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International Living Community

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  3. Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape

Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape

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  • J jstevens

    Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape

    [vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]

    John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!

    Resources
    March issue story

    Fast Track Costa Rica Conference

    J Offline
    J Offline
    JMARSHALL811
    wrote on last edited by
    #56

    Yes, I also opened the page in Chrome, and there is still no video player anywhere on the page. So sorry and don't mean to be a pest.

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • C Offline
      C Offline
      CHRISCAINE2
      wrote on last edited by
      #57

      Living in Costa Rica sounds wonderful, and we're really looking forward to visiting and attending the International Living conference in May. The medical system sounds excellent, but for someone who does not speak Spanish, how would I navigate it?

      B 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • J jstevens

        Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape

        [vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]

        John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!

        Resources
        March issue story

        Fast Track Costa Rica Conference

        D Offline
        D Offline
        DEE.DYKSTRA
        wrote on last edited by
        #58

        Thanks for this! I'm coming to the conference in May, and enjoy learning about all the variety of climates there. See you there!

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • J jstevens

          Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.

          I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.

          You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.

          You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.

          If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.

          Hope this clears things up!

          IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.

          N Offline
          N Offline
          NUTRIEAGLE
          wrote on last edited by
          #59

          I'm desiring to know about the language of the area; is it best to take Spanish classes before I visit? I've taken classes in the past and just need to brush up but am not currently fluent and I don't want to be disrespectful. I'm aware many areas in Costa Rica also understand English. What about this area? Thank you!

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • J jstevens

            Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape

            [vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]

            John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!

            Resources
            March issue story

            Fast Track Costa Rica Conference

            H Offline
            H Offline
            HARRIETTPORTER
            wrote on last edited by
            #60

            How can we get in touch directly with John Michael Arthur? We have some time sensitive things going on and would like to speak as soon as possible. Harriett Porter (980-) 451-5085; Kristen Witte (704) 609-6984.

            We are both currently located in
            charlotte but know each other from our intense professional lives in Minnesota.

            1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • N Offline
              N Offline
              NUTRIEAGLE
              wrote on last edited by
              #61

              I'm desiring to know about the language of the area; is it best to take Spanish classes before I visit? I've taken classes in the past and just need to brush up but am not currently fluent and I don't want to be disrespectful. I'm aware many areas in Costa Rica also understand English. What about this area? Thank you! (I applogize for the repeat question; wasn't sure of where to post it)

              B N 2 Replies Last reply
              0
              • J jstevens

                Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.

                I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.

                You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.

                You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.

                If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.

                Hope this clears things up!

                IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.

                J Offline
                J Offline
                JULIELYNHARRISON 1
                wrote on last edited by
                #62

                Thank you for this interview - it was great to hear John's perspective on this area of Costa Rica. Where would I find info or a link to the airbnb's mentioned, owned by John & his husband? We have been to Costa Rica a few times, but have never stayed in this area & may want to explore it for a potential retirement location. Thanks again! Julie & Jeff

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • G GCAMARGO200

                  How are the internet connections inthe Central Valley?

                  B Offline
                  B Offline
                  BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #63

                  Hi! I live near Tamarindo in Guanacaste and my internet is great. I am up over 400 mbps download and 20 mbps upload speed regularly. I used to h ave 2 connections, yet now I ony use my cell phone as backup when needed.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • B Offline
                    B Offline
                    BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #64

                    HI everyone, Bekah Bottone here. Although I live in Guanacaste now, I spent years in San Pedro and also in Tres Rios, in the Central Valley. I loved my time living in those places -- walking all over the place and using public transportation.... yet also living in the mountains and enjoying nature too.

                    B 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • J jstevens

                      Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.

                      I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.

                      You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.

                      You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.

                      If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.

                      Hope this clears things up!

                      IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.

                      J Offline
                      J Offline
                      JERRYCONNOLLY
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #65

                      no video player is seen at the top of this page please advise

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • B BEKAHBOTTONE 0

                        HI everyone, Bekah Bottone here. Although I live in Guanacaste now, I spent years in San Pedro and also in Tres Rios, in the Central Valley. I loved my time living in those places -- walking all over the place and using public transportation.... yet also living in the mountains and enjoying nature too.

