大咖福利影院

Ginger Firestone wrote:

I have lived here for 7, almost 8 years now.聽 Personally, I wouldn't want to live at the beach聽 with young kids, especially not unless you like sweeping up sand all the time.聽 Also when it storms you will get hit hardest and it's hotter at the beach.

I live up in the mountains, but don't recommend that for you either since in these remote areas there is not much to do and not many people speak English.聽 There are several American communities.聽 I also admit that I am retired so I don't have to earn a living.聽 Your children will be fluent in 2 languages (or more).聽 Just ask before renting or buying if the area is a known drug area because drugs are as bad here as they are in the states.聽 You will also want to check out the crime rate and the schools.

If you are not fluent in Spanish, I would suggest you start taking lessons and to know that Costa Rican Spanish is not what they teach in schools; but, if you know the basics, you can figure it out and adapt.聽 I have found that the people are rather friendly here (but I don't live in a city).聽 I am not fluent, but can make do sort of without help.聽 However, when it comes to doctors and lawyers, I prefer to deal with professionals who speak English fluently,

You will find some things better here and some things worse.聽 They change the laws frequently.聽 On the bright side, I don't find government as invasive as in the states now.聽 I lived in Northern Nevada and I miss the snow and winters, but it's also nice to have flowers and food growing year round.

Electronics are much higher here so bring what you need or want.聽 Housing is somewhat smaller here so only take what furniture you really want and if you end up needing more, you can buy here (but they are not good if you want nice stuffed upholstered couches and chairs)

One last idea - if it's in your budget.聽 Try to make a intro visit here to tour around different areas and get an idea of what is here and where you might want to live.聽 Talk to people on the street or in the shops - preferably Americans because others may not be used to living like you do.聽 Statistics show that most Americans return home after a year.聽 I did not and I love living here - but, I also have family visits that come with my "good will" list for things I can't get here.聽 聽 Very family oriented here and personally I have two families that have sort of adopted me and we do things together.聽 I do live alone and feel quite safe doing so.聽 Until the pandemic, I didn't even bother locking my doors most of the time.

Good luck.

I am building a house in Osa, north of Puerto Jimenez and plan to arrive there in October coming from Canada with my dog. The environment is very natural, ocean is one mile away and my CR experience is limited to 2 weeks spent here last year. I've taken early retirement, would be living alone without much communications with the English speaking world. Yes, Spanish is critical, so I am learning it myself now, reading books. At least something. I have lowered my expectations to avoid serious cultural shock. I guess you never know till you try.