Expat Community > Costa Rica

JonnyB48
Joined 2010
Posts: 13

Exploratory visit

13 years ago

My husband and I have both been laid off and—-being close to retirement age but having lost most of our investments in the last few years—-are considering a move to Costa Rica. I visited CR with a friend and her teenage daughter last summer. Loved the trip, but because I was traveling with people who had the usual tourist agenda, I had no real chance to explore areas my husband and I might like to live. Now my husband and I have booked flights for a two-week trip in January, so it’s time to get serious about how best to use our time.

In terms of relocating, places that would probably suit us best have a mix of expats (to ease culture shock) and Ticos (so we can learn and participate in a different culture, society, and language). We have no interest in gated communities and vastly inflated gringo prices. We both want a mild climate where we don’t need AC, and I particularly like peaceful. attractive surroundings (for views, San Pedro de Poas was my favorite area when I was in CR last summer). My husband wants to be fairly near (within an hour of) shopping conveniences that provide more than the bare essentials. We also need high-speed Internet access. Finally, convenient access to good medical care will be important because my husband has some health issues that require monitoring.

Based on research I’ve done so far, areas that seem worth exploring include Heredia and environs, along with the San Ramon, Grecia, Sarchi, Zarcero, Naranjo area. Maybe Atenas. I’m also hoping to visit the Orosi Valley on this trip, though I think it’s too rural for my husband to enjoy for more than a short visit. So I’m thinking we should stay for a few days in Heredia. Then perhaps we could use Naranjo (if it has any decent inexpensive places to stay) as a base for exploring San Ramon, Grecia, Sarchi and Zarcero. Then Atenas… Orosi… not sure.

Does the approach of staying in one place for a few days to explore each area make sense? Are there areas other than those noted above that we should consider? Is there a better way to conduct our on-the-ground research? If you’ve already made the move successfully, please share the exploratory approach that worked for you. And if you’re willing to get together while we’re in your area, please let us know—-we’d love to pick your brain so we can learn about pros/cons of each area, hidden gems and pitfalls, rental housing costs, etc.

Thank you so much for any info you can provide.

Best wishes,
Jonny

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