Where to start housing and paperwork to become resident

Hola Olivia,

My suggestion is for you to attend one of the seminars that ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica) offers. Their offices are in Mall San Pedro (3rd floor, I think) but the seminars are elsewhere is San Jose. They have monthly seminars that should answer all your questions - real estate, insurance, health care, residency and much more. They have on site lawyers that can also assist with your residency. You can find more information at: arcr.net. If this link is removed then just do a Google search on the name - that should get you there. I have used their services for 13 years and have been totally happy. Hope this helps !

I tried torespond but it wouldnt go.

Let me know if you get this.

A lot depends on what you want.  Mountains, beach or city.  The beach areas are hotand more expensive.  The mountains are beautiful but not as heavily populated but cheaper to live there.  The pacific coast is more popular than the caribean side.  If you have questions I am quite happy toshare with you.  By the way,I am 78, so we may have some things in common.

@oooriginals ......Slow down ! You don't need to be making life altering decisions while on a vacation.Do not be the majority of North Americans having to learn devastating financial lessons.First of all,Costa Rica is not the backyard for North America....No consumer protection,so,that means you better be independently well versed in real estate law .Everyone and anyone can sell estate here, even tourists, nothing is regulated........A retired woman alone is  considered vulnerable easy prey in Costa Rica......A country of thieves for today

@oooriginals - Hi Olivia. I think the challenge here is to think that there is an expat area. Expats are across the country and it really depends on what you are looking for in terms of lifestyle, access to a myriad of things (ex: healthcare - any specific needs or proximity you are hoping for, types of grocery shopping and level of what is familiar you want, climate, etc.) I wish it was as easy as "just drop in and go".

While I do think there are interesting things to learn from seminars, they are focused on general info and topics they give to everyone. You may want that, but you may not. A****

I really recommend doing your research and having a good sense of where and why BEFORE you come visit, and definitely before you move.

I wish you the very best - happy to speak further.

@karenskrill

Karen, I'll be arriving in Costa Rica on Sept 3rd.

I have absolutely no idea, where you live, but I wanted to ask

if you would like to meet for lunch.

I'm staying at Taranova Villas Palmas, close to Hotel Holiday Inn In San Jose.

I'd love to meet and talk and make a new friend in Costa Rica.

If you would like to call my number is 1-***. I'm not sure of anything right now,

including the phone system. If you would rather I call you just send me your number.

Hoping to meet you soon,

Olivia Albert

Sidney, Nebraska

@karenskrill

Did you receive the message I sent yesterday (Tuesday, Aug. 22)

I'm not positive if I am doing this correctly!

Thx,

Olivia Albert