For many years, Costa Rica has been touted as one of the top retirement havens in the world. With a stable democracy, growing economy, government friendly to foreigners and tropical climate, as well as incredible natural beauty, it rightly earned the phrase, "the Switzerland of Latin America." Is this still true today? Is it as expensive as Switzerland? Are retirees still coming here? Should they still consider Costa Rica?

To many people, there appear to be less expensive retirement destinations such as Panama or Nicaragua. To others, Costa Rica has become too touristy. Still others believe Costa Rica is overrun with "gringos."

I want to debunk these notions, and others, and suggest that Costa Rica is still a terrific place to retire, or to start new life in if you are not yet retired, particularly if you choose your location and activities carefully.

I have been living in Costa Rica for about a year and a half but have been in and out the country frequently since 1989 and based my extensive travel throughout the country in conjunction with my "Boomers in Costa Rica Retirement Tours," I've found that there are still inexpensive areas in which to live, particularly if you stay away from the close-in suburbs of San Jose.

Take, for example, the wonderful city of San Ramon in Alajuela province, an agricultural town of 70,000, situated on the northwest edge of the Central Valley.

Home to three former presidents including "Don Pepe," who abolished the army in 1948 and set in motion the basis for today's robust democracy, San Ramon offers a peaceful environment in which to live yet it offers all of the services of a larger city including numerous supermarkets, a mall with a three-screen movie theater, numerous outstanding restaurants and warm, welcoming locals.

It is also only 40 minutes to the international airport in Alajuela, one hour to San Jose and 40 minutes to the Pacific Coast.

San Ramon also offers a wide variety of lots for building one's retirement dream home, either in the mountains which the "Tico Times" called "the Tuscany or Provence of Central America," or stunning ocean view properties in which one can see the Nicoya Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean and the bustling port city of Puntarenas.

Prices for land remain low with some lots as inexpensive as $15,000 for a one-quarter to one-half acre lot, to $75,000 for an incredible ocean-view lot on 2.25 acres. With another $60,000 to $75,000, you can have an incredible ocean view lot and house, complete with all the services you need, for under $200,000. Of course, there is more expensive property as well. If you decide you don't want ocean views, you'll pay even less, perhaps around $100,000 or so for a nice lot and home.

Property taxes are very low, only .25% of the registered value of your property. I paid $66 in property taxes for an entire year! The local government office even asked me if I wanted to pay my taxes quarterly!

If renting is more your style, you can still find nice two-bedroom, modest homes for rent for under $200/month. Low housing costs combined with very low prices on food and utilities makes San Ramon an excellent bargain.

The towns of Grecia, Sarchi, Atenas and Puriscal offer excellent value as well; you just need to know where to look or link up with an experienced and knowledgeable local or gringo to help you out.

I also eat inexpensively, perhaps a $1.50 for breakfast, $2.00 for lunch, and then I splurge for dinner, perhaps $4-6, and this is if I go out to eat! Of course, if you visit some of this country's wonderful outdoor markets, you'll find the freshest meats, fruits and vegetables, and can cook for yourself and spend even less.