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KathyHar7501
  2/12/2017 15:20 EST

We are coming to visit (this summer). Retired military & 50ish and moving abroad in 3 years, Looking for recommendations on places to stay in Coasta Rica that is close to everything and not super crowded.

rghay
  2/27/2017 21:44 EST

Give some thought to the environment you desire. There are places on Pacific coast that are always warm-to-hot all the time and there are higher elevations where the temps can be quite moderate. Also, would you prefer live in a city, San Jose?, or in the country or in a tourist area on the coast? Do you want to be around other expats? Is an English speaking church important (there are a few)? As you get into more rural areas, your Spanish skills will become more important.

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lindyluvsCR
  2/28/2017 12:26 EST

If you come to Grecia, Alejuela, be glad to meet for coffee.

For us to help, it would be good for you to read in books or wherever about the various areas and climates.

Grecia is a small city of about 17,000 and temps about low 60's to mid 80's. People wanting a little cool,er move up the mountains a ways. We love the temps of Grecia.

Pull up realestategrecia.net for rentals and sales and a little more description of area.

We also have a house in Grecia that is currently rented but do not know if it it will be available or not then.

We would be happy to help in any way we can if you come to Grecia.

lindyluvsCR
  2/28/2017 14:29 EST

Suggest you do some reading up on various locations.

If you are interested in a small city of about 17,000 with enough gringos and friendly people in general. Temperatures of low 60's to mid 80's and a little cooler in nearby locations up the mountains a little. Do not need a/c or heat.

Look up greciarealestate.net for pics of rentals or sales with prices. We have a house we rent, but presently occupied, may be available when you come, don't know yet.

Love to meet for coffee when you come. I often help people in the process of moving - if to Grecia. Send personal message if interested.

lindyluvsCR
  2/28/2017 19:42 EST

Sorry for the double message. But the first one did not show up for quite awhile and I thought it had gone out the window, so wrote another.

KathyHar7501
  2/28/2017 22:08 EST

We are not sure if we want beach, city or mountain for out retirement house there, but. We are practicing Catholic's and would like an English speaking church,and being near expats when we retire there are two priorities. We are learning a little Spanish now for out visit there in May. We want an idea of an area to stay when we visit that is Kind of close to a little of everything. of close to everything when we visit so we can drive to the other regions to get an idea of what is available so when we come back in the fall we can make a better plan to look at what property is for sale.

Thanks.
Kathy

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KathyHar7501
  2/28/2017 22:18 EST

Thank you for the nformation. It seems we need to find hard copy books on Costa Rica. We have watched uTube for days and it just makes us excited to get there. We would love to meet for coffee when we get there if we stay near you. We are thinking of staying at a resort and driving around to the different area of interest. I'll keep you posted.
Blessings,
Kathy Harrison

lindyluvsCR
  3/1/2017 09:35 EST

Although I am not Catholic, when first coming here, I often went to the big red metal Catholic church to help my Spanish. A different priest does services every day, and one in particular spoke nice and slow and plain. I could often understand every word.

When first coming to CR, we also went to an English speaking church, but about 3 months later started attending a Tico church where we are the only Gringos. They treat us like family.

We also have lots of Gringo friends who we meet in a cafe most every day, but also play music at a convalescent home where there is only Spanish.

In my observance of those who attend an English speaking church, and then do their chit chat with Gringos, many or I should say most of them, cannot talk their way out of a paper bag in Spanish.

I know people who have been here for years. One couple who decided to return to the US after 7 years, visited our church before they went, and when the Pastor asked them to stand up and introduce themselves, they did not understand a word! I had to do it for them.

So, it is my own opinion, that if you are studying Spanish "a little" and then want to attend an English speaking church, I guess the only time you need Spanish is to bumble around in communication in the stores, and use a lot of hand signals. To me, I find it kind of embarrassing to watch.

I watch as these same people come and then eventually go back.

Forgive me for my opinionated view.

lindyluvsCR
  3/1/2017 09:37 EST

Kathy, I saw several books on Costa Rica in Barnes & Noble.

NothingButNet
  3/1/2017 11:07 EST

The only English-speaking Catholic church in Costa Rica that I know of is St. Mary's International Chapel. It is very nice, located next to the Hard Rock Café in Cariari, Heredia.

http://saintmaryschapel.org/

GenXpat2021
  3/4/2017 01:10 EST

Grecia, has sounded nice to me as well

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