With many ocean front properties in the US expensive, more Americans are turning their attention overseas and getting properties up to 70% cheaper than the US and better capital growth potential.

Not only this, but your Costa Rica second home is just 3 hours from the US and offers a fantastic lifestyle.

So why are Americans buying in second homes in ever increasing numbers?

Here are 10 reasons why:

1. Cost of Real Estate

The cost as we have seen is 70% less than in the US, making it affordable to a huge number of people, but buying a second home in Costa Rica offers something more:

2. Investment Potential

Average prices have risen 300% in the last 10 years and many investors in the right locations have doubled or tripled the money in a few years.

The future potential for the Costa Rican second home market looks good going forward as foreign investment soars and the economy booms.

Prices are on the increase and so to are rentals, as more tourists visit than ever before.

3. Costa Rica Is Cheap

Property is cheap and so are living costs.

You can live well on just $2,000 per month. Want to dine out? $12, fancy a full time maid? - $150 a month

4. Costa Rica Is Safe & Secure

The World Bank at its annual conference stated that Costa Rica was "one of the most stable and robust" democracies in Latin America and commented on Costa Rica's "healthy economic growth rate" and "some of the best social indicators" on the continent.

When buying a second home in Costa Rica its nice to know you are investing in a stable country, where you enjoy the same rights as residents and it has strong ties with the US.

This is not the case with many other Latin American countries, So Costa Rica offers peace of mind when investing.

5. Tax advantages

You gain significant tax advantages when buying a Costa Rica second home. The government wants investment and tax and red tape are kept to minimum.

6. It's Beautiful

Voted one of the top adventure tourist spots in the world, Costa Rica offers stunning beaches, the pacific the Caribbean, spectacular rainforest, hills, majestic mountains, awesome volcanoes and a huge amount of wildlife.

7. It's Close

Your Costa Rica second home is just a three hour flight form the southern US and the time difference is just 2 hours.

Proximity and ease of access from the US is a major reason for the influx of people buying second homes

8. Crime

Unlike many other Central American countries violent crime and drug wars are non existent and this low crime rate is a major factor for people coming Costa Rica

9. Its relaxed %& Friendly

With more and more Americans buying second homes in Costa Rica there is large expat community as well as friendly locals.

The pace of life is unhurried, relaxed and for those wanting a more peaceful friendly environment Costa Rica offers this and much more.

10. The economy is growing

The economy has been growing strongly since 1997, which is seeing a dramatic change in the infastructure as more people buy property this means:

More growth on your second home in Costa Rica, better rental income and more amenities to enjoy!

So leave the high prices, low growth rates, high crime and stress behind, relax and make money from your own Costa Rica second home, it's affordable and could be your best investment.