Thank you for posting the video. We are considering the Uvita area, but we are two years away. We plan to take a trip there this next spring for research. We will be working on our rental wishlist in the meantime.
Hi, Sarah Elena! First time here! I'm moving to Costa Rica in May, but have never been there before. I'm in an agony of indecision: access to turtles on the northern Atlantic side, or Puerto Viejo (sp) to the south? Or should I be on the Pacific side? Uvita? Samora? There's so much beauty there, I have no clue where to look. I plan on flying down in the beginning of May (I know that's the beginning of rainy season and that's fine with me!) I've been looking on Airbnb and found a few decent-looking places in my price range, but I know nothing about neighborhoods. So staying in an Airbnb for a month to check out the country seems to be the best solution at this point. But, I like that you already live there and you know where to look. So here's my wish list: -) LOCATION: No idea which neighborhoods, or even which ocean - but I need to be near the water. Looking for a not-too-tiny town with a blend of ex-pats and natives (I'm a total extrovert and love meeting new people) - one with a funky, artsy vibe. No big metro areas. Would like a mix of age groups, too. PRICE RANGE: around 500-600USD but can go a wee bit higher for the right place. OTHER MUSTS: Something modest but pretty in a quiet neighborhood. Privacy is important and a beautiful outdoor space. Good water pressure. I'd like two bedrooms (A dark night sky where I can see the stars (little to no light pollution and no glaring lights in my apartment at night). I MUST have to have solid, reliable Wi-Fi because I do remote graphic design. I'm a scuba diver, too, so I need easy access to dive shops. I won't have a car, but I'm happy with public transport or getting a scooter or bicycle. I'm a nature girl and my college degree focused on marine ecology and environmental conservation, so I'm happiest in the more wild places - but I don't want to feel isolated from people, either. Which brings me to my last point: I seem to be in this strange niche: artist, scientist, recent college grad - but I'm also older - I'm a fairly young 64, and get along with all age groups. I hope there's nothing of great importance I left out of my list, and I hope this makes sense. If you know of any places that sound like what I'm describing, please let me know! I'd love to work with you if you think you can help. Thank you so much for your great channel! New subscriber here!
Hey there sister traveler. I’ve been in CR for 4 years now and I’ve lived in a half dozen areas. What you’re looking for might pose a challenge with your budget. I have found outstanding, inexpensive, out-of-the-way places, but that wouldn’t meet your criteria of being near people and stores, etc. You might love the Carribean side, like in the Limón region (too hot for me). To the west (Pacific) are towns like Tamarindo, Jaco and neighboring areas. But these places have become popular over the years and will not likely fit your budget. Our hostess’s advice is a good one for you: the southern zone. It does not seem to be as well developed and therefore you can get a cheaper place to live. With your particular desires, you’re going to have to get creative and be resourceful to stay within your financial limits. I wish you the best of luck. Pura Vida
I’ve narrowed my rental down to 2 My wish list is completely gated for my dog, central Costa Rica, high speed Internet to work online, all my needs in that town. If I can have Atenas at all that’s my choice.
Great advice! We are a couple from Canada retiring in 2023 and yes, we are starting our research to know where to spend our winters, so from November to April. We are on a budget but are not divas as long as it's clean, safe and has everything to make us happy. Either a bachelor or more like a 1 bedroom apartment would be perfect. We love to explore, swim, visit, learn so not sure exactly where the best spots would be. Thanks to any suggestions, would be appreciated!
Well I am not sure on what area you would be looking into! Perhaps just check out the general rentals facebook page for long term rentals and see if any come up within budget that look nice to you and then look into the area. But I'm not sure of how to make a suggestion without knowing more about you guys, if you want the beach vs. mountain, your actual budget, lifestyle, etc...
I would really appreciate a tour of the stores and markets in Ojochal. I have searched everywhere on google. I hear they have a good specialty market. I hope to visit at the end of the year to further research. I love your videos.
@@SarahElenaDesignsLife I'd appreciate that too. I saw the video where you walked past the stores and restaurants there, but a more in-depth video would be fun and informative til I can make it there on my own..
Thank you for sharing this, Sarah! I have been wanting to move to Costa Rica for forever. Do you have any feedback on working there, once getting settled in a place?
