Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Costa Rica Expat Forum

Think about YOUR lifestyle before you buy real estate

New Topic Newest First
CruzinCostarica
  8/28/2009 08:01 EST

If you have spent substantial time in Costa Rica, and know the different "zones" of the country, then the information below is not required reading., though I am sure you will agree with my "cautionary" advice...

But if Costa Rica is relatively new to you, you should understand a few things.

Costa Rica is a developing country, and no matter where you are, it is all beautiful, with literally dozens of different micro climates, but completely different then "back home".

So don't let the physical beauty of the Costa Rica lower your "common sense", you need to pay particular attention to the LOCATION you are considering investing in, as most of the locations that are selling in 2009 at "low" prices are VERY remote, that's why the prices are low.

Upward/downward pricing is always controlled by supply/demand.

While some areas are fully developed and have modern amenities, there are many areas that are completely undeveloped, no infrastructure, unchanged in 1000 years.
(Think "National Geographic Explorer")

That remoteness is WONDERFUL for Eco Tourism, but not good for modern day to day living...(or investing, little demand = slow or no growth)

By "very remote", I mean that to go from your "remote" retirement location to see an English speaking doctor, or drive to find whatever you need to "shop" for for all your needs, to see your Lawyer, see a medical specialist, do your banking, or any of the dozen items that crop up with day to day living for adults 45 to 75 years old that are moving to a new culture and country, may require an 8 to 10 hr drive and an overnight stay, making it a 2 day affair.

Remote location access is often on rough secondary roads (remote, as in "back home"gravel roads with washed out areas and bad potholes, to extremely remote, completely un-drivable roads, bridges washed out seasonally, etc.

And those remote areas typically do NOT have Internet access, and it may take a year to get you your 1st phone, electricity may go out daily, and sometimes go out for 2-3 days, and roads/bridges can be washed out for weeks at a time.

Now, understand..there are people that LOVE that lifestyle.

So if none of those "remote access" issues bother you, you can buy so cheaply it's hard to believe, and assuming you LIKE the adventure of being "way off the grid", no cell phone reception, and you like animals more then people, then you can go rustic, buy a good 4x4 and a ham radio and a generator, or install solar of other self sufficient power generation (hydro or wind) install a direct Satellite hookup for Internet, give up many of those modern living "requirements" and live anywhere in Costa Rica, border to border and coast to coast.

I have friends who have done that, and they are living a very happy, simple "back to nature" lifestyle.

But if you want to enjoy a modern lifestyle with access to english speaking doctors, daily conveniences and a healthy social network, then DON"T believe the salespeople in these remote locations when they say "and the new highway, or the new airport, or the new (fill in the blank) will be finished soon, and then you will have all the modern access you need."

In 1990 on one of my family visits here, they told me about a new highway from San Jose to the closest beach area that cut the drive time down to just 40 minutes.

They said it would be ready by 1992, and I should buy property RIGHT AWAY before the prices went up.

That highway just got started 18 months ago, and will finish mid-2010. Infrastructure in Costa Rica does not come quickly to remote areas.

Any questions, you can email me at [email protected]

Raymond

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

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.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

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

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal