Living in Grecia Costa Rica - Perspectives from an expat resident in the Central Valley.

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2 жыл бұрын

The Central Valley of Costa Rica is an appealing lifestyle destination for many ex-pats that want to move to Costa Rica. The town of Grecia in the Central Valley is becoming a popular destination due to its' great climate and reasonable prices. The fact that you have a pleasant country living lifestyle yet close enough to the major cities of Alajuela and San Jose allows you to have everything you would need within a short drive. The International airport is only 40 minutes from Grecia.
In this video, I visit the town of Grecia and meet with ex-pat Brooke Bishop who has lived in the area for 22 years. She will give us her perspective on life in Grecia including the climate, cost of housing, medical care, community activities, and more. For those of you interested in living in Grecia or the surrounding towns of Naranjo and Sarchi in the Central Valley you can contact Brooke at: brooke@bishoprealtycostarica.com or visit her website at www.bishoprealtycostarica.com
Also check out the official video of the local government at the Municipality of Grecia. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pbCCqtqVzpvPlo0.html The Municipality of Grecia website is www.grecia.go.cr/
For more information on Costa Rica be sure to visit the most comprehensive Legal Information Site at costaricalaw.com/
Be sure to stay out of trouble and ensure a smooth transition to Costa Rica with your copy of The Legal Guide to Costa Rica costaricalaw.com/crbooks/

Пікірлер: 99

@iryshpoatit7967 2 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic video, after spending 2 weeks in Puntarenas, a couple of weeks back, I realized I do love the beach, but having a cooler climate would be ideal, also prices seem to be lower on average. Thank you so much for your video. Pura Vida

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your comments and glad you enjoyed the video. Pura Vida !

@marytica123 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the informative interview with Brooke ! Lots of good pointers ! One thing to consider when buying in the Central Valley / Mountains - the "neblina zone", where wet fog is prevalent during much of the year. We lived outside San Ramon de Alajuela, in the town of Los Angeles Sur. We jokingly called the area we lived in "The Lost World" - due to the fog rolling off the ridge as you climbed the steep road. It evoked those old movies, with dinosaurs coming out of the mist !

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your feedback and glad you found it informative.

@skypt123 2 жыл бұрын

My family and I are moving to the Santa Ana area in October-November, however seeing this is making me look over that way once our lease is up.🙂

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for commenting. That ability to change zones, climate and vegetation yet within short distances I think is what makes the central valley an interesting option.

@theruggedtravelers 2 жыл бұрын

I highly recommend Brooke, we met her about 12 years ago when she was working at Vista del Valle and she helped us find our house in San Ramon that same year.

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching the video and your feedback and glad to hear that Brooke was able to guide you through your purchase in San Ramon

@johnstrika9170 11 ай бұрын

Do you have any links in regards to contacting her? I'm looking to make the move early next year. It would have been sooner but there's a nearly 1 year wait on new passports in the US right now

@RobertWilliams-mb9jb 2 жыл бұрын

I've lived in Grecia for over 11 years, but not interested in purchasing real estate. Real estate is the most conspicuous form of wealth, subject to taxation, regulation and confiscation. I rent a modern house for $525 per month. If I were to purchase a comparable house it would cost $200,000. Plus I don't have to "fire sale" a house if I need to return to the US. Nor do I have to worry about what happens if I die.

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing such a great perspective and your experience in Grecia.

@mikereut6088 9 ай бұрын

I was thinking to visit Costa Rica I’m looking for an exit strategy I leave in Florida now …but I’m thinking Europe summers & maybe Costa rica in winters.

@RobertWilliams-mb9jb 9 ай бұрын

@@mikereut6088 I was born and lived most of my life in Florida. Left in 2008 temporarily, and in November 2010 permanently. I have no regrets concerning the move. Go back to Florida to visit family occasionally, but have no joy for either the weather or politics. Speaking of weather, where I reside there is no need for either air conditioning or heat. It is between 70F and 80F year-round. I am at an elevation of about 3,500 ft. Now if one lives on the coast they can expect a climate similar to S. Florida; requiring air conditioning. And the electricity to operate an A/C is expensive. If I had it to do over again I might move to Colombia. Spent some time there and the cost of living is much lower. Go into Exito (similar to Walmart) and at the cafeteria have a salmon dinner for $7.

@kingjesus7926 7 ай бұрын

@@RobertWilliams-mb9jb Costa Rica is way safer though

@BibleSamurai 2 жыл бұрын

great information. i would recommend put that interview video box in the upper right or bottom right. its obstructs the view

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Good idea and thanks for the comment and feedback

@thewanderinggringos3482 2 жыл бұрын

Lived with my family here in Palmares for nearly 4 years, absolutely love it!

