Relocation

[Mary Ann]

My husband and I (Tony and Mary Ann) are beginning to investigate CR as a retirement locale.  We are moderate income folks looking for a relaxed yet exciting new venture to finish a wonderful life.  I am 46 and Tony is 60. We are doing research so that we know what we’re getting ourselves into. They seem to have it together down there and you just can't beat the climate which is very suitable for me since I have Multiple Sclerosis heat is bad for me.  Since I am confined to a wheelchair would like some inside info about moving to this country. We do have some questions.  We had a 1 week trip to begin our look-see, in San Jose in 03/2005.  We are planning a return trip at this point, to look around as many areas in the central valley as possible in the time we have to try and get a flavor for somewhere that may draw us back for deeper investigation.  We would not mind a little drive to get there. I guess I'm looking for suggestions as to "where" and do not need to be "city dwellers" at all. At the same time, we are not lone wolfs either! Any input or advice we receive from any of you will be greatly appreciated.

[Russ]

Hi MaryAnn,

There are many areas in Costa Rica that have a fresh climate.  You can choose your degree of freshness, although you would probably want to stay away from the "Hill of Death" where it gets near freezing most nights!  As far as specific areas though, most of the coastal areas are hot, so your search would probably center around the Central Valley.  The GAM (Greater Metropolitan Area) runs from Cartago through San Ramon and is where over half of the population lives.  Most areas are warm in the daytime and cool at night.  Warmer or cooler depending on the micro-climate of the area.  As far as areas the group covers:

San Antonio de Escazu is a very nice area and close to all the amenities of Escazu, there is a large expat population in the area.
(Contact Ivo at Go Dutch Realty for detailed info )

Atenas has many higher altitude areas and a more rural feel.  A really great climate.
San Ramon is an up and coming area and still has farmland at very reasonable prices.
Grecia is in between San Ramon and Atenas as far as location and as far as kinds of properties available
(Contact Isa at Go Dutch Realty for detailed info )

La Garita is higher end, maybe a little warmer than you want but very temperate. 
Heredia has some good places and great views
(Contact Dana at Tucan Realty for detailed info )
For farms in San Ramon and elsewhere
(Contact Dale at Tucan Realty for detailed info )

There are good places on the East side of the Central Valley too.  The advantage of the east side is that you have less foreigners, so more of a chance to interact with local people.  The University of Costa Rica and the US-CR Culture Center offer many activities to keep you busy.  The climate is generally fresher than the west side, so you would have basically the entire area to choose from. Also prices are generally lower on the east

Options are rural places around Cartago like the Orosi Valley, Copey, San Gerardo de Dota, Paraiso and Turrialba.
Or places near the UCR like Curridabat, Lomas de Ayarco, San Pedro, Los Yoses or Tres Rios.
 (Contact Dale at Tucan Realty for detailed info )