Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Costa Rica Expat Forum

Exploratory trip

New Topic Newest First
chriswright
  3/25/2015 10:39 EST

We've visited CR many times, the last probably 15 yrs ago so I'm sure some things have changed. We plan to make an exploratory trip as soon as our house sells before making the final decision to move to CR. We lived in Chile for 10 yr and after 1 yr back in the US we would like to return to Latin America, CR most likely, which had been our our original destination of choice before going to Chile. I'm doing as much research as possible but relying on tourist info doesn't really give you the reality of living in a place. We would appreciate some suggestions about cities to consider exploring. So, what are we looking for? We are retired with modest SS income; would prefer not to be in San Jose or directly on either coast; another city in the central valley would be nice but not mandatory; a place with not to many gringos; don't want to live in a gated community - would prefer to live (rent) in a middle class tico neighborhood; good transportation since we are considering trying to live without a car if we can; would like to have a decent internet connection and phone service. We don't eat out often but when we do we tend to go to small family owned places; don't go to the movies often; do like to go out for coffee with friends or invite them to our home; don't usually go to malls and would do most of our food shopping at the local fresh markets. Any and all suggestions would be welcome.

Kohl
  3/25/2015 13:03 EST

Many changes in the country in these past 15 years. Some good...some not so good.

You really need to check out various towns for yourself and see what you think of them.

While you may not want a 'gated community; do you really prefer like many middle class Costa Rican citizens and expats who live behind high fences, cement walls with razor wire, or bars on your windows?
Most gated communities have many, many more Ticos that 'extranjeros'...and many of the communities are really just 'subdivisions'.
Realize that any 'neighbor' could open a 'karaoke bar' or other business in the house next door unless in a 'subdivision of any kind with rules in place that restrict businesses'.

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica
Connect

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

chriswright
  3/25/2015 13:40 EST

Good points, thanks

richardschlinder
  3/25/2015 14:04 EST

I like San Jose for shopping. I carry a stun gun. It is not safe.

naturechild
  3/25/2015 15:04 EST

Most of the homes in towns, are placed just a few feet from the sidewalks which is why people build high fences or walls to keep kids and possessions in and 'others' out.

PatCochran
  3/26/2015 09:00 EST

We live in the LaGarita area, toward Turrucaras. Suggest you look at both communities. The climate is great and they offer all the amenities you've listed. Plus, LaGarita is known for it's greenhouses and nursuries!

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica
Connect

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

lhammond14
  3/29/2015 21:44 EST

we have been to CR many times and recently moved here permanently. we love Grecia. We walk everywhere and maybe one time per week take taxi when out at night for less than $3. Walk to feria, grocery, downtown. Rent large 1BR 1BA with great neighbors for $450 per month. Includes everything! Call Chris, Grecia Real estate if interested.

RelocateNow Costa Rica
RelocateNow Costa Rica

We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
Learn More

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
Learn More

Living in Costa Rica GuideLiving in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa RicaHealthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa RicaCost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa RicaMoving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa RicaReal Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros Cons of Living in Costa RicaPros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa RicaRetiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Visa and Residency Costa RicaCosta Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

RelocateNow Costa Rica
RelocateNow Costa Rica

We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
Learn More

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
Learn More

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal