.

But you also have the same climate and scenery for a fraction of the cost compared to Costa Rica.

What is the risk? Being a poor country will make socialistic policies more attractive to the local electorate...hence ex Sandinista Daniel Ortega was elected president in 2007.

The current political climate

Although socialist by background, Ortega is a realist, he is close to the failure that is Cuba...and is trying to attract foreign investors.

Despite its poverty, Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in Central America. The capital of Managua is becoming more cosmopolitan with fine restaurants opening regularly.

What this means to you

At least on the Pacific side you have the same natural beauty as the neighbor to the south, Costa Rica. But because the name Ortega might scare some, it means that real estate is much cheaper in Nicaragua. If you as a retiree feel this is a bargain on the ground...potential profits await.

This is not for everyone, but maybe right for you.

Granada, colonial charm

Granada, becuase of its colonial nature and architecture, is becoming popular with retirees from Europe and the US. Real estate is cheap with many homes being renovated to the look of its past glory. Granada was founded in the 1500's.

Conclusion

Nicaragua is a country for those who would like the opportunity to say, "Yeah, I bought in 2010, my home is now worth 4 times what I paid for it." You have that potential in Nicaragua that you would not have in Costa Rica, your neighbor to the south.

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