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for commenting and watching the video. Happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Palmares

@TravelDiva61 Жыл бұрын

My FAVORITE Costa Rica video by far! You two have helped me to say yes to Grecia👍🏼 I hope to arrive January 2023 And I'm so excited! ☺️

@CostaRicaLaw Жыл бұрын

Thank you Sharon for your comments. I appreciate it. I wish you the very best in Grecia and enjoy Costa Rica.

@raulmorales5888 2 жыл бұрын

Fabulous video. Thank you

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting.

@DaveRimington 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Roger and Brooke - Very informative interview

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and letting us know that you found it informative. Regards

@junkyarddog9534 11 ай бұрын

@@CostaRicaLaw how can I contact Brooke?

@gregmohr2067 2 жыл бұрын

Very Informative! I've been visiting CR for over 20 years and was pretty sure living about the Southern Zone. I've been under the assumption the central valley was over populated, suffering from water rationing and well just too Gringo-ized. Glad to see I was wrong from your drive and all the beautiful ridgelines in your area. Might be paying you a visit in the future Brooke. Cheers Greg Mohr, Miami Beach FLA

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and sharing your feedback. Yes, there are many different areas in the Central Valley to explore.

@Caveman007freelancer 2 жыл бұрын

Great info. Thanks

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting.

@michelinecousineau8497 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 🤩

@CostaRicaLaw Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting

@Mialovesphoto 29 күн бұрын

Very informative. Thank you

@CostaRicaLaw 18 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful and thank you for watching

@jandecook3302 2 жыл бұрын

Good job Brooke!

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Brooke says thank you !

@mrs.rogersneighborhood Жыл бұрын

That’s it. I’m going to Costa Rica. My eye doctor is from there, and he recommended it, too.

@CostaRicaLaw Жыл бұрын

Come on down and explore it and thank you for watching and commenting

@rafalfaro 2 жыл бұрын

Grecia also has a Shopping Mall with Movie Theater.

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing the information

@RobertWilliams-mb9jb 2 жыл бұрын

The restaurant next to the post office is excellent, and reasonably priced.

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that recommendation !

@jayclement2444 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent Video, appreciate. I am looking to rent first in Grecia. Plese let me know if Brooks does that too.

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and your question. Yes, go ahead and contact Brooke and she can guide you on rental as well.

@PAPITO_49 4 ай бұрын

The first house I bought in Grecia in 1991 was 3bdroom 2 bath, car port $21,000.

@CostaRicaLaw 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting. Yes, I remember the 90's as well in Costa Rica. Very affordable. In those days you would also live very well on less than US$1,000 per month.

@mrs.rogersneighborhood Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I want that perfect climate.

@CostaRicaLaw Жыл бұрын

Come on down and check it out.

@claudettejoseph605 Жыл бұрын

Hi Roger it was very interesting to watch your video I am myself I want to move to Costa Rica. I just can’t wait please help❤

@CostaRicaLaw Жыл бұрын

Hi Claudette. Thank you for watching and commenting. Come on down to Costa Rica ! I have many articles about moving and living in Costa Rica on our website costaricalaw.com/

@tomschoenbeck6221 Ай бұрын

Brooke is Awesome!

@CostaRicaLaw Ай бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting.

@homeincostarica914 2 жыл бұрын

Picking up packages in Zapote is the worst :D

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Yes agreed that it is not a pleasant experience and should be avoided whenever possible.

@shawnsteinman2001 6 ай бұрын

Are there good International Schools in the Grecia Area?

@mikereut6088 9 ай бұрын

Is that the rainy season when u made the video ?

@CostaRicaLaw 9 ай бұрын

Yes. That was filmed in the month of August which is part of the rainy season that runs from April to October

@dougdileo4727 2 жыл бұрын

very nice video, i visit often and have seen many properties around and find prices seem to be double what they are really worth and could be a problem if you try to sell..have seen the same properties year after year because prices have been gringoized by realtors...what is your take on this....

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your feedback. That is a great point that you make about the value and sale of properties. It will vary significantly from area to area but in general terms at the moment the highest demand where expats seem to be focusing on is in the coastal areas. Prices in the coastal areas are definitely "gringoized" and very dependent on foreign buyers. The Central Valley is where the majority of locals live so there is great variety in prices and affordability depending on the area. The more rural and local the lower the prices. The central valley hotspots tend to be more expensive such as Escazu, Santa Ana and now Atenas. The majority of Costa Rica buyers are in the $120,000 to $200,000 range. Housing in Costa Rica tends to be more expensive then it really should be but most of that is due to the extensive and costly bureaucratic regulations to develop real estate projects. Also, when you purchase you should contemplate what your exit strategy is going to be as well. As you point out selling could be a problem depending on the area and the type of property you are purchasing so keep that in mind when making a decision about purchasing property in Costa Rica.

@jclar7210 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video, are there any listings between 100 and 150k. I'm sure there are.

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Sure. We represented a buyer on a purchase for $125k in Sarchi area.

