We’ve all done it – got our heart set on a house without properly scouting out the neighborhood and then realizing that the nearest grocery store is over an hour away.
Whether you are looking to acquire a Costa Rica property for investment or are ready to make the move to warmer climes with your family, make sure you don’t skip the important step of finding the right location before you begin the search for your dream house.
Think carefully about your Costa Rica neighborhood needs
Relocating to another country can be a daunting experience and more often than not families fall into the trap of falling in love with a secluded tourism destination without really thinking about the practicalities of such a move.
Remember that the neighborhood that you choose will dictate the way in which you live, so, if you are moving with your family, it’s important to begin your research early, identifying the best locations that meet all of your needs.
Quality educational facilities for the children, proximity to amenities including grocery stores, restaurants and banks without a long commute, and most importantly feeling safe when your children go outdoors are important necessities that cannot be compromised on.
A Qualified, Regional Realtor Goes a Long Way
Before you plan your visit, do some research, read up about the different areas and what they have to offer. Some online communities such as Costa Rica Living on Yahoo Groups can offer a good insight into the finer details of life in different regions around the country.
Get in touch with a qualified regional realtor, if they are on their game they will begin by asking you questions about why you are looking for a property in order to build a profile in order to help you find the right location and the right real estate match. A good realtor will be able to tell you the strengths and weaknesses of the specific neighborhoods you may have picked out.
Make sure you:
* As your realtor for information on available educational facilities in the area
* Track down people in the neighborhood who may have a similar profile to yours, especially those with children.
* Find out more about community events by joining online groups
* Ask about crime statistics.
* Pay attention to how well-maintained other homes are in the area and compare property values as this gives you an insight into the overall health of the community.
A Costal Retreat – Close to all the Amenities for just $259K
A great example of a pristine property in a highly sought after coastal location, is this spacious two floor 2 ½ bedroom, 1 ½ bathroom residence located in the welcoming coastal community of Bahia Uvita - the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living close to a wide range of essential amenities perfect for family living on the coast of Costa Rica.
Located in Bahia Uvita and on the market for just $259K this house is surrounded by lush rainforest, this family abode has plenty of character, boasting high rise ceilings and floor to ceiling windows that flood the heart of this home with light and refreshing coastal breezes. A large outdoor terrace is ideal for sunset get togethers. Including essential amenities such as high speed internet access, cable television and hot water this is a spectacular beach abode. This home is surrounded by fruit trees and tropical heliconias, expect frequent visitors to your garden including humming birds, iguanas, monkeys, sloths and even the odd scarlet macaw.This is the perfect home to come back to after you have spent a long day out and about exploring the nearby Marino Ballena National Park. Expect only a ten minute scenic walk to the nearest beach and enjoy a never ending amount of outdoor activities. If you love nature, you can take whale and dolphin watching boat tours or explore the hidden depths of the Isla de Cano, snorkeling and scuba diving. You can enjoy family picnics on the beach at sunset, surf the white capped waves at nearby beaches or go kayaking along the coast. The South Pacific towns of Bahia and Uvita provide the perfect combination of coastal living with easy access to essential amenities. Well stocked grocery stores, quality restaurants, schools and medical facilities are all nearby.