I always recommend working online if you can! I have a video called Making Money in Costa Rica that explains the legal ways you can make an income here on a tourist visa and as a resident.
Sarah, curious when the term long-term rental is used for Costa Rica is it the same as renting here in the U.S. For example, I've lived in a couple of apartments for more than 10 years. Is this something one can do in Costa Rica? Thanks.
A long term rental is typically classified as something over a month. I suppose it would depend on the owner if 10 years would be possible! Considering if the house is not for sale too and if the owner does not plan to come back and live in it.
@@SarahElenaDesignsLife sure I understand. The same could happen here in California. Just wasn't sure if the culture was the same for renters where they very often stay in one place for a long time.
@@genemaurillo4162 overall costa rica is a transient place so it would be unusual to find a renter at the same home for so long but it certainly could happen!
I would love to work with you on that kind of business , my skills will be more like how to buy land and build your own dream house with very little money . I am in real state in San Isidro already and I like to help more people as well . Hablo español y nativo de Costa Rica .
Up Daily hi there . You have to know what is the market on land , must people sell it by square meter , is best if the person who is doing the negotiation is a Tico or tica , but if you can speak Spanish is even better , don’t go by any real state agent , no need it . Price change all depends on the location of the property . The close to the beach the higher the price . Just look around on the places that you are interesting on buying , ask any local people , I meant costarican , you will not get a deal with any one else but a tico . Property need to be ready for build other wise is a pain , must basic things are , public roads , potable water , electricity , all that ready to be in place . Don’t go by the price they sell it for , you can get it for less . All you need to have is the money . Once you find the property make sure are not attack to the property like a loan , or a line holder on the property , the lawyer should confirm that . Once the property is clear try to split closing cost in half , the seller and the buyer . Next you need all the permits from a local Minicipalidad to be approve , 3 moths it may take . Next Find a good contractor who can be trust . best way to doing is by square meter on the house as well . If the house is 200 square meter multiply that by the price the contractor is charging you . I do not pay more than 80.000 colones for square meter . I had pay 65.000 colones square meter this year . I got a good guy . . So do the numbers , 200 S meter by 70.000 colones is 14 millions colones , like maybe $26.000 . And a house of 200 square meters is pretty big .
The problem I have with making a post is they want your budget. Putting in your budget is almost a guarantee that you will pay that amount even if the place could have been rented for less. Example: Place could have been rented for $800 a month and you put your budget as "Up to $1000 a month" you'll pay $1000 a month when it could have been $800.
"hi Sarah"🙋♂️ If you don't mind me asking is there possibly a "Treehouse" specific site or would I have more luck using the term as a keyword🤔 I'm looking for one near Jaco when things cool down & residents of Texas resume travel with the proper insurance. I would like to start with a month to test the waters then 3 months on and off. I'm single no children and I'm an Air Force veteran who will be traveling alone so it's great the VA is not too far away. (One that is near a place that is dirtbike friendly would be perfect. My main concern would be NOT disturbing any neighbors with my passion for riding)
@@SarahElenaDesignsLife Yes I'll be filling a VA claim for a small leg injury I had in the Air Force so I will need access to the VA.. Ultimately 2 to 3 months on and off would be perfect. I've seen some house rentals in la fortuna for $300 a month furnished but if I'm not mistaken that's quite a ways from Jaco and the VA is in San Jose 🤔
@Sarah Elena It's definitely something I'll need to thoroughly do my due diligence on before making that quantum leap. I didn't realize how much of a loner I was until the pandemic hit and my life didn't change much😁. Ultimately I would like to buy a nice peace of land in Costa Rica away from the city & build 3 off grid tree houses with Solar power, water catchment & all of the necessities to be independent of the matrix. A mother and daughter by the name of Kristen Dirksen on Utube have a video called "Build your own Hawaiian minimalist home for a vacations price".(This is the blueprint)
Go to Nicaragua. You get pretty much the same as CR and mich more. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. That means we have the biggest lakes and islands along with the biggest volcanoes and Cathedral churches. Lots of beaches and English-speaking nicaraguans on the Caribbean coast. Top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling found in Corn Islands. Worldwide famous naturalist painting movement found in Solentiname Islands. Activa lava lake in Volcan Masaya, a rarity worldwide. Colonial cities like León and Granada with lots of history. Nicaragua has been a top destination since California's gold rush in the 1850s. We have an established off-the-beaten-path for foreigners and Travellers alike. Remember, this is where the original Canal was supposed to be not in Panama. Bosawas is the largest rainforest outside the Amazons in the Americas. Nicaraguan laws make it so much easier to start a business and for expats and foreigners to have a job here. CR makes it nearly impossible for foreigners to work. Plus, nicaraguans love travelers and foreigners unlike many Costa Ricans. The difference between us and CR is we have similar standard of living for much, much cheaper. For $1,500 a month you live like a king! Way too easy to acquire legal residency status here Message me or add me on IG @casagardenia22 for more information...