@febsign6110 6 ай бұрын

Is the water treated before it comes into the house ? Do you have whole house filter systems there and uv light ? Or should I bring my own from Canada

@CostaRicaLaw 6 ай бұрын

Hi. It is generally tested but always best to have your own additional filters. You can find local UV systems

@febsign6110 6 ай бұрын

@@CostaRicaLaw Thank you

@TheRockInnRobin 4 ай бұрын

What is the light pollution like in Grecia and surrounding areas?

@CostaRicaLaw 4 ай бұрын

Hi Robin. Compared to Costa Rica's larger urban centers, Grecia experiences considerably less light pollution, allowing for clearer night skies. This is partly due to its size, the lack of high-rise buildings. The further you move away from the town center of grecias and into the countryside, the darker the skies will become.

@themaestroslady1812 3 ай бұрын

My husband and I are looking to relocate soon to Costa Rica, but our means are modest and we're looking for a two bedroom rental with accessibility features, such as ramps, grab bars in the bathroom, ground floor entrance or elevator in the building, etc. We need to know how to get our pensionado residency visas, costs etc. and would appreciate a reply to this post. Thank you

@CostaRicaLaw 3 ай бұрын

Sure. Send me a message here and I would be.glad ton respons to your request. plawcr.com/contact-us/

@themaestroslady1812 3 ай бұрын

@@CostaRicaLawI have sent a message on your website and set up an initial phone consult. Thank you

@ricardoburgos8908 2 жыл бұрын

Greicia ?

@junkyarddog9534 11 ай бұрын

Assuming Brooke is a real estate agent, where can I find her contact info (website, etc)?

@CostaRicaLaw 11 ай бұрын

This is the contact that Brooke has provided to us so you can reach her directly. brooke@bishoprealtycostarica.com

@mikereut6088 9 ай бұрын

How come there is no Sun out there

@CostaRicaLaw 9 ай бұрын

Hi. Might be a combination of a cloudy day and some bad camera angles. The rainy season runs from April-October. We still get plenty of sunshine during the mornings and the rains come in the afternoon.

@ammiministry 2 жыл бұрын

How do I get in touch with Brook

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Her email was included in the video description section of the video. Here you go: brooke@bishoprealtycostarica.com

@mrs.rogersneighborhood Жыл бұрын

I’m about to sell my house and go to Grecia.

@michelefisher5171 2 жыл бұрын

There’s a town there. With sidewalks and stores. Why don’t you show that?

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Next time with more time

@stevecutter9678 Жыл бұрын

Any expat churches in Grecia?

@CostaRicaLaw Жыл бұрын

Hi Steve. Thank you for your question. I am told by a person that lives in Grecia that Yes there is one multi denominational Christian church in Grecia that offers service in English

@marakaron3575 2 жыл бұрын

How do we get a hold of Brooke?

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Sure. This is her email. brooke@bishoprealtycostarica.com

@marakaron3575 2 жыл бұрын

@@CostaRicaLaw Thanks alot.

@johnstrika9170 11 ай бұрын

I realize this video is a year old but is there any links to this chick's real estate office?

@CostaRicaLaw 11 ай бұрын

You can contact Brooke directly at brooke@bishoprealtycostarica.com

@RobertWilliams-mb9jb 2 жыл бұрын

I have an insurance plan with Hospital Metropolitano for $13 per month. Most all doctors are bilingual. With the insurance typical office visit for a specialist is about $40. Don't know where all these bilingual specialists are in Grecia. Wish I knew.

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Robert for watching and your comments. Yes, Hospital Metropolitano is becoming a major player in providing private medical care. Here are the locations listed on their website and they seem to be expanidng. metropolitanocr.com/nuestras-sedes/

@RobertWilliams-mb9jb 2 жыл бұрын

@@CostaRicaLaw I happen to use the Hospital Metropolitano facility in Lindora. Much better than the San Jose hospital.

@kodimerlyn Жыл бұрын

Stop this! I have seven years until I can retire! Its gonna be wrecked by the time i get there! 😩😭😭😭😭😭😭

@michelefisher5171 2 жыл бұрын

You showed the outskirts of Grecia. You missed the best part.

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Next video will have to look at Grecia in more detail

@Pirate928 13 күн бұрын

Did she say a gas dryer? that's a new one.

@CostaRicaLaw 13 күн бұрын

Although not as common as electric there are some places in Costa Rica that will use gas appliances.

@Pirate928 13 күн бұрын

@@CostaRicaLaw Yeah gas cookers I'm familiar with. Never heard of a gas dryer though. They're not a thing in my country although apparently they were a long time ago.

@jamespannell8228 2 жыл бұрын

How are the marijuana laws? I’d smoke regardless but I gotta know 😩😩🤣

@CostaRicaLaw 2 жыл бұрын

Under the current law Marijuana is illegal in Costa Rica. There is a legislative bill in the legislature for licensing and that will be voted on towards the end of the year.