Costs for homes or Condos

This varies from area to area naturally. Starting with a  middle class approach, one can find areas with nice homes from $125,000 up to $3,000,000 in the high class end.  Values in Costa Rica Real Estate are still good.

Climate and rainfall
The central valley with it perfect climate all year round of approximately 73 degree average, appeals to many people desiring to relocate to Costa Rica. 
Why the Central Valley Real Estate market is always good. Check the annual climate and rainfall.

Transportation

Bus and taxi are both very  viable. Cost is very low, comfort is good and both are highly organized.  The buses have good schedules and routes. Taxi drivers are very helpful, courteous and friendly. Many of our current Baby Boomers choose to us public transportation a large percentage of the time.

large choice of locations, world class health care, all the great restaurants and services makes this a Mecca for Costa Rica Retirement for the Baby Boomer.

Map of the central Valley Costa Rica




Choices of where to live

Depending on budget of course, you have many areas from which to choose.  Usually it boils down to budget because each of the areas have all the amenities one needs for a good lifestyle.

The urban type will opt for;  Alajuela - Atenas - Barva -  Cariari - Cartago - Escazu  - Heredia  - San Antonio de Belen   Puriscal - Santa Ana

Others will opt for the outlying areas which are quite nice and most will benefit from the new highway making the trip to San Jose very close.   Atenas - Cartago Grecia - Heredia -  La Garita Puriscal  - San Ramon - San Carlos

Retirement living in Costa Rica is filled with options. Today, more than just Baby Boomers are making Costa Rica their chosen destination. With state of the art communications  available now, professionals can work from anywhere and with the lower cost of living and all the amenities offered Costa Rica Relocation becomes very much a viable choice.


New to San Jose area

High Rise structures in San Jose with 24/7 security are popping up around the Sabana Park offering beautiful views and conveniences.

Communication

Direct-dial telephone service, facsimile, telex, radio and cable television are all available. Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is: 116, local information: 113, long distance information: 124.  Internet cafes are available in most towns and hotels. 
High speed internet that can facilitate any personal or business need is available ion most areas. Even the outlying areas like San Ramon and Atenas now have it or will shortly get it.

Infrastructure
With the new highways and ongoing works programs designed to meet growth demands, San Jose is far from perfect, but is ranked high in effort and quality.  A good example is the new interchange in Escazu which has alleviated bottlenecks and made the event a very surprisingly good one to travel through area.
Escazu Real Estate will benefit from this greatly.

Open a Bank account

There are approximately 19 private Banks and about 5 state owned.   The majority offer accounts in colones or dollars, and in some cases, euros.  Banco Costa Rica (BCR) offers the most ATM locations all around Costa Rica.  Banking is safe and deposits are insured.

Requirements

1) Identification - All banks will require your passport if you’re not a Costa Rica resident, and may ask for an additional form of identification, such as a driver’s license (from country of origin is acceptable).

2) Utility Bill - You’ll also need to obtain a copy of a utility bill that confirms the address where you reside in Costa Rica.

3) Purpose in Costa Rica - This requirement varies bank to bank, but if you’re a retired Costa Rica resident, you’ll want to bring your residency card or some document from immigration or your lawyer that shows you’re in the process of obtaining it. Students should provide a letter from the institution where they study stating their purpose in Costa Rica, and any foreign workers should provide their orden patronal – a small document that reports income and proves payment into social security, or La Caja.

4) Initial Deposit - This amount varies widely, ranging from 3,000 - 25,000 colones, or $10 - $500 for accounts in dollars.

5) Letters of Reference - Most Costa Rica banks will require an average of two reference letters. There is some variation in what is expected, but in general, these are letters from other banks where you have made deposits. They can also be as simple as letters from friends who have accounts in the bank where you are applying, stating your relationship and their confidence in your reliability. In fact, you can help facilitate the process if they can accompany you to the bank.

As long as you’re not rushed and have all your required documents, you will find most Costa Rica bankers and tellers to be very friendly and helpful.  A good CONCIERGE SERVICE can be very helpful

  We make it easy with our Lifestyle Real Estate Tours. Our tours cover much of the areas and amenities
  available.  Our CONSIERGE SERViICE makes opening Bank accounts, paying bills etc. a very simple task.