Thank you for the informative video Sarah! I'm moving to Dominicalito soon and this will help me!
Pura vida🎉
Just joined your Facebook moving to Costa Rica group. Thank for the great info Sarah
I love the information I'm trying to move there at the moment.
Excellent resource Sarah! #SHARING
Thank you for posting the video. We are considering the Uvita area, but we are two years away. We plan to take a trip there this next spring for research. We will be working on our rental wishlist in the meantime.
Thnx for help, think of moving
your site is getting better and better, your great! I going to meet you about a year. Your a big help. Enjoy your day Sarah.
Hi, Sarah Elena! First time here! I'm moving to Costa Rica in May, but have never been there before. I'm in an agony of indecision: access to turtles on the northern Atlantic side, or Puerto Viejo (sp) to the south? Or should I be on the Pacific side? Uvita? Samora? There's so much beauty there, I have no clue where to look.
I plan on flying down in the beginning of May (I know that's the beginning of rainy season and that's fine with me!) I've been looking on Airbnb and found a few decent-looking places in my price range, but I know nothing about neighborhoods. So staying in an Airbnb for a month to check out the country seems to be the best solution at this point. But, I like that you already live there and you know where to look. So here's my wish list: -)
LOCATION: No idea which neighborhoods, or even which ocean - but I need to be near the water. Looking for a not-too-tiny town with a blend of ex-pats and natives (I'm a total extrovert and love meeting new people) - one with a funky, artsy vibe. No big metro areas. Would like a mix of age groups, too.
PRICE RANGE: around 500-600USD but can go a wee bit higher for the right place.
OTHER MUSTS: Something modest but pretty in a quiet neighborhood. Privacy is important and a beautiful outdoor space. Good water pressure. I'd like two bedrooms (A dark night sky where I can see the stars (little to no light pollution and no glaring lights in my apartment at night). I MUST have to have solid, reliable Wi-Fi because I do remote graphic design. I'm a scuba diver, too, so I need easy access to dive shops. I won't have a car, but I'm happy with public transport or getting a scooter or bicycle. I'm a nature girl and my college degree focused on marine ecology and environmental conservation, so I'm happiest in the more wild places - but I don't want to feel isolated from people, either. Which brings me to my last point: I seem to be in this strange niche: artist, scientist, recent college grad - but I'm also older - I'm a fairly young 64, and get along with all age groups.
I hope there's nothing of great importance I left out of my list, and I hope this makes sense. If you know of any places that sound like what I'm describing, please let me know! I'd love to work with you if you think you can help.
Thank you so much for your great channel! New subscriber here!
Perhaps the southern zone would be more in your budget. Dominical, uvita, ojochal. Nice community and artsy vibe.
Hey there sister traveler. I’ve been in CR for 4 years now and I’ve lived in a half dozen areas. What you’re looking for might pose a challenge with your budget. I have found outstanding, inexpensive, out-of-the-way places, but that wouldn’t meet your criteria of being near people and stores, etc. You might love the Carribean side, like in the Limón region (too hot for me). To the west (Pacific) are towns like Tamarindo, Jaco and neighboring areas. But these places have become popular over the years and will not likely fit your budget. Our hostess’s advice is a good one for you: the southern zone. It does not seem to be as well developed and therefore you can get a cheaper place to live. With your particular desires, you’re going to have to get creative and be resourceful to stay within your financial limits. I wish you the best of luck. Pura Vida
Hi! Thanks for accepting me to your group.
