According to the planners of La Vita: “The innovative construction will be under the concept of an environmental & sustainable architecture that . . . considers the climatic conditions, taking advantage of the natural resources (sun, vegetation, geothermal), to diminish the environmental impact and reducing water and energy consumption.”

This new green community has a superb location in the San Antonio section of Escazú:

• 25 minutes from the international airport SJO
• 15 minutes from Central America’s best hospital, Hospital CIMA
• 15 minutes from Multiplaza mall and the new IMAX theater
• 10 minutes from Plaza Iskatzu, known for its fine restaurants and shopping
• 5 minutes from Country Club Golfing

The residences themselves are the highlight of the community, designed in an elegant, tropical, and modern theme.  Each of the 73 Eco-residences have spacious balconies and green areas to enjoy the perfect climate, with underground wiring to preserve stellar views.  Amenities and services have all been well considered to make life as pleasurable and enjoyable as possible.  These features include:

• 1 elevator per building, specially designed for physically challenged individuals
• Drinkable well water
• Sewage treatment plant, with recycling to water green areas
• Surround sound music in the social club, gym, and swimming pool areas
• Automatic irrigation of the green areas
• Flat-screen TV in social club and gym
• Gated front entrance with 24-hour onsite security
• Energy saving automatic lighting system for all public green areas
• A central park
• Indoor solar-heated pool
• Lake for adults and children, heated by solar panels
• Fully equipped gym and spa with 2 saunas
• Social club/rancho equipped with stove and pizza oven
• Trails and jogging track
• Playground for children

A full range of accomodations are available: 2 and 3 bedroom units of 2,422 sq. ft. (210 m2) have a walk-in closet, 1-car garage, and storage room.  It is also possible to buy two residences and form a penthouse during the first phase of construction.  The high-quality finishing details of these units are beyond even the top luxury constructions.  For full details CLICK HERE.

La Vita is truly a special community being developed in one of Costa Ricas’ prime locations:  San Antonio, Escazú.  These super-luxury Eco-residences are being offered starting at $515,000:

SEE PHOTO GALLERY HERE

TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW THESE ECO-RESIDENCES PLEASE CONTACT US HERE.

via New train route started yesterday.

Costa Rica Offers Good-Quality Health Care

Costa Rica has universal health care, one of the best health systems in Latin America. As always with nationalized health care, expect red tape and long waits, but the quality of Costa Rica’s health care is excellent. Private health care is also available, very affordable, and high quality. Many doctors speak English and have received training in Europe, Canada, or the U.S. There are three large, private hospitals that most expatriates use: CIMA hospital in Escazú, Clinica Biblica in San José, and Clinica Católica in San José-Guadalupe.

Statistics from the World Health Organization frequently place Costa Rica in the top country rankings in the world for long life expectancy, often even ahead of Great Britain and the United States, even though the per-capita income of Costa Ricans is about one-tenth that of the U.S. and the U.K. Arguably, one reason for this is the slower pace of living in Costa Rica. And, of course, the healthy, fresh, non-preservative-laden foods found there, and the welcoming tropical climate. Costa Rica just seems to be a healthy place to live.

Costa Rica’s Government-Run Health Care System

With a government-sponsored network of more than 30 hospitals and more than 250 clinics throughout the country, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) has primary responsibility for providing low-cost health care services to the Costa Rican populace. Although sometimes overburdened, this system has worked well for Costa Ricans for the past 60 or so years. Open not just to Costa Rican residents, the CCSS provides affordable medical service to any foreign resident or visitor. Foreigners living in Costa Rica can join the CCSS by paying a small monthly fee–based on income–or they can buy health insurance from the state monopoly Instituto de Seguro Nacional (INS), valid with over 200 affiliated doctors, hospitals, labs, and pharmacies in the private sector.

Costa Rica’s Private Health Care System

Many of the country’s highly trained physicians and some dentists work in the mornings for the CCSS and operate their own offices and clinics in the afternoons and evenings. While private health care in Costa Rica is more expensive than that offered by the same doctors and surgeons through the CCSS, the price is still far below that of the average office visit in the U.S. For example, a private office visit to almost any medical specialist costs around $40. Continued treatments for diagnosed problems will vary, but will almost always be considerably less than comparable treatment in the United States. Dental work, too, is provided at a much lower cost than in the U.S.–prompting a phenomenon known as “health tourism.”

