We are planning to retire soon and move to "warmer" places.
People recomend Costa Rica. We are considering that, but would like to know more.
2007-06-12 07:45:12 · 7 answers · asked by vicmila2000 2 in Travel ➔ Latin America ➔ Costa Rica
There are about 60,000 Americans living off and on in Costa Rica at any given time. Most live in communities where other Americans or Canadians are living. The majority live in the San Jose area ( Escazu, Santa Ana, Rhomosser) still others have formed communities in Jaco and the surrounding area and in the Guanacaste (Northern) province - Tamarindo, Coco Playa, Flamingo and still others are spread out in smaller pockets throughout the country.
Your determination of where to live should be based upon your needs, San Jose area is going to provide you with the best amenities - shopping, health care, similar amenities that are in the states.
Areas like Jaco, Quepos and Manuel Antonio are beach communities with small metropolitan areas. It depends on whether you want solitude or the bussle of tourist activity.
My wife (Costa Rican) and I have been living here off and on for 12 years - moved permanatly three years ago. We prefer solitude and comfort and chose a community between Jaco and Quepos called Esterillos. We have beach views (1/4 mile away) and an American style home (central air, hot water, etc...) for a considerable amount less than we would pay in the states.
Medical care is exceptional through the private hospitals and clinics. Day to day emergencies can be taken care of by your neighborhood pharmacist who is generally also a doctor. Prescriptions are 1/4 the price in the states and dental care 1/2 or more.
I always suggest that you orientate yourself with several fact finding trips before making the plunge. There is an adjustment period because what you may take for granted in the states is not how things work here. It takes a day or two just to get a drivers license, three to four hours to open a bank account, and electric, water and telecommunications are controlled by heavily unionized and antequated monopolies. The country is going through a lot of growing pains - some good some bad - but most for the benefit of the people. So bring a lot of patience.
All in all you will never find a more beautiful and friendlier place to call home.
2007-06-13 00:18:23 · answer #1 · answered by oceano 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually American Expatriates live all over Costa Rica! And why not? They can live like a King there on only about $600.00 USD a month!
Many are finding the areas around Quepos to be very enjoyable for many reasons.
Quepos is a small fishing village of about 4,000 souls on the Pacific side of Costa Rica only minutes away from their Famed "Manuel Antonio Nature Park and Beach" known world over!
And Quepos is only 25 minutes away from San Jose by Sansa Air with the fare being $98.00 per person both ways.
Go to the Hotel Kamuck (a Great Western Franchise) in Quepos with room rates of $50.00 per night! Its a very First Class Hotel with ALL the amenities that anyone would ever want in a Hotel and you can then check out the area before you decide on any other place.
Good Luck!
2007-06-13 10:48:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jaco, like 1 1/2 hour from San Jose to the south. Beautiful surfing beaches with people from all over the world. Great food and entertainment. Friendly and beautiful people all over. Many hotels with various price ranges.
Tamarindo, in Guanacaste in northern Costa Rica. Beautiful relaxing beaches very close to many other beaches you can visit like Playa Grande, Conchal, Playa Panama and many more. A true paradise full of people from all over.
Mal Pais: If you like hippies and totally relaxed and laid back atmosphere.
Have Fun, where ever you go in Costa Rica I am sure you will enjoy it and find American expatriats all over.
2007-06-13 00:59:03 · answer #3 · answered by gretaotto 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
manuel antonio in the south pacific (www.maqbeach.com), (quiet and lush green) tamarindo in the north pacific (golf, sport fishing, california like weather, and puerto viejo/ cocles in the south caribbean (lush green and jamaican culture influence) are three of the most popular beach areas chosen by expats to live.
Jaco/ Herradura (central pacific) is also booming, for the crowd that likes all the city conveniences right on the beach
I recommend you read the Tico Times (Costa Rica weekly on line newspaper in English) for more ideas - www.ticotimes.net
2007-06-12 16:55:04 · answer #4 · answered by red_Al 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are going to expropiate Americans soon in Costa Rica. So I do not recommend you to buy land. In 10 or less years there is gonna be political troubles.
2007-06-13 04:19:24 · answer #5 · answered by Meme 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
costa rica is amazing. if people recommended is do to everything this country gives... climates, floral and fauna, people. i love my country and there is a lot neat stuff you would enjoy here. here people think we get hurricanes but that's not true, just earthquakes, but once a while. there are many places you would love. if you need info, just ask what kind of info and i'll get it. take care'
2007-06-13 10:35:48 · answer #6 · answered by JD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
expatriots from where? U SA, UK, Canada?? Mexico has warm weather and a growing expat community (US) but don't know exactly where.
2007-06-12 14:54:03 · answer #7 · answered by GEEGEE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