Where To Start

Mythril wrote:

Hi Guys,

We are long term Brit expats living in the Middle East, looking for something different and believe Costa Rica is that. Never having been there and looking for a retirement property, would appreciate any advice.

T&R.

We have retirement properties to sell you but the first thing I would tell you is do NOT buy without coming here first to live for some months and see how you truly like it (or not).

Live in the area you think you might like and see how you like it (beach= very hot but it's the beach; mountains=cooler but it's not the beach; city=mostly mountains but it's a city; etc.).

So rent first and see how it goes. Costa Rica is not for everyone and many return home because they didn't do their due diligence in checking it out first.

Costa Rica is for sure different than the Middle East! (wetter for one thing, LOL!) and much more freedom to do as you wish!

I love it here! So do most people on this forum! But there is no "I hated Costa Rica" forum so you're not getting that view. (Though one or two people here might chime in on that... )

First, just in case you require more info on becoming a resident of Costa Rica, here is a link that may help.
Living here is not inexpensive any more and with devaluation of the British pound and what you may get for a pension, it may take more than you think, so similar to the Canadian dollar.

As mentioned, visit first before making any decision. Rent until sure...

As the other two forum members said, come, see, then decide.  Do you like the beach?there are plenty of beaches but hot as the middle east is, San Jose, the capital and its metropolitan surroindings are nice but ,like any metropolitan city, just too noisy, too hectic. There are other nice towns like Atenas, San Ramon, Palmares (where I live) that you will love to visit. Food's cheaper than on the beach, health services are readily available.  So, just come visit, you'll love it.

Hi Guys,

Apologies for the delayed response. Thank you very much for all the advice and we definitely understand the part about try it first before buying, as we have already made that mistake with a property in Thailand    so once bitten twice shy!

T&R.