                        B Offline
                        B Offline
                        BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #66

                        IL's Costa Rica Correspondent - Bekah
                        I love the cooler weather and greeness of Tres Rios.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • N NUTRIEAGLE

                          I'm desiring to know about the language of the area; is it best to take Spanish classes before I visit? I've taken classes in the past and just need to brush up but am not currently fluent and I don't want to be disrespectful. I'm aware many areas in Costa Rica also understand English. What about this area? Thank you! (I applogize for the repeat question; wasn't sure of where to post it)

                          B Offline
                          B Offline
                          BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #67

                          Hi. I think it is always to start Spanish lessons before moving. Tourist and beach locations speak a lot of English. In the Central Valley, you hear more Spanish for sure. Speaking Spanish allows you to connect with locals and integrate more into the culture. I love to recommend a friend of mine's classes: https://wespeakspanish-cr.com./
                          Focusing on conversation skills is the best way to start!

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • J Offline
                            J Offline
                            JERRYCONNOLLY
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #68

                            i dont see a video player. please advise how to join.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • C CHRISCAINE2

                              Living in Costa Rica sounds wonderful, and we're really looking forward to visiting and attending the International Living conference in May. The medical system sounds excellent, but for someone who does not speak Spanish, how would I navigate it?

                              B Offline
                              B Offline
                              BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #69

                              In my opinion, speaking Spanish is needed in the public system (la Caja). Yet in most private practices, English is spoken. I mix and match the two systems. Healthcare is more affordable in Costa Rica than in the US to pay out of pocket.
                              I can't wait to connect in May at the conference. Come talk with me and I can share more about healthcare in CR. 🙂

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • J jstevens

                                Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.

                                I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.

                                You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.

                                You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.

                                If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.

                                Hope this clears things up!

                                IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.

                                1 Offline
                                1 Offline
                                1RUFFSOB
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #70

                                I'm a Life Member I can't access this Event, No Link or Player.
                                Can you send me a Link ?
                                G. Ruff

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • V VIDMM92

                                  Just returned from Costa Rica for vacation and exploratory trip. Had a great time. Want to see this to assess what we have missed. Waiting for 1/2 hour & nothing yet.

                                  B Offline
                                  B Offline
                                  BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #71

                                  Where did you go in Costa Rica? What were your impressions? I would love to hear more. Did you get to watch the video of JMA?
                                  -Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • L LYNNEH46

                                    A map would be MOST useful! Just a simple one so we can place cities/ areas mentioned/

                                    B Offline
                                    B Offline
                                    BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #72

                                    You can find a map here- https://internationalliving.com/countries/costa-rica/climate-in-costa-rica/
                                    I can't add an image here, but this article has agood map. Orosi Valley is in Cartago.
                                    -Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • H HAWEBSTER12

                                      Is there any advantage to being in one providence than another (San Jose v Cartago)?

                                      B Offline
                                      B Offline
                                      BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #73

                                      Hi. In my opinion, Cartago is more rural with more nature. I love Tierra Blanca going up to Volcan Irazu. And Cartago is less crowded/busy.
                                      I would say Cartago is starting to come more on the radar and a good place to check out.
                                      -Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • J jstevens

                                        Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape

                                        [vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]

                                        John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!

                                        Resources
                                        March issue story

                                        Fast Track Costa Rica Conference

                                        T Offline
                                        T Offline
                                        TLROOF1
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #74

                                        Don't see the video player

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • J JREEDORCHARD

                                          How is cell/internet service in Cartago?

                                          B Offline
                                          B Offline
                                          BEKAHBOTTONE 0
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #75

                                          When I lived in Tres Rios years ago, I worked online and didn't have many issues. And the internet has only improved over the last years.
                                          In Guanacaste, which is more rural, I have fast, reliable internet and phone service. I get some dead zones on my cell but it works perfectly at my house and in most places.
                                          -Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

                                          1 Reply Last reply
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