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Costa Rica: Been to South pacific side, not impressed. Caribbean, or North Pacific better?:
We visited the South Pacific side of Costa Rica back in June. We visited Monteverde, (too cold and wet for me), Jaco (dirty and run down), Manuel Antonio (too touristy for my wife, and expensive) and finally, the Osa Peninsula (not much there). We obviously looked in the wrong areas, as we felt the trip was a bust. But, now we know where not to look. I wanted to go up to the north pacific areas, but we were limited on time and never made it. There is a woman and husband that wrote a book ("Happier than a Billionare: Quiting my job and living in Costa Rica") and have been on House Hunters International shouting how wonderful it is in the Playa Flamingo area. I know she's trying to "sell" and of course she's going to say how great it is. I'm skeptical about these types and know they have an agenda.
When I state "we", I mean myself (55 years old), my wife (51 years old) and my son (11 years old). My wife likes the Spanish style homes (lived in Mexico for 6 years) and I like Spanish style, but very open and nicely appointed. I also like to be on or as close to a nice sand beach as possible. I noticed the beaches I've visited in the above areas are not the typical loose sand beaches, but are of the hard-packed sand beaches. We also like to socialize, so having friendly locals and expats is important. We don't want to feel like we are outsiders, even though we understand we are. Schools and other children to play with are extremely important, as I don't want my son to fall behind or be lacking for friends and things to do. I also want to get his nose out of the iPad and learn to be a kid, like I was when I was young.
We obviously want to feel safe, both day and night. I'm not looking to carry a gun, like in the USA. Things are getting out of hand here. My wife is thrifty and searches out the bargains when it comes to shopping, and speaks Spanish well. As for me, I enjoy relaxing at times, and also like outdoor activities with the family.
That being said, what areas, specifically, towns would people recommend researching?
If we find a location we like, we plan on visiting it a few times during the year, and possibly renting for a year before making any commitments.
Please, I know everyone has opinions, but I'd like to stick to the topic of this post and not have this thread hijacked by individuals attacking each other. I appreciate your understanding and consideration of this important request.
Thanks, and I look forward to recommendations!
Honduras: Roatan:
kids289,
I don't live there but have visited and can answer these questions.
Scuba Diving - Yes. 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. Great diving!
Good fishing - Yes. Best to go out on a boat to get the larger catches.
Internet service is decent. Improved significantly since I was there last, in 2009.
Cable TV - Not to sure on this, but do have satellite.
Hospital - Yes, near Coxen Hole.
Ferry - Yes, goes to La Ceiba. Goes twice a day and cost about $50 round trip for seniors or $65 round trip for adults.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Costa Rica: Just back from Costa Rica. Expensive Food!:
We just came back from a 10-day trip to Costa Rica. We visited Jaco, MonteVerde, Manuel Antonio, and Ojochal.
In our travels, we stopped at a lot of supermarkets of all types, as well as the stands along the road. From our observations, the prices are high, close to US prices. I understand prices for things we are used to here in the States would be high, but things like fruit, vegetables, eggs or just basic staples are expensive. Some, more so than what we pay in Florida. Am I missing something? Where do the locals shop? How can they afford to buy anything, even the basics?
Honduras: retire Roatan:
kids289,
I don't live there but have visited and can answer these questions.
Scuba Diving - Yes. 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. Great diving!
Good fishing - Yes. Best to go out on a boat to get the larger catches.
Internet service is decent. Improved significantly since I was there last, in 2009.
Cable TV - Not to sure on this, but do have satellite.
Hospital - Yes, near Coxen Hole.
Ferry - Yes, goes to La Ceiba. Goes twice a day and cost about $50 round trip for seniors or $65 round trip for adults.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Honduras: Retiring in Roatan from Canada:
Also, there are Yahoo! Groups, such as Living In Roatan, Roatan (not as active), and Honduras Living. Join these groups as well and post your questions.
Costa Rica: Coming to CR in June for 1st time:
We're coming down to CR for the first time, in June. It will be myself, wife and 10 year old son. We are going on one of those property tours at the end of our trip. We have 5 days in CR before the tour, so are trying to determine where to visit in this free time. We are stopping Jaco for a day or two. We're looking to explore a bit and enjoy the Northwest side, before heading south with the tour. Any recommendations on nice places to visit with the family? We will have a car.
Honduras: Moving to Roatan:
I suggest not buying anything just yet. Rent first to see where you want to be. Roatan has some touristy and some not so touristy areas. The closer to the touristy areas, the more expensive. I would join the Yahoo groups for Honduras and Roatan and see and post for information there. Here are some Yahoo groups to get you started.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Living-In-Roatan/info
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/roatan/info
Good luck.
Steve
Honduras: "SOS" for retirment in La Ceiba:
I've been to Honduras back in 2007. I too was looking at LaCeiba because of the beachfront property and cheap prices. What I saw was barbed wire and broken glass at the top of walls and on balconies. Poor, rundown homes and a lot of poverty. There was also a lot of traffic in LaCeiba town. The beach was fairly nice, but I was worried about the crime. Those that have money need to watch out for those that do not.
While the prices are cheap, to me it's not worth having to look over my shoulder every time I leave the house. Don't even think about venturing out to San Pedro Sula by yourself.
I favor Roatan and Utila, but even they have their share of issues. Roatan is nice, but expensive now. And they also have an increase in crime. Utila, while still considered a backpackers island, is nice. But, that there is still the issue of island life that makes it difficult.
Best of luck in your travels.
Honduras: La Ceiba:
Good luck. LaCeiba is the armpit of Honduras. Lots of crime and poverty.
Honduras: La Ceiba:
The beach is nice, when garbage isn't washing up. La Ceiba itself is scary. I visited La Ceiba in 2007 in hopes of finding some nice beachfront property. What I found was shacks and walls with barbed wire and broken glass on top to prevent people from climbing over. The beaches are nice if they are clean, but I saw a lot of garbage washing up.
It may have changed since, but that would be a lot of change to happen in such a short period of time. Do your research beforehand.
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