When Erin Van Rheenen was three years old, her parents moved the family from their native Oregon to Nigeria for a two-year Peace Corps stint. Since then Erin has been fortunate to live outside the U.S. for extended periods of time—in Ireland, Ecuador, Mexico, and Guatemala. She answered Costa Rica's call in 2002 and found a second home where she could put down roots. Currently, she spends time in both California and Costa Rica.

If you're ready for a new life, consider Living Abroad in Costa Rica. This Moon book delivers indispensable advice for anyone contemplating planting roots in foreign soil or just purchasing a second home in an idyllic location. The author has homes in California and Costa Rica, so she can tell you what to expect when you wish to join the thousands of North Americans who have found new life in retirement here.