Costa Rica Forum

suncoast
Joined 2013
Posts: 26

8 years ago

Been to South pacific side, not impressed. Caribbean, or North Pacific better?

8 years ago

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!

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