Two well-known private hospitals, Clinica Biblica and Clinica Catolica, where many CCSS doctors practice in the afternoons and evenings, offer first-class, ultra-modern services. Affiliated with U.S. hospitals, these two private providers have costs somewhat higher than the public providers but still considerably below anything found in the U.S.

Cosmetic Surgery

A full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures are available in several modern clinics. With the addition of contemporary laser technology, the ability of Costa Rica’s plastic and cosmetic surgeons to provide world-class services has been enhanced. Prices are sometimes 50% lower than in the United States, but it is important to note that each case is different, and prices are quoted on an individual basis after a consultation.

Dental Procedures

From simple fillings to complicated multiple implants and periodontal work, Costa Rican dentists are as qualified and skilled as dentists anywhere–and prices are far less than most anywhere else. This is another growing area of health tourism–foreign patients seeking dental work arrive in Costa Rica in greater numbers every year. Laboratory work, too, is much cheaper in Costa Rica, and materials used are all FDA-approved and imported from the U.S.

Where to Find out More

Corporación Turismo Salud, S.A. (Health Tourism Corporation) provides complete package services for foreign patients. Supported by the Ministry of Health, CCSS, the Association of Doctors and Surgeons, the Association of Dentists and Dental Surgeons, and the Costa Rica Tourist Board, Health Tourism Corp. will arrange all travel and lodging, provide medical coordination and cost comparisons, transportation while in Costa Rica, complete nursing care, and suggest a wide variety of tours and vacation choices.

For more information about the services of Health Tourism Corp.: tel. (506) 231-2310, fax (506) 231-6916. Information can also be solicited by regular mail: Corporación Turismo Salud, S.A., P.O. Box 1439-1000, San José, Costa Rica.

OR IF YOU ALREADY KNOW YOU ARE READY FOR COSTA RICA, CONTACT US TO SET UP A REAL ESTATE TOUR

Residents will enjoy the tranquility of country living with the convenience of modern services.  Located in Cañas Dulces – only 30 minutes from Liberia – where modern shopping, fine dining, and premium services are abundant.  The international airport in Liberia is just 40 minutes away, and some of Costa Rica’s best white-sand beaches and fishing are also an easy drive from the community.

Rancho San Roque is situated at a comfortable 1500 feet above sea level, offering fresh cool mountain breezes.  The area is host to a growing number of ecotourism facilities such as Buena Vista Adventure Center and Spa, which offers adventure sports such as canopy tours, rappelling, waterslides, horseback riding, hiking, thermal spa baths, and much more.  A high-end eco-resort, Borinquen Mountain Spa, showcases hot springs, a luxury hotel, restaurants, nature trails, and many more attractions within just minutes of the community.  The community is also located within minutes from the planned Guanacaste Country Club designed by Jack Nicklaus and being developed by a U.S. group that includes Frank Biden (Joe Biden’s brother).

“Most of the development in Guanacaste has happened at the beaches, but an increasing number of full-time expats find it to be too hot and too touristy,” said Dan Harris the CEO of The Project Office. “That is why we chose a tranquil country setting with a cooler climate for our community.  We’re in a laid-back rural area, yet still close to all modern services and amenities in Liberia.”

The city of Liberia is continually expanding with modern services.  Several banks, shopping centers and restaurants make up the town center along with the Home Depot-style hardware store called the Do It Center.  Large commercial developers are betting that Liberia becomes the business capital of northern Costa Rica, similar to the Central Valley, as evidenced by the million square-meter Solarium office industrial complex.  Furthermore, the best hospital in Central America, CIMA Hospital San Jose, has plans to build a new full-scale private hospital in Liberia.

Rancho San Roque will engage in a permaculture project to restore the pastureland, and will feature a community center with a pool and fitness center, walking trails through orchards, a greenhouse, organic gardens and aquaculture ponds.  The rich volcanic soil is perfect for gardening where the project aims to produce fresh organic vegetables, many fruit and nuts, fresh-water fish, chickens and eggs for the residents.

