The Weather, Lower Cost, Health Care, Beaches, Mountains & Real Estate Prices

By Loyd Newton

I'm from the DFW (Dallas / Fort Worth) area also but I've lived in Costa Rica for 4 years now. On balance, it's definitely worth the move to Costa Rica. I thought I'd see if I could address the issues you mentioned. I lived many years in Arlington Texas, then Irving and my last Texas house was up in Lewisville.

1. There is regulation of real estate but the laws are very different than the U.S. There are a few horror stories here but for the most part there really aren't any problems. You just have to be careful and take time to understand the laws here. Squatting can be a problem for absentee landlords but if you plan to buy property and then not even look at it for 3 years you may have a problem. If you live on the property and keep an eye on anybody trying to build on it, you wouldn't have any problems. If buying property, it's best to get a good lawyer and the gringos here can recommend many or join the ARCR and let them help.

2. If you live out in the boondocks where there's never been a phone connection you may have to wait awhile to get a phone hookup. If you live in the towns where there is a phone line already existing you will be able to get dial-up....quality depends on the condition of the phone lines. If you live in the towns, many will have access to RDSI at a minimum and ADSL in a growing number of locations. I use the internet everyday and I complain about the dial up quality so I decided to go get RDSI, because, as yet, ADSL isn't available in my area.

3 and 4. Get a tico friend to help find the property you want. If you buy from a gringo, or use a gringo real estate agent, or buy from an internet site, your going to pay a lot more than a tico would. I've always used tico/tica friends to help me find my rental houses and I pay about $150-$200 less for a similar property of some of my gringo friends.

5. Get a 4x4 or vehicle with high ground clearance. I've been all over Costa Rica in a little Dodge Colt but decided finally to buy a Isuzu Trooper 4x4. I've never had to use 4x4 but it's nice to have. High ground clearance will get you just about anywhere. However, if you are planning to buy a property that is at the end of a long dirt road that's uphill, definitely go with a 4x4 for the rainy season. As for the potholes, drive a reasonable speed and learn to dodge them.

6. Yep, they will try to take advantage of gringos. Again, get recommendations from the gringos that have lived here awhile. You should plan to socialize whenever you can with the gringo community here to get contacts. Fortunately, the gringo community here is friendly and have a lot of get togethers. Several married couples I know in the Heredia area have parties or get togethers every couple of months. 7. Nothing is easy in Costa Rica when you have to deal with the government or beauracracy but you have to bring three things with you when you deal with them....patience, patience, patience. It's not like the U.S. and if you can adapt to it, it's not that bad. I've learned to carry a book with me whenever I have to deal with them. Don't expect it to function logically though.

8. Fortunately it's a small country and you learn how to get around ok. My first year here, I didn't have a car and used buses and taxis. Didn't take long to learn the area. My recommendation there is buy a cheap but good GPS and build up your knowledge of the areas before buying a car. I thought the same when I first got here watching how the people drive and the lack of directions or road signs, but I can get around as well as a Tico these days It helps to learn a little Spanish too so you can ask directions if you get lost or are in doubt.

As for me, I love it here. Great weather, beautiful country, friends both gringo and tico, low cost of living, good cheap health care, interesting culture, beaches, mountains, dancing, etc. Come on down, the waters fine.

Regards, Loyd