Why we Decided on Escazu, Costa Rica: People often ask us Why Costa Rica?  The short answer is: "We read a book on retiring and working in a paradise where…. the temperature was 72 degrees year round, medical care was outstanding and affordable, your nest-egg would go further and you were realistically a short plane ride from most U.S. hubs for business purposes. (For the long answer, see the article Rosemary wrote, that was published in International Living Magazine... Click click here The second question we get is Why Escazu? which is located in the country’s central valley and…. Why not one of Costa Rica’s Beautiful Beach Areas? Great Question! Since when we first visited Costa Rica 13 years ago as vacationers, we nearly did end up becoming beach bums, enchanted by Costa Rica’s blue waters and what seemed all that Jimmy Buffett had promised us, including endless pina coladas.

Here are our 10 reasons we selected Escazu, Costa Rica:

• It Takes a Village  Without a doubt Escazu serves as the center of Social Life and Events in Costa Rica’s International Community. Literally every day of the week you could be engaged in cultural and social activities for every interest. There’s Gourmet Food and Wine clubs, Bridge clubs, Hiking Groups, English Speaking Theatre (LTG) in a stable community of non-vacationers who call Costa Rica their permanent home.
• Climate!  Frankly we found Costa Rica’s beaches were too darn hot for us for day to day living. During our research, we did spend three weeks at the beaches, checking it out and realized we were trying to plan our day around being indoors after noon. The humidity of the beach was not for us. We wanted a more active life style with a climate that encouraged being outdoors all day long. Imagine picking your ideal temperature by the altitude you select for your home in the Escazu Mountains.
• Magical Mountains and Countryside  It seems we have always been drawn to mountains and in fact were married on top of Ajax Mountain in Colorado. There is just something about waking up at and looking out your window at a peaceful countryside that is guarded by the strength of a magical giant. We picked our home in Escazu because without driving we could walk out our door, hike the mountains and be amidst farmers and oxcarts.
• Proximity to Services  including Healthcare and Schools. Escazu has served as a hub for Embassies, Corporations , Professionals and International Retirees due in part to it’s proximity to top International Schools, State of the Art Healthcare and Family/Business Services. Minutes away from CIMA Hospital and Clinica Biblica, we decided outstanding and accessible healthcare was important; We also needed high-speed wireless internet and other business services and so Escazu easily became our choice.
• Restaurants  from A to Z Confessed Foodies, we wanted a selection of international restaurants and cuisines. Escazu serves as a gourmet paradise with fine dining as well as typical restaurants serving Costa Rican cuisine and even local pubs where yes, in the expat community, everyone knows your name.
• El Campo:  We wanted gardens to play in with our animals and we didn’t want to be locked into a compound, where our only neighbors were other North Americans. After all we had moved to Costa Rica to experience it’s beauty and it’s people. Escazu serves as the perfect melting pot.
• Panache & Pizzazz  Originally from Manhattan, we admit we wanted style, sophistication and convenience in our home base. While we frequently venture into the rainforest and live simply amidst nature, Escazu gives us City Panache and Artistic Pizzazz in our home sanctuary.
• The Beverly Hills of Costa Rica & Real Estate Value:  We wanted to be sure of our real estate investment and Escazu without a doubt, the Beverly Hills of Costa Rica. Just look around at the million dollar condos and you’ll see that the mountain isn’t the only strength in the urban area, evidenced by Mercedes and Top Designer Stores.
• Airport & Transportation:   For business purposes, (travelling in the United States and Canada over 100 days a year) close proximity to the major airport with daily flights to most U.S Hubs was an important factor. Escazu is 20 minutes from the San Jose (SJO) Airport. Bus, Taxi and Private Car Transportation is also easily available.
• Home of the Witches:   Finally, Escazu is known as Land of The Witches. They are Good Witches for sure and seem to watch over the mountain community that we have called home for over 10 years now. Thank you Escazu for keeping our family safe and our hearts inspired.

Rosemary and Barry Rein, Costa Rica Residents

Want to explore living and/or working in Costa Rica? Why not attend one of Rosemary's Learning Vacations in Costa Rica in 2008 through Retreats Costa Rica?. You'll Map out Your Personal and or Business Goals while exploring the country and it's people to see if it's right for you. Write for a Free Go Costa Rica Retreat Kit or tour Rosemary's Programs at www.gowildgogreat.com or www.retreatscostarica.com

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