jpatrick, Just to qualify myself as I am not a full time expat by any means. I am from CA (lived and went to college in SoCal) and also live in Northern CA (Sac region). While I won't be retired, officially for another 12 years [I'm in my early 40's], we do travel to Nica quite a bit (4-5 times a year) and we built a house there [100 %completed in July 2013]. With that said, Nica is 1000% different that CA, but IMHO it is a lot better in a lot of ways.
I will start with safety. It depends on the area and the attitude you have. Most of Nica is really safe. There are some areas that you should stay out of (just like in CA...COMPTON or OAKLAND for example. You have to take it upon your self to be street smart but also polite. Nica's are some of the most gentle, loving people you will meet IF you have the right attitude and treat them with respect. Remember, it is their country. Basically, I feel safer in Nicaragua than I do in CA and I carry a concealed firearm at all times! Another test is that my 5 year old has been going their since he was 1 1/2 years old and I would NEVER put him in harms way.
The people, as I mentioned are nice, polite and warm / welcoming of strangers as long as you are kind in return. If you act like an ass, you will get treated like one. I find people in CA to be fake and back stabbing with no sense of loyalty (mainly in SoCA). That is not the case in Nica, that I have found. I know more of my neighbors (all expats) and more locals in Nica than I do in my neighborhood in Sacramento. People seem to care more about you in Nica.
The weather is tropical. It depends on where you live in Nica. If you are by the ocean, it is hot and humid and if you are in the highlands, you might need a sweater at night. You will have to figure that out.
The culture, like the people, is wonderful. I am bless that we can raise our son in CA and Nica. Nica shows him the importance of enjoying life and for taking people for whom they are, not by the series of BMW they drive. Family plays a huge part of Nica life and it is wonderful. The USA should take note on this end.
The things I miss when I am there are few. The internet is slow to US standards, but you can still Skype and get your e-mails. If you want to be on Netflix all day, stay in the US. The tap water at our house is potable but rather mineral heavy (not used to that, but oh well). When you go shopping for food, there may be 2-3 choices of items, rather than a whole aisle of choices as in the US. Things can be harder to find, but I see that as a good thing. It MAKES you be social and get out and meet the shopkeepers. It helps me with my Spanish and helps me slow my pace of life.

Oh, if you surf, you will be in heaven. An average day in my area beats the best day in Huntington Beach or San Clemente.

If you want more details or more information on where we are in Nica, ping me off line.

Hope this helps.

Joseph

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Where in California? Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Mill Valley, etc. California is a huge state. For myself, I am from Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Estates to be specific. I need more Californians to move to Nicaragua and do things the California way. All others are welcome also. LOL

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