First post from an Aussie

[Ngareta Ring]

Hello! I’m Australian, but lived for many years in the USA (my late husband was American). While there I learned Spanish, worked as a bilingual teacher in California. I still speak it pretty fluently. I visited Costa Rica last October on a week-long tour and fell in love with this beautiful country.
I’m planning to return in late July this year and stay for up to 3 months. I think I would like to live there, for up to 6 months per year.
I can make it to the Fast Track conference, but was wondering if that’s necessary as I speak the language? Also, I will be attending a language school there to improve my slightly rusty Spanish and to learn more about the country.
Here are my questions: First, where to live? I am from Queensland and LOVE the beach. But it’s terribly dry here and I don’t want to go to a dry area. I love the rain.
On the tour, we went to Tortuguero, Arenal, and Monteverde. So I haven’t seen the Pacific Coast. The language school, recommended by our Tico tour guide, has campuses in Jaco and Coronado, near San José. From what I have read, Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal
sound like good possibilities. I wabt to be able to swim every day in the ocean, kayak, and snorkel (for starters!) I’m in my 70’s but very healthy and active. Any recommendations?

Second, what would I gain from the Fast Track conference, given all of the above?
Third, is Costa Rica safe for a single female? I got the impression that it is, but just checking.

Thanks very much.

[Kathleen Evans]

Hola Ngareta,

Thanks for reaching out and for being an IL reader. This is Kathleen, IL’s coastal correspondent. Very exciting you are planning a longer-term visit to Costa Rica. I have been here 6.5 years and I am still in awe of the beauty here! Plus, your Spanish skills put you leaps ahead of many expats here.

Where to live is always a challenging question. Because what sounds good on paper, might not be what we find in real life. But if you like the beach and rain, you have done your research well in narrowing down the Southern Zone. I concur. Although the Central Coast, Playa Herradura-Jaco-Esterillos-Quepos-Manuel Antonio, also gets its fair share of moisture too. And it is closer to San Jose (airport, major shopping, best medical care) so I would narrow it down to those 2 regions. But for the upcoming 3-month plan, I would look into Uvita-Dominical-Ojochal. You can always explore northward during your stay or plan to come back again. You may want to join the Expats Southern Zone Facebook group. This is a great place to network and toss out questions about living there, any rental opportunities, etc.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/707768359266826/

As far as the Fast Track Costa Rica conference, I can tell you this: I wish my husband and I attended one before we made the move. So much research we did on our own is presented at the conference on a silver platter. You will learn about each region, the pros and cons of living there. You will also hear stories from expats in each region and why they love it there. Plus they are available the entire time to talk to you one-on-one. But it is not just their stories. You will hear about residency and buying property from our Costa Rican attorney. About medical options from a Costa Rican doctor. There are real estate specialists to help you navigate through the process. Moving specialists, unique small business ideas. “How-to” preparation. The list of resources you will walk away with is impressive in and of itself. Since you are planning on being here in July, perhaps starting in San Jose at the conference is a good option. I would love to meet you!

As far as safety, I have many single female friends here of various ages. None of them are very concerned. Yes, you must be aware of your surroundings – especially late night, like anywhere in the world. But overall I would definitely say it is safe here overall. This is an article I wrote about general safety here. It might ease any angst you possibly have.

Safety in Costa Rica

I hope that helps set you in the right direction.

Pura vida, chica!
~Kathleen

[Ngareta Ring]

¡Muchas gracias Kathleen! That is helpful information. The fast track conference sounds great. I was just trying to save a bit of money, but if it’s that good I’ll think seriously about going. Just a couple more questions. Is it very hot and humid in the Southern Zone? I’m used to heat, and with the neach nearby I think I would be Ok, but would like to hear your take on the climate. Also, are there any chiropractors in the area? I go to one here, and find that he really helps me.
I would love to meet you; maybe at the conference!
I have joined the Facebook page you mentioned, it was listed on another post. Seems full of useful information.
Thanks again, Ngareta

[Kathleen Evans]

Happy to help, Ngareta. Yes, it is warm and humid in the Southern Zone – more during rainy season May-November. Heat is a relative thing, but yes it is not unusual to have highs in the low 30’s. But as you get up into the mountains close to the coast, you will find the slightly higher elevation and the sea breezes temperate the heat quite a bit. A lot of expats live at these higher elevations in the hills rather than right on the beach.

And yes, anywhere you find expats you will find chiropractors. I do not know the reputation of any of them since I have not lived there, but a quick question on the Southern Zone group will probably give you several suggestions. Between Dominical-Uvita-Ojochal you will find all the services you will need for basic day to day living – groceries, restaurants, banks, ATM, clinics, pharmacies, gas stations, Ferias (farmers market), chiropractors, etc.

Best of luck researching. I hope to see you in July!

Also, if you have further questions, you can email me at CostaRica@InternationalLiving.com. I check my email quite a bit more than this forum page. I would not want to leave you hanging!

Pura vida,
Kathleen

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