www.CostaRicaTicas.com

This query is directed to guys living in C.R. I realize that what I am asking may be too invasive for you to comfortably answer here in this public forum, so if you're reluctant to post publically, please PM me.

The reason I am asking is this: We all dream of a "bolt hole;" someplace we can bolt away to if things get too tough in the U.S. or Canada.

If you do answer publically, please answer point-by-point:

1. How much per month do you pay for rent?

2. How big is your place? Bedrooms?

3. General location (barrio or town)?

4. How's the neighborhood? Crime? Stores? Bars/restaurants?

5. What amenities are included in your rent? Do you have a gringo-style kitchen or a two-burner hot plate? Do you have hot water in your shower? Hell, do you even have a shower?

I am seriously wondering if some of the stories I've heard are bullsh*t or not. One CRT member (name witheld out of respect) claims to rent an upscale condo with everything but hot and cold running servants for under $500.00. Another swears he pays $100.00 for a 500 sq. foot "luxury" apartment. I'm finding such stories a bit hard to believe.

Honest replies are appreciated. If you choose not to post your reply publically, again I would appreciate a PM. A group of fellow mongers and I have discussed renting such an apartment to use as a "bolt hole."

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Our apartment is a 3 br, 2 bath, unfurnished near Hotel Europa. We pay around $400 a month which includes cable. Security inside the bldg is fine, full time guards. Outside the only problem I have is with beggars, which is not really a problem unless you make it one. Plenty of bars, restaurants, stores within a short walk. Traffic and noise are bothersome. We have real hot water, but this is not the case in most of the other apartments, where they have suicide showers. Everything in the kitchen we had to buy ourselves, which is normal for an unfurnished apt here in CR.

I have lived in 2 other places. I had a nice furnished studio on the outskirts of San Pedro for $300 a month, all inclusive. It was just too far away to be convenient so I moved. I shared a place with two friends in Los Yoses that I paid around 100 a month for my share, which was alright but it was a long walk to anything, even a bus stop.

We are in the process of looking for a new place because we are having problems with the landlord. He is a religious nut (I'm talking Halle-Bop crazy) and apparently believes Jesus and the aliens will punish him if he lets people live in his building who have sex with anyone other than their lawfully wedded spouses. Too bad, it's a good place to live, but oh well.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

Here's my assessment for a one bedroom unit that is above living in a chicken coop and comparable to US standards:

San Jose (be very selective) - $200 - $400

San Pedro, Sabana, Curridibat, Los Yoses Area - $400-$600

Alajuela - not sure

Escazu, Santana, Rhomoser - $500 - $1000

I always hear about people living in, for example, Barrio San Fransisco for $250 per month (including all utilities). I've driven through there and don't understand how anyone could survive more than a few days. Unless you enjoy a third world lifestyle, it completely sucks!!! I also hear about people being brave enough to live in Hatillo, Moravia and Desamparados. I know a few people that live in downtown SJ, that hardly ever leave their apartments. If they go somewhere, its within a few short blocks. Otherwise, they hop a taxi, because it is too risky.

The gringos that I do believe live "on the cheap" are the ones that are out in Cartago or Atenas, or essentially El Campo. But, "on the cheap" is a relative word, kind of like beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

To each his own, but I recommend living in an area where locals are accustomed (and even mix) with gringos.

Finally, my real-life example... I lived for one year in a good area of Escazu. I had two bedroom apt with furniture for $520 per month. This DID NOT include utilities beyond cable (cuz the owner was pirating). The apartment did have hot water. The bathrooms and kitchen were "tico-style" meaning the bare basics. Didn't see any C*ck roaches, but knew they were there. The furniture was barely usable. I ended-up buying a $500 sofa and a $700 mattress, because I didn't like that "springy" feeling lying down or the odor of old musty furniture.

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http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

In 2004 i shared a brand new 2 bedroom luxury townhome fully furnished internet/cable/phone included in Escazu.350$ very safe area was gated community.

In 2005 i had a 3 bedroom fully furnished detached home in Los Yoses for 600$. Relatively safe area.

In 2006 shared a 2 bedrooom condo in Rohmoser fully furnished all utilites+ internet included 250$. Worst area i lived in in CR cars were broken into regularly on street, crackheads from pavas roaming around all day and night neighbor's apartment was broken into, and shortly after i left our apartment was broken into.

In 2005-07 in Sabana Sur i had a 2 bedroom semi furnished townhome i guess u could call it, had bed all appliances in kitchen, washer, dryer ,cable tv included 400$. Very safe area you could park your car outside and nobody would steal or break in.

There are lots of deals out there for good apartments, all of the places i rented were from newspaper ads or just driving around and phoning people with rental signs up. They all had new furniture and appliances decent landlords!(i must be phucking lucky) and apart from rohmoser all were safe. Funny thing is rohmoser has a reputation of being one of the safe areas but i would never live there again.

My best advice here is TO STAY AWAY FROM REALTORS. They all advertise in CraigsList and the Tico Times. They are a complete waste of time and always take a commission, which you ofcourse, are paying.

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http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

My rentals are all in middle class Tico neighborhoods on the east side about four to six miles from ground zero (HDR). They are all near bus stops. The average description would be 3 bedrooms, 1 ½ bath, 2 car garage, kitchen, living-room dining-area combined, wash room and small patio for $350 to $450 per month. Unfurnished and you pay utilities.

I have one unfurnished apartment which includes bedroom living-room combo, kitchen-dining combo, and bathroom for $180 per month unfurnished.

All of them are well maintained, have rustic Spanish tile flooring, and upgraded but not luxury baths.

If one of them comes vacant, it is usually rented before the old renter moves out.