“Our goal is to restore the land with an edible forest and permaculture gardens producing healthy food security for residents” Harris added. “The intention of permaculture is not only to produce food, but also give immeasurable benefits to the environment while creating a beautiful and diverse landscape to enjoy.”

All environmental permitting is in place and all lots are ready to sell with clear title.  The developers are encouraging alternative energy such as wind and solar power, but are providing electric grid service in the community.  Satellite TV is readily available and high-speed Internet will be on site creating a fully connected community.

Each lot comes with a Costa Rica corporation allowing for clean transfers with low fees, and gives buyers a vehicle to obtain cell phones and other utilities.  The community is currently one of the best values in Costa Rica starting at $50,000 during the development phase. Financing is available with 40% down at 8% interest for 5 years ($20K down, $608/mth).

CONTACT US HERE

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE YOUTUBE VIDEO

Great Opportunity for Investors!
Ocean view residential community, ready to go!
$350,000–possibly negotiable

A new ocean-view project of 7 lots has recently become available in San Ramon.  Perfect for investors not wanting to put a lot of time and effort into real estate development. This project includes fully segregated and titled lots, water service to each lot and electricity.  Lots range in size from 2100 square meters or .5 acres, to over 16,000 square meters or over 4 acres.  Situated on an active coffee farm, residents will live in the real Costa Rica, but not isolated.  The development also features many fruit trees including oranges, limes, tangerines, bananas and plantains.  The land is largely rolling hills directly facing the ocean with home sites strategically nestled within coffee and fruit trees.

Located just five minutes from downtown San Ramon, this project is in an area being recognized as a foreign enclave, but providing much natural beauty and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas, and various islands.  The sunsets over the Nicoya Peninsula are spectacular as are the nighttime lights of Puntarenas.  During holidays, you’ll be able to see numerous fireworks shows in the many towns surrounding Puntarenas.  San Ramon has a very temperate climate at about 3200 feet above sea level.  The temperature averages about 78 degrees year round and dips down to about 68 degrees at night.  Due to its location and rains, the area stays green throughout the year.

The seller’s Costa Rican partner, who was the first person here to receive USDA organic certification for his coffee and vegetable farms, can maintain the project for the new owners including cultivating and picking the coffee, repairing internal roads as needed and keeping the project tidy.  He is currently converting this community to organic.

Perfect for retirees, San Ramon offers all services including a large hospital, several clinics, a shopping mall with three-screen movie theater, many restaurants, swimming and other recreational facilities, and the largest branch of the University of Costa Rica outside of San Jose.  The town also offers several museums and high-speed Internet is available throughout the area.  It is about 40 minutes to the Pacific Coast and 45 minutes to the main international airport (SJO) near San Jose.

At $6.31 per square meter, this project is a real steal AND all of the work has already been completed by the current owners.  In this area lots tend to retail in the range of $13 per square meter to $18 per square meter.  In the past three years, about 35 lots have been sold in this up and coming area.  Please contact us for additional information and to schedule a time to see this stunning residential community.

SEE THE FULL LISTING HERE

CONTACT US NOW

Property Highlights:

Property Description:

Buying a home site and building your own home can be a daunting task anywhere in the world; it is no different in Costa Rica.  However, with proper due diligence, and a realistic evaluation of budgetary concerns, the process can be the most rewarding way to express your dream of living in Costa Rica.

