Grecia, Costa Rica

What do I need to know about living in Grecia?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Grecia, they said:

"Have lived in Grecia for 7-1/2 yrs. It is a small city and in my opinion the best unless you insist on beach area which is too hot for me. No a/c necessary where I live. Easy to get to know people if you are friendly. I can't walk down the street without people I know honking or waving. I live happily without a car which means not using all my pension on repairs and high gas," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

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What do expats in Grecia appreciate most about the local culture?

"There was little I found to appreciate about the culture in Boquete. I sensed a certain resentment among the Panamanians against x-pats. The ones I encountered did not make an attempt to engage. Grecia was distinctively different. The Ticos were gracious, friendly and willing to provide assistance as best they could," added another expat in Grecia.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Communication, lack of mobility, the total inconvenience of it all. Also, trying to make ends meet financially. The phrase Retire for Less and only needing $1000.00 per month is bogus. In both locations supply and demand caused prices on consumer goods to spike, rent is on the rise. Only utilities were in line with the advertisements," remarked another expat living in Grecia, Costa Rica.

Is there a lot of crime in Grecia?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"I imagine there is the usual crime, but it isn't obvious. I live in a gated community with roving security so I feel safe," remarked another expat living in Grecia, Costa Rica.

What are the pros and cons of living in Grecia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Grecia responded:

"The most wonderful people. We have become friends of whole Tico families. They will do everything to help you. On the other hand, most expats we have met seem guarded, and not that friendly and even selfish. Someone I asked about shipping small items to CR, was not willing to share what she uses even though she talks regularily about things that had just arrived. ," remarked another expat in Grecia.

"I get a little tired of the rainy season by October each year. I love that we have everything we need nearby ... Whether it's fresh vegetables or inexpensive repairs. I do miss not being able to travel and see friends and family in the states, but that will pass when the pandemic is over. We have a great pod of expat friends very close, and I hike with two women several times a week. I love that the guys one lot over play loud beautiful music all day. We have lots of animals and I can even get hay in the middle of downtown. We can dive to the closest beach within about an hour, but in the mountains where we live, we don't need AC or heat. We can go to museums and theatre in about an hour (once things open up again).," added one expat living in Grecia.

What type of social life can someone expect in Grecia?

When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Grecia, they replied:

"Mainly with Ticos in Spanish speaking church, volunteering, and neighbors. Most of the expats have not seen in town since Covid," commented one expat living in Grecia, Costa Rica.

"The expats and locals not as friendly as previous years because uncomfortable in masks, and for Ticos, financial difficulties - in my opinion," said another expat.

What advice to expats in Grecia have about housing?

"Glad we rent. Several expats who own and want to return to their home country have had to wait years to sell here," mentioned another expat living in Grecia.

What are medical services in Grecia like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Grecia, they replied:

"Options are not centralized. Seems "word of mouth" is the only way to learn options," said one expat living in Grecia.

"I was hospitalized for a week. Other than the $75 a month I pay for my public health coverage, it cost me nothing. I saw several specialists and had many high end tests.Wonderful care," mentioned another expat inGrecia.