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This is a very special property for the Atenas area.  The design is similar to Escazu/Santa Ana.  Now, with the new highway connected, families, businessmen, investors seeking rental income, and expats seeking privacy and tranquility can really experience modern living in the heart of nature.

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The 2010 Environmental Performance Index has been released.  Costa Rica moved up two places this year to the third most environmentally friendly country.  The index ranks 163 countries for 25 performance indicators tracked across ten policy categories covering both environmental public health and ecosystem vitality.  Expats, potential expats, and eco-travelers should be comforted that Costa Rica continues to perform better each year, even as infrastructure continues to improve.  With the recent election of Laura Chinchilla, Costa Rica will continue to move forward in a balanced way that respects its biodiversity and natural attractions, while ensuring that financial incentives are offered for the aspiring expat.  One might also ask, Is it safe to live there?  Costa Rica again scored well, registering at #9 on the list of the 10 Best Places to Live For Escaping World Conflict.  Again, Laura Chinchilla has voiced her mission to continue improving the country’s police force.  Costa Rica already records one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but the current and future administrations are dedicated to preserving the culture of peace that embodies Costa Rica.  There has never been a better time to retire to Costa Rica.  As much of the world is experiencing cutbacks due to

Contributed by Andrew Mastrandonas and Preston Gitlin from CRCommunities

Buying a home site and building your own home can be a daunting task anywhere in the world; it is no different in Costa Rica. However, with proper due diligence, and a realistic evaluation of budgetary concerns, the process can be the most rewarding way to express your dream of living in Costa Rica.

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Michael Anthony

Love her or hate her, the election of doña Laura Chinchilla as the first woman president of Costa Rica signifies the majority’s choice for both the continuation of current policies, and the change in cultural perspective that her presidency represents.  She officially takes power on May 8^th with support from other women in the government who now represent 23 of 57 public posts.

Not only has Costa Rica elected its first woman president  (only the 5^th in Latin America, but one of more than 50 the world over since 1960), they have done it by a landslide, as Chinchilla nearly doubled the percentage of her nearest contender, Ottón Solís.

In my local neighborhood of Atenas, there was a marked air of festivity surrounding this year’s election.  The area was draped in the green and white of Chinchilla’s PLN party; caravans and parades would follow.  Costa Ricans who I spoke to said they had never seen such voter turnout and enthusiasm.  While Americans were screaming at their TVs during the Super Bowl, the same level of emotion could be observed by Costa Ricans in front of their TVs:  arguing, debating, and speculating, but fully absorbed by the event.

The area around Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste is a richly fertile diverse location that is continuing to benefit from the growing interest in the Northwest area of Costa Rica.  The Liberia International airport has brought full connectivity to the region both nationally and internationally.  The center of Liberia is full of shops, restaurants, and all modern conveniences.  The small town of Canas Dulces is just 30 minutes from modern development, and yet is located in the foothills where the weather is substantially cooler at 1,500 feet above sea level, and commands stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as some of the best sunset views in the country over the Gulf of Papagayo.  The new sustainable community of Rancho San Roque has taken advantage of the wealth of natural resources, as well as the convenience offered by an international airport and proximity to a major town.  We believe that these 1.25 acre lots are a tremendous value starting at $50,000.

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There are many varieties of expats who choose to live in Costa Rica:  some arrive for political reasons; some to find clean healthy living in a great climate; others to find sound real estate investments in a growing market.  But perhaps the largest group of expats consists of those who are a blend of the groups mentioned above.  For that group, the most common question prior to arrival is, "But what is it REALLY like to live full time in Costa Rica?"  This question aims to go beyond the sales pitch of realtors and self-interested business people (although we admittedly do a bit of that), and get to the heart of the expat experience for those who are dedicated to embracing a foreign culture and experiencing the benefits of being engaged -- for good or bad -- with an often very different way of life than one's country of origin. 

Steven and Janet have been promoting this "real life" Costa Rica for nearly a decade.  They have made San Ramon their home -- a small area called La Paz, specifically -- and as Steven's recent article below illustrates, the area they have chosen reflects the values and beauty of the Costa Rican culture, environment, and what the overall experience of living in San Ramon with both Ticos and other expats can offer to those who are looking for the essence of Pura Vida. 

Steven and Janet also have a very special home for sale in La Paz that is a perfect entry into this pristine area of the Costa Rican countryside.  Listing #1252 is being offered at $118,000.

Costa Rica’s first IMAX screen and six cinemas introduce high-tech entertainment and style to the San Jose suburb of Escazu.  A total of 1,300 seats, two VIP rooms, a food court and a sports bar will make the facility one of Central Americas largest, with additional cafes, shops, offices and a hotel flanking the centerpiece to provide a boon to the local Costa Rican economy; an estimated 450 new jobs will be created.

Inauguration for the facility was on Nov. 19, with IMAX officially opening on Dec. 18, while the other cinemas and attractions are nearing completion.  No expense has been spared:  the hotel is five-star rated, and its design won first place in 2006 at the Architecture Biennale.