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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.

Property Description:

By Elvira Harisiadis

Having arrived in this beautiful country two years ago, I have the pleasure to now be living and working in Escazu.  Just ten minutes from downtown San Jose, Escazu is an upscale suburb with fabulous mountain views, a fresh climate, and modern shopping plazas.  It is considered to be one of the  most affluent San Jose neighborhoods and is comprised of three communities:  San Rafael de Escazu, Escazu Centro and San Antonio de Escazu.  Sprawled  across the Central Valley’s rolling hills, Escazu overlooks Heredia and San Jose and offers a peaceful alternative to the hustle of the capital city.

Ojochal, Costa Rica - December 13, 2009 - This is the second article we have written on Health Tourism in Costa Rica because the subject seems to get a lot of interest from readers from the US and Canada.

Background: Costa Rica has a nationalized health care system that is nearly free for all residents. Quality of care ranks #36 worldwide by the World Heath Organization (the US is #37) and yet the cost per capita of healthcare in Costa Rica is less than 1/10th the cost of comparable care in the US. Many procedures cost even less, in fact many procedures cost as little as a tenth the cost of comparable care in the US.

What is their secret? With cost of living expenses in Costa Rica significantly lower than the US, the cost of doing business is less. Average per capita income in the country averages less than $12,000 per year, so labor costs are significantly lower than many other countries. Furthermore, Costa Rica has basically eliminated malpractice expenses, a primary reason why health care costs are so expensive in the US.

SEE VIRTUAL TOUR OF A CUSTOM HOME FOR SALE IN ESPARZA