Home › Forums › Costa Rica Living Forum › Relocating – Where’ a good place to start?
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October 13, 2012 at 12:00 am #165622ddspell12Member
I will be relocating to Costa Rica in July 2013. I will be making a three month trip prior to then to scout the area I wish to call home or if I think it is the right move.
I am looking for a central base location to stay so I can visit all location without hauling luggage from town to town. Any suggestion of a location that I can set up a temp. place to stay while I scout out my permanent location to call home.
Will need access to convient transportation. Any and all suggestion’s will be appreciated.
October 13, 2012 at 1:55 pm #165623DavidCMurrayParticipantIt’s difficult to give any concrete advice unless we know more about your wants and needs. Some three quarters of Costa Rica’s population live in the Central Valley where the climate is generally milder than on either coast. There, too, you’ll find the widest array of amenities such as medical and dental care, shopping, etc. If, on the other hand, it’s a beach environment you’ll be seeking, it would be good to know that.
Many folks, ourselves included, have benefitted from George Lundquist’s three-day tour of the Central Valley that’s designed for aspiring relocators. George will show you more than you’re likely to see on your own and he’s a wealth of practical knowledge and experience. Here’s a link to George’s website:
October 13, 2012 at 3:09 pm #165624ddspell12MemberHey David thank you for responding. I will be looking in the central valley region. Transportation will be a must. Sounds like you are in a good region. Could you forward link to get in touch with George. I speak no spanish but plan on learning some very basic before moving. Will that be a problem. Also had a hip replacement in 2010. Do okay going downhill uphill is soso. How is the terrain around Grecia? Does Grecia offer most of your needs. On a side note does Grecia offer a gym to work out? Once again Thank You.
October 13, 2012 at 3:25 pm #165625ddspell12MemberAlso David how is taxi service. Is it reasonable.
October 13, 2012 at 3:38 pm #165626DavidCMurrayParticipantHere’s the link to George Lundquist’s website:
http://www.costaricaretireonss.com/index.php
Any Spanish you can learn will be a big step forward. Just don’t underestimate how much there is to it. A fair number of Costa Ricans speak some English, and they are very patient and accommodating, so getting along won’t be terribly difficult if you’re not fluent in Spanish. Still, learn all you can.
Much of the Central Valley, the Grecia area included, is hilly. Only you can determine how easily you’ll be able to get around. Maybe some time at one of the local gyms will help.
Yes, most of our needs can be met locally. We do shop some in Alajuela and Escazu, and we get some of our medical care in Escazu, too. Some of that is by choice.
Oh! And taxis are everywhere. Getting around by cab will not present a problem.
October 13, 2012 at 3:46 pm #165627daviddMember[quote=”DavidCMurray”]Here’s the link to George Lundquist’s website:
http://www.costaricaretireonss.com/index.php
Any Spanish you can learn will be a big step forward. Just don’t underestimate how much there is to it. A fair number of Costa Ricans speak some English, and they are very patient and accommodating, so getting along won’t be terribly difficult if you’re not fluent in Spanish. Still, learn all you can.
Much of the Central Valley, the Grecia area included, is hilly. Only you can determine how easily you’ll be able to get around. Maybe some time at one of the local gyms will help.
Yes, most of our needs can be met locally. We do shop some in Alajuela and Escazu, and we get some of our medical care in Escazu, too. Some of that is by choice.
Oh! And taxis are everywhere. Getting around by cab will not present a problem.[/quote]
here is an excellent site top begin with regarding spanish. I am an angel investor and own a small tiny part of this company based on some really cool ideas.
it’s free by the way.
October 13, 2012 at 4:03 pm #165628ddspell12Member[quote=”DavidCMurray”]Here’s the link to George Lundquist’s website:
http://www.costaricaretireonss.com/index.php
Any Spanish you can learn will be a big step forward. Just don’t underestimate how much there is to it. A fair number of Costa Ricans speak some English, and they are very patient and accommodating, so getting along won’t be terribly difficult if you’re not fluent in Spanish. Still, learn all you can.
Much of the Central Valley, the Grecia area included, is hilly. Only you can determine how easily you’ll be able to get around. Maybe some time at one of the local gyms will help.
Yes, most of our needs can be met locally. We do shop some in Alajuela and Escazu, and we get some of our medical care in Escazu, too. Some of that is by choice.
Oh! And taxis are everywhere. Getting around by cab will not present a problem.[/quote]Thank you David for all the Information it has been very helpful . It has been very helpful. Thank You.
Danny SpellOctober 15, 2012 at 7:47 pm #165629baontheriverMember[quote=”ddspell12″]I will be relocating to Costa Rica in July 2013. I will be making a three month trip prior to then to scout the area I wish to call home or if I think it is the right move.
I am looking for a central base location to stay so I can visit all location without hauling luggage from town to town. Any suggestion of a location that I can set up a temp. place to stay while I scout out my permanent location to call home.
Will need access to convient transportation. Any and all suggestion’s will be appreciated.[/quote]
George is a great place to start since he will give you all of ins and outs. Costa Rican bus service is second to none and you can get everywhere. Taxis are plentiful but you can get a personal driver for a lot cheaper. Red taxis can sit out on the street waiting for a fare, orange ones you need to call and they will pick you but getting to know a personal carrier is the cheapest route. The buses run on time and are more comfortable than most airline seats.
Don’t buy or build anything until you are comfortable living in that area. In the long run you are probably better renting for a while but typical Tico homes are not usually what you are use to. Many don’t have hot water. City living will sometimes make feel like you are living in a cage. The closer you get near the beach the warmer it will get so A/C will be inportant. There are a lot of Gringo built homes that are for rent so look around. Most of the time they just want someone there but you might need to find a hotel room for a week a year.
Enjoy all of the beauty of Costa Rica before planting roots,
Brian -
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