What do I need to know before retiring in San Jose?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to San Jose, they said...

"Come and see for yourself before you make a commitment to moving here. There is a lot of hype about Costa Rica being a paradise, a cheap place to live or retire, and a safe place because it eliminated its army in 1948. The reality is that San Jose has a high crime rate, the iron grates on all of the houses and businesses can be off-putting - as can the security guards with loaded riffles - and it isn't a cheap place to live. Food, utilities and rent in certain areas of the city are quite high especially for a developing nation. Other issues in San Jose: air pollution from cars is pretty bad; noise pollution gets on your nerves after a while; it isn't safe to walk outside in the late evening or night; the streets, sidewalks and highways are in terrible shape; and government monopolies make it near impossible to get a cell phone and makes renting cars super-expensive because of the mandatory insurance. People must visit and spend a few weeks talking to people before deciding to move here," wrote a member who made the move to San Jose, Costa Rica.

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"1. Expats should research local real estate options and associated costs to find a suitable retirement home. 2. It is recommended to learn at least some basic Spanish, particularly if travelling within the country. 3. Living costs in San Jose can be higher than other parts of the country and expats should check their budget before relocating. 4. Even though the climate is generally pleasant in Costa Rica, some expats may find the weather too humid or the rainy season to be inconvenient. 5. Healthcare in Costa Rica is generally of a high standard, though expats should consider taking out private healthcare for more comprehensive cover. 6. The culture in Costa Rica is diverse and friendly, and there are plenty of social activities to enjoy during retirement. 7. The government has a number of regulations in place to ensure the safety of expats and provide support to those coming to the country," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica, Costa Rica.