After a gut-wrenching series of events, Kema Ward-Hopper and her family were desperate for a change from their life in Houston. Now they are part of a growing American exodus seeking healing and a simpler life amid Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

San José

An increasing number of Americans are moving to Costa Rica in search of a simpler and more peaceful life. The Ward-Hopper family, originally from Houston, Texas, chose to relocate after experiencing significant challenges, including a cancer diagnosis and losing their home during Hurricane Harvey. 

Costa Rica's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and environmentally conscious policies have attracted many expatriates. While the cost of living is higher than in other Central American countries, newcomers value the sense of community and the country's inclusive atmosphere, particularly for black expatriates. The Ward-Hoppers and others have found a supportive environment and a renewed sense of well-being in their new home.

Americans seek healing, simpler life in Costa Rica

The community found us. We didn't go looking for the community. When we first got there, we were just trying to, like, do yoga, meditate, and plant a garden. But now, Costa Rica, I feel like, is home. We have come all the way from the U.S. because we need a respite. We wanted something different. We wanted a safe haven. It may look like these women are on a resort vacation here in Costa Rica, but this is, in fact, their home, and more Americans are coming. The U.S. State Department estimates that the number of private American citizens living in Costa Rica has increased six-fold in the last 20 years. It's beautiful. The people, the culture, delicious food. Everything has so much more flavor, and things are less expensive. Kima Ward and her family relocated here from Houston, Texas, eight years ago. Her youngest son, Nico, was born here in 2020. People flock here, and I think it's just a vibe. It's really high vibes here. Kima and her husband, Nick, fell in love with Costa Rica and were married here in 2016. But a dark cloud hung over their would-be picture-perfect day. In the middle of planning our wedding, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. We came to Costa Rica, and while I was here, I felt so good. Despite being in the middle of treatment, on our honeymoon, I had gained enough strength to go hiking up a mountain and not be completely depleted afterward. And it was just something that stuck with us because when I got back to the States, that getting better didn't last. Kima beat cancer in 2017, but then another blow led to a life-changing decision. Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, and we lost our home. It was devastating. My husband was like, well, let's leave Houston. And I'm like, okay, well, what state you want to go to? And he's like, no, let's leave the country. So, in 2017, they moved to Costa Rica with their then-nine-year-old daughter, Erilyn. While cheaper than the U.S., the monthly cost of living in Costa Rica is one of the most expensive in Central America, according to data from the World Bank. However, they felt the calmer way of life was worth it. We were gardening and making kombucha and making bread and exploring the jungle to see what was growing. And Kima loves how environmentally conscious the country is. I think number one was the natural beauty. So many places have allowed capitalism and lots of construction, ruined their beaches and their mountains, and Costa Rica hasn't done that. There is no private beach. All the beaches are for the people. But also, the friendliness, like the love of the people was a big part of it. One thing I appreciate about Costa Rica is that they celebrate their Afro-Costa Rican population. We're looking back with gratitude. Specifically, the black expat community is very tight-knit in the valley. There is something about a hug from a black woman that is healing and nurturing. So thank you, guys.

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