Tips For Finding Your Home Site

• Find your climate. Costa Rica is subtropical, so it seems like a no-brainer to those arriving from the North.  However, Costa Rica’s mountainous terrain creates an incredible diversity of micro-climates.  A few hundred feet in elevation can be significant.  Rainfall amounts can vary, too.  For those who can afford to, it is invaluable to see the country in both the dry season and the rainy season.
• Find your town. First, read any one of the fine books published about Costa Rica.  You will learn about the town history, the people, what modern conveniences are available, etc.  Once you have found a town (or towns) that seems to suit you, plan your trip to Costa Rica to see for yourself.  Ultimately, no amount of research is sufficient without experiencing a place firsthand.
• Find your lot. Our communities are in San Ramon and have ocean views.  We believe that the location is ideal, and offers a tremendous value.  There are some fundamentals for lot buying that should be considered, regardless of location:  title, infrastructure availability, and engineering.  First, a lot should be researched by a lawyer who can obtain information from the National Registry to be sure that the property is clean, and has no issues outstanding.  If the property is in a gated community, very often the developer will purchase a clean corporation for the property in order to make for an easy, less expensive transfer than a person-to-person sale, as well as to make it easy for the buyer to obtain their utilities.  We have done this for all of our lots.  The second consideration is the ease of installing infrastructure (if it does not already exist).  Very often a lot that seems far cheaper than other similarly-sized lots will be raw land.  The cost of infrastructure, viability, and placement can be very complicated.  Be sure that you know the real state of the lot before purchase, taking into account the cost and time for development.  Lastly is the engineering that a lot might require.  Some of these “hidden” costs can include driveway engineering and installation, need for retaining walls (VERY costly), resolving drainage issues, creating a plantel (flat, buildable space), and being aware of home placement based on underground springs, nearby rivers, or road frontage.

Tips for Making Your Home Construction Easier

• Have patience. Like anywhere, building a home is not a perfect process.  Building a home in a developing country can be an even greater challenge.  By selecting a builder with strong references, integrity, and a dedication to quality, you will find the process easier than you might expect.
• Understand your financial situation prior to signing a contract. Obviously, building a home requires a significant outlay of money.  Before deciding to start construction, assess your financial situation and determine both how much you can afford and when those funds will be available (if not immediately).  Also, don’t only think about the cost of building your home, but what it will cost to live in your home.
• Know what you want. It’s important to have a good idea of what you want in a home prior to signing a contract.  This will make the process go more smoothly and avoid costly changes once the process has started.  However, this doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.  If you are at a loss for ideas, talk to friends and family. Also, and probably most important, describe your needs to your trusted builder so he or she can come up with some ideas that may work for you.
• Communicate. Reputable builders want to build you the home you’ve always dreamed of and will work hard to meet, and oftentimes, exceed your expectations.  However, we find that the vast majority of issues arise due to lack of communication or miscommunication.   Follow up  in writing on all major decisions and don’t assume items mentioned in person or on the phone will always be remembered.  Your builder will likely be working on several homes at once, so it’s important you confirm all details.
• Be reasonable in your expectations. We realize that building a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, and it will involve a significant monetary investment.  Your builder should realize this too.  However, just because this is Costa Rica, it doesn’t mean it will be cheap, or it will be similar to building in North America or Europe.  Things are different here (to some extent) and oftentimes things move more slowly than in your home country.  However, a reputable builder is very experienced at operating in this environment and you should trust their judgment on what’s possible or not possible as you design and build your home.
• Consider micro-climates. Costa Rica has many micro-climates.  It might be sunny and 80 degrees in one spot, but windy, cooler and rainy just a few miles away.  As you design your home, work with your builder to better understand the micro-climate of the area you’ve selected and how to build a home suitable for that environment.

What Does it Cost to Build a Home in Costa Rica?

The final cost of your home will depend on two factors: how large your home is, and what type of finishes you select.  A “cost-plus” basis is usually the best way to ensure that the construction process will be efficient, transparent, and timely.  Typically, you can expect to pay roughly between $75 per square foot and $95 per square foot which will include permitting, architect’s work, construction, and the purchase and installation of most finishes such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances, flooring, kitchen/bathroom fixtures and associated plumbing, and lighting fixtures.  Your builder will advise you on the type of finishes possible based on your budget. If you are unwilling to work on a cost-plus basis, a bid will be provided. However, in our experience, a guaranteed cost usually means a significantly higher profit margin for the builder. We’ve also found that sometimes contractors (the dishonest ones) will provide a low bid in order to get the job, but then surprise you later with “that wasn’t included,” etc.

In addition, it is important to do as much thinking and research about the type of home you want, the layout, size and of number of rooms, whether you want a guest house, garage/car port, pool, or other structures, prior to signing a contract.  Re-work during the construction process not only can lengthen the time to complete your home but also will likely increase the cost as more material may be needed, walls torn down, etc.

How Do I Pay For My Home?

