| Jennifer moved with her family from the USA to a place near San Ramon de Alajuela in Costa Rica in 2006, a decision that they're fully living up to. How? By learning and living the culture, learning the language, and doing their best to fit in with the locals. For these American expats, Costa Rica is now home. Jennifer describes just what it is they love about this country and some of their activities and conditions there. |
 Jennifer Sheridan |
February 14 2007
-Where were you born?
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
Costa Rica. We live just outside San Ramon de Alajuela.
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I live with my husband, our daughter & our 4-legged son
-How long have you been living in Costa Rica?
We’ve been here for a year now.
-What is your age?
I’m 42, hubby 56 and daughter 10
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Costa Rica?
In November of 2004 I first got the idea of moving here and started doing research. In July of 2005 hubby and I came for 10 days and fell in love with the people and the country. The cost of living was the primary factor with the people a close second.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No visa was necessary and we don’t work, no need for a work permit.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
We do not have medical insurance. If necessary we pay cash at medical facilities.
-How do you make your living in Costa Rica?
We do not make a living here or generate income of any kind. We live on my husband's pension.
-Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I speak enough of the language to take care of our needs. I learn more every day. I believe it is extremely important to speak the language of the country you live in, it’s a matter of respect.
It’s important for our family to respect the customs of the Costa Ricans. I cannot speak for other expats but to us the Costa Rican culture is an important part of our lives here. We moved here to live among them and learn about the culture.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
We do not miss our lives in the United States, Costa Rica is home. We use VoIP for inexpensive phone calls to family and have a blog to keep family & friends up to date on our lives.
Our favorite recreational activity is the one we’re involved in at any given time. We enjoy the beach, hiking, taking drives, fishing, and flying kites, local festivals, hanging out at home or visiting with our friends and neighbors.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
My husband will be hiking Mt. Chirripo, Costa Rica’s highest mountain, in February. Also, our daughter will begin at a different private school in February.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We currently rent a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house for $300 per month. We’ve seen homes in the area rent for as low as $110 and as high as $850 a month.
Our monthly bills run to $100, which includes high-speed Internet, telephone, cell phone, electricity, water and Direct TV.
We own property but have run into issues with building.
-What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?
Cost of living depends on your lifestyle. It can be very expensive to live here or relatively cheap.
-What do you think about the Costa Ricans?
The locals are AWESOME; they treat foreigners well as long as you show them respect.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Costa Rica?
The positives for us are the climate, cost of living, nature and the people.
The negative is that no matter how long we live here we will never be “from” here.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Costa Rica?
My tip for people thinking about moving here is to be very careful when it comes to buying property. Take your time. Rent in as many locations as possible and get to know the locals before spending your hard-earned cash. Living in a foreign country is not for everyone.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Costa Rica?
A New Life in Costa Rica: Our blog
Costa Rica Blue Book: Useful info on Costa Rica
connections
Hello - I have also been in CR for a little over one year. If you would ever like to meet, get together, drink wine, etc. please contact us.
Good luck to you and your new life in CR!
Rita & Steve DeVore
(I also have done an interview)
Issues with building
Hello, Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing your story and the helpful information.
Can you tell me a little about the "issues with building" on the land you own that you've encountered?
Cordialmente,
Barbara
barbara@sound-knowledge.com
Guilty before Innocent
Hi! My husband and I just returned from a jaunt to Costa Rica and Panama. We just loved both, but really fell in love with the people, Pura Vida, and forests of Costa Rica. We want to move there, are reading books, and finding much information.
One thing that caught my eye was that, unlike in the USA, in Costa Rica people are presumed guilty and have to prove their innocence. To go along with that is the presence of so much anti-theft measures (guards at stores, stapling of bags so you can't pick up anything on the way out, and iron bars on windows/homes). I realize it's more so due to the fact that the country has so many poor, struggling Ticos; and I don't mind the anti-theft measures. But the guilty/before innocent gives me a shudder.
I've never stolen in my life, except a snoopy eraser when I was 4, so I don't plan to do illegal things, but has anyone heard of this being a problem?
Thanks,
Rebecca