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LIVING IN TAMARINDO
Costa Rica
Living in Costa Rica takes a spirit of adventure, a good sense of humor and lots of patience. Most people see themselves lying all day in a hammock by the sea plucking bananas off the trees and going for frequent dips in the crystal clear waters. While all that is highly attainable it is not what your days will solely consist off. Red tape is a big part of life in Costa Rica. A simple thing like renewing a drivers license can take all day, and expect at least an hour long line at the bank. Today usually means tomorrow and tomorrow may not be this week. Violent crime is low, but don't ever leave your belongings unattended. If you think you can handle all this with a smile then Costa Rica may just be the place for you. After all, it boasts a 94% literacy rate, has friendly people, an exquisite nature and a warm climate year round. Not only that, unlike many other countries, Costa Rica has always welcomed foreign residents.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo Beach is one of Costa Rica's most popular beaches for foreign residents. Its dry tropical climate, white beaches and surrounding national park is a big draw. Tamarindo has been experiencing a growth spurt for the last 7 years, and construction and real estate is booming. Its growing tourist industry provides plenty of opportunities for new businesses. No one knows exactly how many residents live here, but it's for sure almost everyone knows each other. Tamarindo is one of the most multi cultural communities in Costa Rica. The three dominant nationalities are Costa Rican, North American and Italian, but you'll also see many Argentinians, French, German, Swiss... It is a small town with a hardware store, several supermarkets, two bakeries, two hair dressers, many internet cafes, a day spa, two banks and lots of tourist oriented businesses. Theaters, museums, good hospitals and doctors are all located in San Jose, a 5 hr drive away. To get to San Jose there are three public buses, two shuttle buses and seven daily flights.
Schooling
Tamarindo is the only town outside the Central Valley to have an international K-12 college-prep school. Country Day School, a private school established in 1963, opened a branch in 2000 just a few kilometers north of Tamarindo. It added a boarding school in August 2003. There are many public schools in the area, including a bilingual Catholic school in Santa Cruz.
Living
The cost of living in Costa Rica is cheaper than in North America and Europe but not by a wide margin. If you own a car and a house you can live well on $1500-$2000 per month, including housekeeping and gardening services. Out-of-country income is not taxed, Costa Rica income taxes and property taxes are very low by comparison. (The out-of-country tax is under revision and may change.) If you come to Tamarindo planning to live off a very small budget this may not be the right place for you. Tamarindo is part of the Gold Coast and a top tourist destination and therefore not cheap. Dining out, groceries and utilities are more expensive than in San Jose.
Real Estate
When you drive through Tamarindo is seems that everything is for sale. According to the real estate offices however, most prime locations like beach front and hilltop views are long gone. If you decide to buy property make sure that your property has title, and hire a lawyer. Don't use the same lawyer as your realtor. Do research on your property, find out who your neighbors are and how the access is year round. After you have purchased property wait to cut down trees. Not only is cutting trees illegal but you may be eliminating a path for the monkeys. There are many reputable realtors in Tamarindo, and most can help you find a rental property as well.
Bottom Line
Before you sell everything you own and move your whole family down, plan at least one extended visit. It might be that you cannot stand the red tape, or maybe you love Costa Rica but find it too warm in Tamarindo. Living here is not for everyone; the laid back life that seemed so appealing in your home country, might just seem too excruciatingly slow once you are here. Talk to other residents and find out how they like life in Tamarindo. Research your options for schooling, obtaining residency and work permits.
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