When and Why Did You Visit Costa Rica?
In September of 2009 my husband I decided to make a trip to Costa Rica to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. Costa Rica had long been on our list as a place we wanted to visit. When we travel, we like to drive around and explore, which is one of the reasons why we chose Costa Rica, it is a small country but with just so much to do and see. Prior to coming to Costa Rica we had traveled to numerous Caribbean Islands and also on three of the Hawaiian Islands, but we just fell in love with Costa Rica and of all of what we saw and experienced. In 2010 we purchased a condo in Jaco Beach.
Why Jaco?
Well, we loved the ease of access from the airport. We could easily travel down from the states and be at the ocean in just over an hour. We wanted an ocean front town that was walkable with several choices for dinning and entertainment. Jaco meet these needs and still had a Costa Rican feel to it. In other beach towns we had visited we were only seeing North Americans, we wanted the culture and experience of being in another country, but with all the conveniences and amenities we were use to in the states.
Our favorite part of Jaco?
We love the slow pace. I can almost feel myself relaxing when we get close to Jaco. That does not mean we do nothing while we are here. Strolling in to town to try a different restaurant or to get ice cream is almost a daily event. We also like to try something new on each visit. We never seem to run out of new experiences. On the last trip we went on a crocodile tour, did Adventure in Dinning (a must!), went horse back riding, spent the day in National Park, enjoyed the surf competition at The Backyard, shopped at the Farmer’s Market, did yoga most mornings, and took the time to watch the sunset every evening.
I feel like we got in on a secret. Jaco has not always been the town it is today. Many people pass it by because they think it is full if drugs and prostitution. The town has been cleaned up and I feel perfectly comfortable taking my 5 year old out at night. We even attended a production as a family of the Christmas Carol two years ago. How many beach towns in Central America have live theater?
Advice for buying property?
Make sure you choose a realtor that is honest. We talked with three before really realizing what a difference this could make. Get a referral or if you don’t know anyone to ask talk to several. Ask them the same questions. You will quickly understand who is honest and who is just trying to make a sale. The other advice is to just do it! You will not regret this decision.
