www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hi fellows,
I don't post much , since I am busy working , but now, I'll have time and plan constructively on what I actually want to do with my life at this stage of retirement . I was thinking Colombia , but then Costa Rica and I have a hard time deciding between the two. As far as cost of living and someone like myself will be living on a limited income from a small pension of $1900 a month.And a little saving of $50,000 retirement account. I am leaning more and more toward Costa Rica , but cost of living wise, doesn't Colombia has lower cost of living in terms of housing, food , transportation. In terms of personal safety , should I be concerned also ?

thank you fellows and I really appreciate your input on this subject.

Tshirt, I assume that you have been to both places at least several times. If not, you need to do that first so you can make a personal decision.

After you pick, you should move down and find a place to rent (not buy) and spend some time learning to live like a native ( no car etc).

Keep your retirement nest egg in a safe US bank, and live only on your monthly pension dollars.

Lastly, make sure that you have a way to return home if it doesn't work out. Keep your options open until you have fully gone native.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

Rent a place for six months to a year in both places then decide. Do not buy any capital assets, home, furniture, car for at least a year.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

Seems like very sound advice, Bk.

It also makes sense to live a few months in differeent parts of the city or country to see what you like. I have lived in Rohrmoser, Escazu, Barrio Amon and now Los Yoses. All have different good and bad points. There is no huge saving by rushing into a longer term commitment. The premium on a furnsihed monthly place is not that great. Especially if you realize unfurnished typicaslly menas no washer/dryer. fridge or oven.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

Unmentioned by T-Shirt is how much Spanish he has, how much Gringo and mongering contact he needs or how urban he needs to be. That said, you might cast the net wider in CR and consider, say, San Isidro del General or other ciudads farther from SJ

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

My Spanish is ok, I can get by fine , can hold a conversation , understand, and be understood. so language is not a problem .As far as mongering , yes would like some of that why not . Now I understand if I have to live around the Gulch and spend lavishly , my income will not cut it. But I am willing to settle for a cheaper place on the outskirts since Costa Rica is a small country and you can get by on cheap transportation by bus,And taxi as a matter of fact when need to.

I have visited Costa Rica 3 times and fell in love with it. I've been to Colombian same number of times and found it fascinating also . I have never seen as many gorgeous looking girls as in Colombia. they are not only beautiful , they are lovely also, well !! not counting the ones at the BM.

I found Costa Rica ,I am talking about SJ in particular to have more modern casinos and more up to par with U.S casinos . And dealing with banks and exchanging money to be less of a hassle in Costa Rica. In Colombia you have to show them your passport and do finger prints every time you want to exchange money no matter what amount.

My peice of advice would be to join CRT. lifetime for 99.00. It pays for itself on your field trips and will allow you into other area's of the board for more info.

People have been retiring to CR for 50 years. Not to many to columbia. So, the system is in place in CR. Wish you the best.

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Take a walk on the wild side.

Your quality of life and reduced costs would be very nice in a place like San Carlos CR. There is a little discreet mongering there and a great pace of life. A tica girlfriend would be easy to find.

_________________
Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

Even for Old Farts?

The hard part here is not having a girlfriend


BKTUNA
I am never going home

BK, for your purposes why do you prefer Los Yoses over Escazu or Barrio Amon? Is it cost or what? I hope after the economy gets better to get a place in the city again. I have had a place in Curridabat and once in San Pedro, next to Machu Pichu. Was thinking Escazu next time.... But am interested to hear your thoughts.

I lived in two places in Escazu, both close to my office at the time.

1) Trejos Montealegre - Gring type area behind the TGIfs, Tony Roma´s etc. Typically expensive. Relatively convenient for Escazu as you can walk to many things are a just a few hundred meteres from the Auto Pista

2) Escazu Centro - This is the Tico neighborhood surrounding the Church. Reasonably priced and ez to get to gringo type places. Walk to Time Out Tavern, The Pub and others

3) I moved to Barrio Amon because the 30 minutes each way to the casin was too much. I like Barrio Amon, close to all the action walk to all the hot spots. Not much inventory of apts, takes time to find one.

4) Los Yoses is just east of San Pedro on the south side of the main road. Very convenient, 300meters to Mall, AutoMercado. Buses are 5 min to AV central for 175 colones. Lots of restaurants and bars. Prices are varied. It is a nice combination of close to the action (1,200) colones to Sl or DR but still not downtown. A number of guys have moved to Los Yoses in the last few years.


I have actually enjoyed aspects of all. For me walking convenience is a key and being close to work.


BKTUNA
I am never going home

I hear ya,, Thanks for the info.. I loved living in Curridabat, but the traffice was horrible.. For that reason, sometimes I just wouldn't venture out because I didn't want to deal with it... I could see los Yoses being convenient.

Bond Trader, yes even there. The area is pretty conservative but gals there still think getting a gringo is like willing the lottery. Of course if you had a gf there, you would be pressured over time to marry.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.