It's beautiful in Costa Rica

Hey all.

Well, the house we really like (up the hill from us), is owned by more than one French-Canadian family, and a nightmare to buy as a result. So that one, unfortunately, is out of the question:(

But a real estate rep took us to see several properties this morning. Looks like a modest-sized home (new construction) would run about 125-130K. And lease to own is quite normal. So we are thinking about doing just that one year from next month or so. Moving here is a daunting task, but really believe it is doable.

Am not worried about snakes. Lawn work costs (on the average) about $3 per hour. Cheap. I will pay someone to do the yard work, and worry about the creepy crawlies.


Have not seen one mosquito, and from what they tell me....are not a problem! NC
 
Navy Chief said:
Hey all.

Well, the house we really like (up the hill from us), is owned by more than one French-Canadian family, and a nightmare to buy as a result. So that one, unfortunately, is out of the question:(

But a real estate rep took us to see several properties this morning. Looks like a modest-sized home (new construction) would run about 125-130K. And lease to own is quite normal. So we are thinking about doing just that one year from next month or so. Moving here is a daunting task, but really believe it is doable.

Am not worried about snakes. Lawn work costs (on the average) about $3 per hour. Cheap. I will pay someone to do the yard work, and worry about the creepy crawlies.


Have not seen one mosquito, and from what they tell me....are not a problem! NC
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A new Chief's Club in the making...!
 
CWOJackson said:
A new Chief's Club in the making...!
Click to expand...

With the houses being so small, perhaps a CPO "Corner" perhaps!

One interesting anecdote......when I go to watch a streaming video on my IPAD here, the movies all have Spanish subtitles!

No Internet at the house we are renting. I go through withdrawal every day! Have to walk to neighbors, and sit on their porch to get net access.

Food (groceries) is not cheap here. Property taxes are almost non existent though, and no one carries home insurance. So I suppose it's a trade off. NC
 
The only advice I can proffer in relation to moving countries, is, whatever the costs you envisage in the move, and be honestly realistic to yourself, then add 50%. There are always hidden and forgotten transactions/accidents/events that will jump and bite you when you least need them.
 
Navy Chief said:
With the houses being so small, perhaps a CPO "Corner" perhaps!

One interesting anecdote......when I go to watch a streaming video on my IPAD here, the movies all have Spanish subtitles!

No Internet at the house we are renting. I go through withdrawal every day! Have to walk to neighbors, and sit on their porch to get net access.

Food (groceries) is not cheap here. Property taxes are almost non existent though, and no one carries home insurance. So I suppose it's a trade off. NC
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Chief,

I don't have the link any longer but a year ago someone gave me a link to a website for U.S. people moving to Costa Rica; the community down there is pretty tight from what I saw.

As I recall, the website offered some very realistic, unvarnished and practical information for those thinking of making the jump; including more than 50% will go back to the states within a year.

See if anyone there can hook you up and check it out.

Good luck
 
CWOJackson said:
Chief,

I don't have the link any longer but a year ago someone gave me a link to a website for U.S. people moving to Costa Rica; the community down there is pretty tight from what I saw.

As I recall, the website offered some very realistic, unvarnished and practical information for those thinking of making the jump; including more than 50% will go back to the states within a year.

See if anyone there can hook you up and check it out.

Good luck
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I know the website you mentioned, and have been to it often. Yes, the expat community is tight here. Am also aware of the percentage of those who return to the states. The thing is, in my situation, we would HAVE to make it work, because I will not have the money to start over. So I am making darn sure of our decision, and then commit to making it work, because we will have no other choice. NC
 
Navy Chief said:
I know the website you mentioned, and have been to it often. Yes, the expat community is tight here. Am also aware of the percentage of those who return to the states. The thing is, in my situation, we would HAVE to make it work, because I will not have the money to start over. So I am making darn sure of our decision, and then commit to making it work, because we will have no other choice. NC
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If anyone can make it work, an old school Chief can!

You're going into it with open eyes, a good attitude and full knowledge; you'll do well.
 
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