Another great video packed with info. Thank you!
I’ve narrowed my rental down to 2
My wish list is completely gated for my dog, central Costa Rica, high speed Internet to work online, all my needs in that town. If I can have Atenas at all that’s my choice.
Great advice! We are a couple from Canada retiring in 2023 and yes, we are starting our research to know where to spend our winters, so from November to April. We are on a budget but are not divas as long as it's clean, safe and has everything to make us happy. Either a bachelor or more like a 1 bedroom apartment would be perfect. We love to explore, swim, visit, learn so not sure exactly where the best spots would be. Thanks to any suggestions, would be appreciated!
Well I am not sure on what area you would be looking into! Perhaps just check out the general rentals facebook page for long term rentals and see if any come up within budget that look nice to you and then look into the area. But I'm not sure of how to make a suggestion without knowing more about you guys, if you want the beach vs. mountain, your actual budget, lifestyle, etc...
i will move there vin june need air/con close to town north area
Great video and great tips! Thx :)
thanks for the video. will be looking for a place on the beach somewhere in the south pacific. thanks for the info!!!
I would really appreciate a tour of the stores and markets in Ojochal. I have searched everywhere on google. I hear they have a good specialty market. I hope to visit at the end of the year to further research. I love your videos.
Thank you very much!
@@SarahElenaDesignsLife I'd appreciate that too. I saw the video where you walked past the stores and restaurants there, but a more in-depth video would be fun and informative til I can make it there on my own..
Excellent!
Thanks for watching! :)
Thank You ! 💵💵
Thank you for sharing this, Sarah! I have been wanting to move to Costa Rica for forever. Do you have any feedback on working there, once getting settled in a place?
I always recommend working online if you can! I have a video called Making Money in Costa Rica that explains the legal ways you can make an income here on a tourist visa and as a resident.
I would love to know how much cost a long term rental house in Costa Rica ? What is the average ?
Hello! Depend of the area! I recommend you to ask it here facebook.com/groups/movetocostarica :)
Awesome you looks great!
You are my long term platonic love😍😊
Cold shower
@@knockknock1246 She looks great. 🙂
Give me a cold shower
@@stevengavilan I already did, remotely. 😄.
I would ask for her assistance in finding a place to rent but I'm afraid she'd give me gringo prices. 🤓
@@stevengavilan You ever hear of Kid Gavilan?
@@knockknock1246 No, but I found he was a boxing guy.
Sarah, curious when the term long-term rental is used for Costa Rica is it the same as renting here in the U.S. For example, I've lived in a couple of apartments for more than 10 years. Is this something one can do in Costa Rica? Thanks.
A long term rental is typically classified as something over a month. I suppose it would depend on the owner if 10 years would be possible! Considering if the house is not for sale too and if the owner does not plan to come back and live in it.
@@SarahElenaDesignsLife sure I understand. The same could happen here in California. Just wasn't sure if the culture was the same for renters where they very often stay in one place for a long time.
@@genemaurillo4162 overall costa rica is a transient place so it would be unusual to find a renter at the same home for so long but it certainly could happen!
3 bedroom, two bath, private, swimming pool as close to the beach as physically possible LOL AC and Internet too
Im looking for a long term rental in uvita in walking distance to schools.
I would love to work with you on that kind of business , my skills will be more like how to buy land and build your own dream house with very little money . I am in real state in San Isidro already and I like to help more people as well . Hablo español y nativo de Costa Rica .
Hey Rolo, that's exactly what I'm looking to do - find land and build a home for cheap. How do I find low cost properties?
