www.CostaRicaTicas.com

We had great ideas for saving money noe lets talk apts. I get asked about apts a least once a week. I have lived in 5 places since being in San Jose.

There are categories and price ranges for every need here.

I currently live in a monthly furnished apt because I am not sure where I want to be long term.

Most people way overpay on their first place here

Helpful hints:

1) If it is listed in English newspapers it is genrally overpriced
2) Unfurnished generally means no fridge, oven or any appliances

BKTUNA
I am never going home

If looking for a medium to long term rental, and you have some time, don't limit your search to the traditional gringo neighborhoods. Some of the areas that are stereotypically viewed as inferior actually have some very good neighborhoods at much better prices.

I live in Las Jardines de Tibás and many gringos make a face when they hear that I live in Tibás (they're usually thinking of Leon XIII). The neighborhood I live in is safe, clean and quiet. The last street crime here that I'm aware of was probably four years ago. The majority of my neighbors are professionals or small business owners. I pay about 60% of what I would pay for the same housing in Escazú.

Los Colegios and La Guaria in Moravia are also two quite nice neighborhoods out my way with good prices. I'm sure there are many other great neighborhoods that are out of way.

_________________
It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money--Tom T. Hall
No man is a failure who is enjoying life--William Faulkner

Myself, Pac55, DR Mario, MadHatter, Esposa de Barbie and a few others all live in Los Yoses. We are just east of the Mall San Pedro on the Sputh side of the main road (sam area as Il Ritorno and Donde Carlos rests.) I find it way more convenient and somewhat cheaper than Escazu, Cariari and Rohrmoser.

The bus is 175 colones to AV central and a taxi to the SL is 1000 to 1500 colones.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

Well this thread topic is on the right track in more than one way. Renting as opposed to even think about buying.

It is very valuable to get a reference on an apartment because many apartments are not a good 'fit' for a gringo monger.

I moved into a building with several real nice familys and it is difficult walking one girl out and another one arriving in the same hour.

I never plan it that way but it seems to happen. I wish I had a private entrance.

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* These are the "Good Ole Days". Enjoy Them.

* RENT but, "Don't Buy a Home in Costa Rica" until you have lived here for THREE years.

I'm so jealous of all you motherfuckers

What an outstanding set up those guys have.

Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

I have talked to a number of gringos who, rather than sign a lease on an apartment, start by renting a room/bath with private entrance in someone's home. This option, while not ideal for mongering with independent providers, gives one an inexpensive home base from which to search for better digs.

I echo Cujo's' sentiments: I have now visited tow of the circled wagons in Los Yoses...beautiful, many amenities, lots of space. I too am envious of all those muthafukkahs.

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

A comment made in another thread made me recall this tip
If you will not be in the apt or house full time a watchie is a good idea
The girl you are seeing may not be the best choice for that job!
The stories I have heard
Make frends with that tough old women with the nasty dog that lives near by

Some very good info but if I am in need of a 3 month rental in or near ezcazu for work what would be a good place to look for a place while I am in us preparing. Craigslist seems to have some good buys but as you say it is a gringo thing and I have no idea of what a shared room in house or appt should go for.

Any ad listed in Craigslist rings one of two phones - a woman named Maria (I believe) and another older guy whose name I forget. They are both English speaking ticos and they are both 100% in for proft. They work in the Century 21 office here in Escazu. You should expect to pay 20% or more as a commission. And, they always tell you that "this one rents for $600 or so, but we can work out a better deal." That means they'll knock off 1 or 2% of their 20% or higher commision.

The best way to find an apartment - word of mouth, and La Nacion.

The worst way to find an apartment - english newspapers and hotel taxi drivers.

For a long-term rent, I recommend a place outside of San Jose that has enough stuff to do, so you are not basically taking a break from the Del Rey everyday.

Here's a tip - those towers they are building in La Sabana have to be in dire straits. The real estate economy here is so bad, I'd bet they'd rent, as opposed to sell them, to help pay expenses, taxes and investors. They look great and with the new stadium, i predict this will be a as good as it gets in Costa Rica.

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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.

That is exactly the area I need to be in Sabana. I have got alot of great tips thanks. I am going to walk the neighborhood on a Sat in a couple weeks and let ya all know how that turns out. Thanks again

Whats the average rate being paid for this luxury in Los Yoses?

_________________
The Most Interesting Man in the World
"Stay thirsty my friends"

...And here you still are, Greengo. What's up with that? All the Nazies in BA have died off...I think.

_________________
"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

Good information, thank you. Here are a couple of other questions:

1. Are there signs saying "for rent" with a call number you gather while walking the area.

2. Do you just work the local papers, taxi guys, PM other expats, and make conversation at the local colmados (pulperias) to learn what is for rent in a target area?

3. How long does it take to get land line phone and internet in a rental? Or does it come with included in the "furnished" rate?

I am looking for a typical 3/2 furnished with high speed internet starting in May or June.

Thanks again,

F

1. There are some signs in windows. Look for a sign that says "alquiler".

2. All of those.

3. Most apartments have land line phones. If they do not I do not know the time frame. I have been told it all depends on where. Some areas have no land lines (mostly rural) and some have no available lines. (mostly urban). Internet I only have experience with AMNET and that takes a couple of days.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Gracias!