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Costa Rica Beach Living - 23 'Negatives'
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Costa Rica Beach Living - 23 'Negatives'
Scott Oliver
After visiting one of Costa Rica's many beautiful beaches on vacation, many people rush to the conclusion that "Wouldn't it be nice to live here?"
But Costa Rica beach living isn't for everyone and enjoying a one week vacation with a pina colada in hand watching the sunset is not the same as 'living' at the beach.
Costa Rica is still a developing country and although you will find all of the modern conveniences in San Jose and the surrounding areas, the beach areas do not have that kind of infrastructure:
- All serious business is done in San Jose.
- Beaches are 90 minutes - 5 hours from San Jose
- There are no good hospitals near the beach - None!
- Real estate prices in 'hot' beach areas are the highest in the country.
- The 'hottest' real estate markets do tend to have more crime.
- Buying properly 'titled' land can be very complicated.
- Getting building permits can be a nightmare.
- The beach environment is tough on your home.
- Everything rusts - Corrosion affects your car and home appliances.
- Beach areas can be hot, humid & air conditioning costs add up.
- There are more insects at the beach.
- Getting a telephone line installed can take a very long time and...
- Cellphone coverage is limited.
- Fast internet access is not available in most beach areas.
- Some beaches have unhealthy levels of pollution.
- Dining out, groceries & utilities are more expensive than San Jose.
- There is literally only one good international school (expensive).
- Cultural activities, entertainment & nightlife are limited.
- Good dentists and other professionals can be hard to find.
- Warranty work to be done on your car must be done in San Jose.
- The roads can be more of a challenge and this will also affect your car.
- Fresh food is harder to find and does not stay fresh for long.
- Overall your cost of living will be higher than San Jose.
Now some people hope NOT to find modern day facilities whilst living at the beach and if you also have that 'pioneer' type attitude, Costa Rica beach living for the long term may be perfect for you.
For most of us however, not having the facilities that we have become accustomed to can be a marvellous 'escape' during a short vacation but, after six months of driving for four hours every week just to stock up on our favourite groceries, it can get tiring.
What do most people do? When we want to go to the beach, we hop into our cars, drive for a few hours and we're there! For us, staying at a new, exotic and different beach location each time is 'worry-free' and beats the pants off spending all that money on a home in the same place that we won't use nearly as much as we think we will... And how often will you actually go to the beach anyway?
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So if you want to 'visit' the beach - that's one thing, actually 'living' there is a whole different 'ballgame' so please! If you are seriously thinking about beach living, may we suggest that you live there for six months and *rent first*.
If you are absolutely convinced that beach living is right for after that time then take a look around the area that you now know really well and find a suitable property to buy!
You can read Costa Rica Beach Living - 23 Positives here.
Considering Buying A Home On The Central Pacific Coast?
If you are looking for a home on the beautiful Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, please contact our Recommended Realtors Lisle Head and David Karr in Jaco using the simple form below:
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