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Because of the nature of my husband’s work, his company will set up shop near San Jose. I don’t live in a gated community here in the US and don’t really see myself being comfortable in one in CR but here’s my question… (I just read the marathon thread regarding home invasions, security, etc) I am a small, very gringo looking (blonde, pale, blue eyes) woman with 2 small children looking for something safe. Although I think it would be strange to live in a gated community, I think it would feel far stranger living inside of an 8 foot wall with razor wire on top.
Most likely rent but buying isn’t completely out of the question. I do know we would prefer a house but may consider a townhouse. Too, I should mentiont that the two small children to whom I refer in my initial post are of school age, so that’s a consideration.
Edited on Sep 29, 2007 13:35
If you are renting, it’s obviously not such an expensive mistake if you choose the wrong area as it would be if you bought a home in an area you decided you did not like.
Do your homework well… Take a good look around and since you have “two small children” , unless you are home-schooling, then their education and the location of their school(s) and your husband’s workplace should your top priorities surely?
This will really dictate where you should focus on living.
Of course, real estate located where the good schools are does tend to be the most expensive for obvious reasons…
If I were you, I would indeed recommend that you try and stick with gated communities where security is important, where your children can play safely without worrying too much about traffic and crazy truck drivers screeching down the street …
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comGated… I sort of thought so (also because husband isn’t totally comfortable with what will surely be major culture shock for him). Recommendations? I’m thinking one of the cities to the west of SJ. Also, I’m assisting with the fact-finding mission with regards to business location. There’s some big multicomplex I’ve been reading about in Escazu. Do you know if I’d be able to find a home near some good education options in close proximity to that place?
There are several large multi complexes, see below. Find out where your husbands work location is and we can suggest some communities with good schools for your kids. That way dad won’t be stressed out with his daily commute and you’ll find it easier to deal with the logistics of getting the kids to and from school.
Costa Rica Shopping Malls …
Plaza Real Cariari: Located on the highway to the airport about 20 minutes from downtown San José. Includes three levels with movie theaters and large food court. Department stores include Alyss, Blooms and Brand Fashion. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. With 6 new US style movie theaters, http://www.plazarealcariari.com.
Multiplaza West: Located off the highway to Santa Ana, this upscale two level mall boasts 246 shops, a supermarket, movie theaters and a large food court. Department stores and shops include: Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, Kenneth Cole and Cemaco. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. http://www.multiplazamall.com
Paséo de las Flores Mall: Located on the road to Heredia, the Paséo de las Flores Mall is the most recently built of Costa Rica’s malls. This two level mall includes shops such as Aeropostale, Nautica, Brusini, Levi’s and Dockers. Fast food restaurants include Taco Bell, Burger King, Quiznos, Hamburger Factory, Pizza Hut and KFC. Open from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Terra Mall: Touted as the largest mall in Central America, the Terra Mall is one of the newest malls on the Costa Rican shopping scene. Located off the highway to Cartago, the mall offers 125 shops including Guess, Kenneth Cole, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Payless and the mega department store Alyss. Fifteen movie theaters and a VIP viewing lounge offer the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Parking is available for 1500 vehicles and a large food court includes a variety of local and international fast-food chains such as Spoon, Rostipollos, Oliva Verde, Inka Grill, Quiznos, Subway, McDonalds, Hooligans and Pops ice cream. The mall is open everyday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Mall San Pedro: The first true mall in Costa Rica, this three level behemoth lies next to the San Pedro traffic circle and includes numerous specialty shops, boutiques, a two level food court, a ten-screen movie theater and a disco on the top floor. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Multiplaza East: Younger sibling to her sister in the west, this medium size mall offers upscale shops and boutiques, a food court, movie theaters and supermarket. Located on the road from Zapote to Curridabat. Open everyday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Outlet Mall: A three-level mall just up from the Mall San Pedro. Includes shops, small food court and movie theaters.
Plaza del Sol: Located in an exclusive section of Curridabat, this single level shopping center includes a small food court, 52 shops and a large supermarket.
Plaza Itskazú: A colonial-style strip mall with a hotel, a number of fine restaurants and upscale shops. Located across from The Multiplaza mall on the road to Santa Ana.
Plaza Mayor: This two-module shopping center offers two move theaters, a large supermarket, small food court and a number of small shops. Located on the Romhoser Boulevard about a 20-minute walk from the U.S. Embassy. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Plaza Romhoser: This recently completed shopping center offers a wide variety of shops, food court, and supermarket. Located on the Pavas road about a half-mile west of the U.S. embassy.
Plaza Colonial: Located on the old road to Santa Ana, this small shopping center includes fashionable boutiques, shops and two movie theaters.
Centro Comercial del Sur: One of the oldest shopping centers in the country, the Centro Comercial del Sur includes two levels of shops, supermarket and a several fine restaurants. Located near the Desamparados traffic circle.
Mall International Alajuela: Located near the airport in Alajuela, this somewhat run down two-level mall includes a small food court, shops and a movie theater.
Hipermás: This Wal-Mart type mega-supermarket has expanded to include everything from clothing and accessories to electrical appliances and gourmet foods. Three locations: San Sebastian, Heredia and on the road to Cartago.
PriceSmart: Modeled after Cosco in the U.S., offers wholesale groceries and home products for card-carrying members. Three locations: Zapote, Heredia, Escazú.Wow, crhomebuilder, that was quite informative, indeed… Thank you for that. I have the important stuff (shopping!) now conquered! And thank you, Scott, for your earlier suggestions.
Looks like we’ll be heading down sometime in late winter/early spring to find a location for the office and a place for us to live, as well. My opinion does carry some weight with his company… Any suggestions on where to look for office location? Needs to be located conveniently to the employees (who will be educated, tech savvy salespeople types). Also, I like the sound of Blue Valley School in Escazu. Anyone familiar? Is that in a residential part of Escazu? From what little you know about me, do you think I’d be interested? Is it easily accessable? Near where the office may be? I’m rambling, I know, but I have so much to learn and so little time!
Hi,
We moved here about 4 months ago. We checked out Blue Valley but unfortunately they were filled up. I checked out the other options such as St. Mary, pan-american, and also in Santa Ana St. Jude. Therefore if you are set on picking BV, make sure you put in your registration papers soon.
On your other issue, you have to face the facts, you need to live inside a gated community with armed guards. Razor wire fence is good, alarms are a plus. Rich ticos do the same, so please don’t be naive. Its just how it is here.
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