Moving in Costa Rica

We are moving, not back to where we came from (Canada), but from Vista Atenas near the small rural town of Atenas to Hacienda El Paseo near the larger town or small city of Grecia.

The distance is not very far (about 12.5 km as the crow flies). The following map shows the shortest route in blue. This route is probably the most scenic route. But, if you are uneasy with steep switchbacks and narrow bridges along the road, then you might prefer the longer (gray) route along highways 3 and 1. In driving time, the difference is about 15 minutes.

The new place near Grecia is at about the same altitude as the old place near Atenas. So, unlike hot, humid temperatures on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts we should remain in our comfort zone. Like Vista Atenas, the new place should not require air conditioning or indoor heating.

We decided to move for various reasons. First and foremost, we wanted a larger house at reasonable cost. The new house includes 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. This allowed one bedroom for ourselves, an art studio for me, and an office for Lance. Perfect! The house happens to be in a gated community, but that was not one of our prerequisites.

By the way, it appears that the community largely consists of ticos (native Costa Ricans). Our objective has been to assimilate and this should help.

The house does not have its own swimming pool, but there is a community pool a short distance down a winding street. That's all we need. Looking after a private pool wears thin after a while.

When we move in, we may very well be the only people in the community whose native language is English as opposed to Spanish.

Speaking of languages, the real estate agent who we dealt with in Grecia was Chris Schoo. He is Dutch and speaks at least 5 languages (English, Spanish, Dutch, French and German). He did a first class job introducing us to the community and the services in and around Grecia. His web site is 

here.

Atenas and Vista Atenas are great. We have innumerable friends and acquaintances in that area. But, Grecia and Hacienda El Paseo near Grecia will be a new adventure and we welcome one and all to visit us.