Scott’s recent article on the Costa Rica Beach Living – 23 Negatives just made us want to *&%#!! So instead, we decided to fight back…

Here’s our response to Scott’s little ditty – His comments are in italics and our comments follow…

We do agree with Scott that Costa Rica beach living isn’t for everyone. But likewise, San Jose/Escazu living isn’t for everyone either! Enjoying a fine dining experience, a week in the hospital, a tour of Cafe Britt and an evening at the National Theater isn’t the same as ‘living’ there.

1. In Scott’s Costa Rica beach living article he says that “All serious business is done in San Jose. Who needs serious? All the fun and the “monkey business” is done at the beach!
2. Beaches are 90 minutes to 5 hours from San Jose. Beaches are only 45 minutes from the Liberia airport and 45 minutes by air from San Jose.
3. There are no good hospitals near the beach – none. True, but there are good Tico doctors at the clinics in many beach communities.
4. Real estate prices in “hot” beach areas are the highest in the country. There is only one reason for a “hot” market and higher prices – DEMAND! You want cheap? Check out Nicaragua! It’s cheap for a reason!
5. The “hottest” real estate markets do tend to have more crime. The beach areas, at times, do have more petty crime. However, San Jose does have the highest ‘serious’ crime i.e. murders. There’s a reason some houses in San Jose are surrounded by iron gates!
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6. Buying properly “titled” land can be very complicated. This is a potential issue everywhere in Costa Rica, not just beach areas. Where necessary, you can always work your real estate deals through a title company.
7. Getting building permits can be a nightmare. Again, not unique to beach areas. Always work with experienced architects, builders, lawyers, and of course, real estate brokersàthey have friends in low places and know how to work the system.
8. The beach environment is tough on your house. Hmmm! “Memo to Barbara Streisand: Malibu Beach is tough on your house.”
9. Everything rusts – corrosion affects your car and home appliances. You could buy a newer car; They’re all plastic! The coast does get its share of humidity, particularly during the transition periods between seasons. But during the dry season, its dry with very low humidity.



10. Beach areas can be hot, humid and air conditioning costs add up. News Flash! You can always cool off by taking a dip at the beach! A little air conditioning here and there is always good, particularly at night. But heck, many folks get by just fine with a fan.
11. There are more insects at the beach. What are you doing, counting sand flies?
12. Getting a telephone line installed can take a very long time. Patience is a required virtue everywhere in Costa Rica – Get used to it!
13. Cell phone coverage is limited. Cell phone coverage is just fine in the Tamarindo to Coco area – Call me!
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14. Fast internet access is not available in 99% of beach areas. Live in the 1% area (Tamarindo/Flamingo) if this is important to you!
15. Some beaches have unhealthy levels of pollution. Stay out of those areas!
16. Dining out, groceries & utilities are more expensive than San Jose. Hey, we’ve had some pretty pricey meals in San Jose! Just depends on where you go and where you shop. We like Tico “typical” food and farmer’s markets.
17. There is literally only one good international school (expensive). It’s the same private international school you have there in Escazu – Country Day School. The cost of a good education is the same everywhere – expensive. But, you get what you pay for in life. For dedicated parents, home school is a great alternative.



18. Cultural activities, entertainment and nightlife are limited. Well, you may be right on this one – But we’ve pretty well figured out how to entertain ourselves at night.
19. Good dentists and other ‘professionals’ can be hard to find. Keep flossing!
20. Warranty work to be done on your car must be done in San Jose. We’ve got some great “shade-tree mechanics” in the area.
21. The roads can be a ‘challenge’ and this will also affect your car. We like the ‘challenge’ on the streets of San Jose too – Where stop signs seem to be taken as ‘advisory’ only – You know, just a suggestion! Our roads can get a bit bumpy at times (like most of the year). But, that’s why we don’t drive Cadillacs or Mercedes, opting more often for 4-wheel drives and 4-wheelers.



22. ‘Fresh food is harder to find and does not stay fresh for long. We get fresh seafood daily, are surrounded by finca’s growing every imaginable variety of fruit and vegetables And meat – Cattle is all over the place! And one more revelation – We do have refrigerators!
23. Overall your cost of living will be higher than San Jose. Maybe, depending on your lifestyle. But, as you know; It always costs a little bit more to go first class. Cost of living may be a tad higher but quality of life is well, significantly higher – In our humble opinion!

You can read Costa Rica Beach Living – 23 Negatives here.

For more information about condos, homes and land for sale in the beach town of Jaco and surrounding areas please contact our Recommended Realtors in Jaco Shawn Fletcher and his wife Hannah Fletcher
using the simple form below:

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.