hey. I am new here; but a friend told me to go onto this site to share my experience. for now, in a nutshell... here is some info that may help you ...
i came to Costa Rica at 57. traveled around a bit and decided that it would be a good place to live (after 3 months in Nicaragua... which i loved; but their was a socio-political meltdown and it became unsafe and impossible to stay).
Cost Rica isn't too big... but the mountains and rurality of the country (outside of the capital, San Jose) make it seem very large.
I decided on a few good checklist items to keep a clear head when deciding where to look for a home to purchase... i am practical and not getting younger:
a) close to some form of public transportation (busses are great here) because i don't want CAR hassels. I live without a car and i love it.
b) a paved road but not a noisy highway. (it rains a lot)
c) a small town/village so there is, at least, a store for grocery items.
d) close (less than an hour by bus) to a larger town or city with Hospital; and various shopping needs.
e) a house on a good sized garden/lot that has very few CLOSE neighbors... the house can need some work as i come from a construction/architectural background.
f) not too close to 'Costa Tourisma' ... meaning, i don't want to be tempted by tourist cafes, restaurants, etc. etc. In other words, i wanted a more authentic living environment in order to learn the language, food & customs.
So... after seeing properties and spending a little time in the various regions (i did not consider the caribbean cost as it is hot and somewhat far from the areas i was interested in) ... i settled on the area west of Quesada and south of La Tigra/the Arenal lake and volcano. I am about an hour from both. it is totally agricultural with some lumber/logging. i am at the foot of the mountains that make up the chain that includes Monte Verde reserve; various rain forests; and the Arenal volcano nature areas. I am in a village of 150 on a dead-end (paved) road. we have two small stores. there are a few tiny 'cafes' that are called 'sodas'... local fare only. i am 300 yards from the main highway, where busses are avialable to ciudad Quesada to the east, La Fortuna (touristy but interesting) to the north, and San Ramon to the south. I can get busses to the capital, San Jose, from both Quesada and San Ramon.
we have a one-day/week clinic (you must join the health care system in order to get your residency) and there are hospitals in the larger cities already mentioned. bigger towns nearby have better shopping (veterinarian, food, produce, hardware supply, pharmacy, etc.) and there are taxis in the bigger towns that come to my village regularly. i used all local 'talent' to renovate and add onto my house and to do some hardscaping in the large garden (1/3 of an acre) i paid around $54,000 dollars US for the entire property ... which is 3 lots and a small house. Renovations; addition; and hardscaping... basically, the house was a total rebuild; and furniture/lighting/fixtures... came to about $30k. All in, about $84k. i did a lot of work myself and was included as one of the 'bodies' during construction.. which saved $$. It was really hard work and really FUN! I made good fast local friends... all of whom have become good connections to others.
i currently live off less than $500 a month... which includes $200 towards the 'caja' (healthcare system); my utilities (water, elec. wifi); and all my groceries and other household items, dog and cat food. i hire somebody to cut the grass... about $5/hour.
i am really happy here. never below 70 degrees, never above 90. I do not have AC nor heat... neither are needed. It rains a lot between May and xmas... but the rain keeps things clean, green, and usually occur late in the day to cool things off.
my life is gardening; walking the dog & hikes up into the hills; chats with neighbors; and just taking in all that is naturally wonderful about Costa Rica... the plants/trees; fruit!!!!!; birds... etc.
I hope this helps, at least a little.