Generally, construction services are paid for in cash, including an initial deposit and then periodic payments as your home construction progresses.  The schedule for payments will be determined between you and your builder.  Payment is usually made by wire transfer.  It is important to allocate funds ahead of time so construction of your home is not delayed.

How Long Will it Take to Build My Home?

It normally takes between six and nine months to build your home.  A number of factors could lengthen the time to build your home including the extent to which pre-work is necessary (such as lot preparation), the size of your home, weather, and the availability of the materials you select.  After discussing your specifications with your builder, they will give you a more specific time estimate.

What If I Am Not Living In Costa Rica During The Construction of My Home?

It is preferable to be in the country during the construction process in order to inspect the work on a regular basis.  However, this is often not possible for many people.  Therefore, your builder should provide frequent updates on the progress of your construction and send you photographs as certain milestones during construction are met (i.e., foundation is laid, roof is put on).  If at all possible, it is helpful for you to visit at least a few times during the home construction process, particularly to pick out tiles, cabinets, appliances, and other fixtures.

We hope that this short guide gets you started toward realizing your dream of building a home in Costa Rica.  We have years of experience finding land and creating communities.  Please CONTACT US as you begin your search — we will be happy to assist you!

Love her or hate her, the election of doña Laura Chinchilla as the first woman president of Costa Rica signifies the majority’s choice for both the continuation of current policies, and the change in cultural perspective that her presidency represents.  She officially takes power on May 8^th with support from other women in the government who now represent 23 of 57 public posts.

Not only has Costa Rica elected its first woman president  (only the 5^th in Latin America, but one of more than 50 the world over since 1960), they have done it by a landslide, as Chinchilla nearly doubled the percentage of her nearest contender, Ottón Solís.

In my local neighborhood of Atenas, there was a marked air of festivity surrounding this year’s election.  The area was draped in the green and white of Chinchilla’s PLN party; caravans and parades would follow.  Costa Ricans who I spoke to said they had never seen such voter turnout and enthusiasm.  While Americans were screaming at their TVs during the Super Bowl, the same level of emotion could be observed by Costa Ricans in front of their TVs:  arguing, debating, and speculating, but fully absorbed by the event.

Doña Laura has been criticized by some as being a puppet-like extension of former President Arias, serving as another “president for the wealthy.”    Since the do-nothing presidency of Abel Pacheco, however, Costa Rica has been observably transformed.  Many were fearful of the swift action proposed by Arias after 4 years of sloth by Pacheco, which produced a very thin victory for Arias in the last election.   But, it seems that an objective look at the state of the nation by most Costa Ricans has led to the conclusion that the current development and change that is taking place will indeed benefit nearly all Costa Ricans.  Moreover, the policy extension can be seen as a willingness to walk the fine line of luring and placating all-important foreign investment, corporate business interests, tourists, and retirees.   If Costa Rica can continue to walk this fine line between the fast-changing modern world, and the slower, Pura Vida-defined world of its heritage, it will continue to be a shining example on the world stage.

Chinchilla has extolled the policies of President Arias, and certainly has not indicated any change in direction to what she cites as, “solid growth and development.”  She intends only to “propel them forward.”  She has also responded to polls that overwhelmingly show the concerns of most Costa Ricans:  crime, insecurity, drugs, and domestic violence.   She promises tighter border control, improved police equipment, and not to shrink from addressing some of the underlying “Machista” attitude taking place behind closed doors.  She believes that by reducing poverty and focusing on the needs of women (with a possible nationalized daycare system), empowerment will follow as opportunities are equalized.

Perhaps the largest gap between perception and reality is with the country’s ailing infrastructure.  The new San Jose-Caldera highway opened under fanfare and media attention, and now provides the ability for people to sail along on a straight, flat road.  However, it is also true that many key bridges, roads, and the nation’s ports remain in poor condition – the president-elect would do well to shore up those lacking areas, lest she encounter more accusations of putting the interest of foreigners, businesses, and the wealthy ahead of the average citizen.

It is a momentous time for the small country of Costa Rica.  As a foreign resident myself, I cannot identify as intimately as Costa Rican citizens with what is at stake, culturally, but I am overwhelmed by the courage and involvement of the people of Costa Rica in coming to such a historic vote.