Up Daily hi there . You have to know what is the market on land , must people sell it by square meter , is best if the person who is doing the negotiation is a Tico or tica , but if you can speak Spanish is even better , don’t go by any real state agent , no need it . Price change all depends on the location of the property . The close to the beach the higher the price . Just look around on the places that you are interesting on buying , ask any local people , I meant costarican , you will not get a deal with any one else but a tico . Property need to be ready for build other wise is a pain , must basic things are , public roads , potable water , electricity , all that ready to be in place . Don’t go by the price they sell it for , you can get it for less . All you need to have is the money . Once you find the property make sure are not attack to the property like a loan , or a line holder on the property , the lawyer should confirm that . Once the property is clear try to split closing cost in half , the seller and the buyer . Next you need all the permits from a local Minicipalidad to be approve , 3 moths it may take . Next Find a good contractor who can be trust . best way to doing is by square meter on the house as well . If the house is 200 square meter multiply that by the price the contractor is charging you . I do not pay more than 80.000 colones for square meter . I had pay 65.000 colones square meter this year . I got a good guy . . So do the numbers , 200 S meter by 70.000 colones is 14 millions colones , like maybe $26.000 . And a house of 200 square meters is pretty big .
Up Daily If you need more of my help you can contact me on Face book as Rolando FS . I will be more than glad to help you .
@@rologemini1477 wow that is awesome information, thank you so much!! 😊🙏
The problem I have with making a post is they want your budget. Putting in your budget is almost a guarantee that you will pay that amount even if the place could have been rented for less. Example: Place could have been rented for $800 a month and you put your budget as "Up to $1000 a month" you'll pay $1000 a month when it could have been $800.
In that case I would put a budget range. And you can see other rentals there to compare to see if is just being jacked up in price or not
"hi Sarah"🙋♂️ If you don't mind me asking is there possibly a "Treehouse" specific site or would I have more luck using the term as a keyword🤔 I'm looking for one near Jaco when things cool down & residents of Texas resume travel with the proper insurance. I would like to start with a month to test the waters then 3 months on and off. I'm single no children and I'm an Air Force veteran who will be traveling alone so it's great the VA is not too far away. (One that is near a place that is dirtbike friendly would be perfect. My main concern would be NOT disturbing any neighbors with my passion for riding)
So you are looking for a house that is more like a tree house? They do exist but I am not sure if in jaco. You're looking to rent?
@@SarahElenaDesignsLife Yes I'll be filling a VA claim for a small leg injury I had in the Air Force so I will need access to the VA.. Ultimately 2 to 3 months on and off would be perfect. I've seen some house rentals in la fortuna for $300 a month furnished but if I'm not mistaken that's quite a ways from Jaco and the VA is in San Jose 🤔
@@tonyrain8706 yes that would be much further but possibly worth the drive depending on how often you need to go
@Sarah Elena It's definitely something I'll need to thoroughly do my due diligence on before making that quantum leap. I didn't realize how much of a loner I was until the pandemic hit and my life didn't change much😁. Ultimately I would like to buy a nice peace of land in Costa Rica away from the city & build 3 off grid tree houses with Solar power, water catchment & all of the necessities to be independent of the matrix. A mother and daughter by the name of Kristen Dirksen on Utube have a video called "Build your own Hawaiian minimalist home for a vacations price".(This is the blueprint)
Go to Nicaragua. You get pretty much the same as CR and mich more. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. That means we have the biggest lakes and islands along with the biggest volcanoes and Cathedral churches. Lots of beaches and English-speaking nicaraguans on the Caribbean coast. Top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling found in Corn Islands. Worldwide famous naturalist painting movement found in Solentiname Islands. Activa lava lake in Volcan Masaya, a rarity worldwide. Colonial cities like León and Granada with lots of history. Nicaragua has been a top destination since California's gold rush in the 1850s. We have an established off-the-beaten-path for foreigners and Travellers alike. Remember, this is where the original Canal was supposed to be not in Panama. Bosawas is the largest rainforest outside the Amazons in the Americas. Nicaraguan laws make it so much easier to start a business and for expats and foreigners to have a job here. CR makes it nearly impossible for foreigners to work. Plus, nicaraguans love travelers and foreigners unlike many Costa Ricans. The difference between us and CR is we have similar standard of living for much, much cheaper. For $1,500 a month you live like a king! Way too easy to acquire legal residency status here Message me or add me on IG @casagardenia22 for more information...
Nicaragua sounds nice. Thanks for sharing the info.
Sarahhhhh
Pets with rent I have 3 dogs and a Cat medium and small dog
Need help please
Goddess!