The Worst Part of Living in Costa Rica

[@richardwilkinson72]

Matt, once again I appreciate your Frank appraisal about living in Costa Rica. It is not all a bed of roses. I relate completely with your experience of sacrificing relationships when one makes a move while I don’t live in Costa Rica [yet], 37 years ago I did move with my young family from Minnesota to Florida. And as you described, the first year or two people were anxious to come down and visit. Eventually, that tapered off completely. Our parents did buy seasonal properties nearby, principally to be near the grandchildren. And when you return home after having been away for a period of time, you recognize that the gears of life have moved on. You are like a cog out of the wheel and no longer fit in quite the same as in the past. It takes time, too, to find your niche in your new home. New friendships have to be struck and nurtured. Support networks have to be developed. This is obviously easier for some people than for others. But it is certainly not for the faint of heart. Often we do not appreciate what we have until we’ve stepped away from it. I am sure you especially feel This during holidays like Thanksgiving. I assume you still celebrate it - perhaps with other Expats. God bless you and your lovely family!

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful response Richard and yes - you nailed it on the head that I was feeling this sentiment particularly because we just made a quick trip home for Thanksgiving. I have to say though, I don't feel too much like a cog out of a machine because I only lived in Indiana prior to moving to Guanacaste. My family is still there and doing the same stuff for Thanksgiving; it's pretty easy to feel right at home with them while celebrating the same traditions. We love it and really don't have too many complaints about the places we grew up; we're just now very embedded down here in our little nest in Guanacaste!

[@tinaprada8983]

Love Costa Rica . Except everything- roads, weather slow time , crime …. Coming to visit 2-3 times a year . Can’t wait for my retirement!!!!

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Sorry I hadn't responded; yes there are some drawbacks but the key to happiness here is to see the positives - also you need to be someone for whom the positives matter. Bad roads mean less traffic; if you really want to be in peace and quiet and you don't care about having good access or driving on bad roads, you are set....

[@JudgeDredd_]

The weather sounds like I can be in shorts all day. I think everyone has their pros and cons. I think the biggest thing I worry about, which may seem silly to others, are the critters. I just feel like there are bigger and scarier critters all over the place hahahahaha and I’m a big scaredy cat

[@CostaRicaMatt]

I only wear pants perhaps 45 full days per year. Often I think it's fun to broadcast wearing a button up shit and a bathing suit in preparation for the pool. The desk and camera angle cut off anything below my sternum.

[@TerryReynolds-k6r]

Great advice love

[@andrewc662]

The security in my area has gotten really bad. We went from maybe one murder every couple years to over 15 so far in 2023. The theft has gone off the charts. Everybody in our neighborhood has gotten robbed post pandemic. People are building walls with electric fences.

[@CostaRicaMatt]

I’m sorry to hear that! Where are you located?

[@andrewc662]

@@CostaRicaMatt Nosara. It's a mess. I really don't think visitors are aware that the place has become a hotspot for crime and pollution. Nobody talks about it.

[@johnrenko5735]

They will now. We have to spread the word

[@surf01er66]

Well done....thanks and aloha

[@CostaRicaMatt]

You are welcome; thank you for watching and commenting!!!

[@MS-bb3bj]

Great point of view, you are completely right !

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Glad you feel that way; thank you for watching and commenting and sorry that I had not yet responded!!

[@shartzs]

Nicely done Matt, you really highlight the negative aspects in a positive way that spells out your many years of living in Costa Rica. No matter where you hang your hat to call home, you'll have some pros and cons of living in that area. If a utopia exists, please let us all know. I'm sure the real estate market there would be booming 🙂

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Thank you very much Steve! And you are right; no place is perfect. When are you headed back?

[@shartzs]

I was planning a trip out this November, but my baking has taken off and I've had a huge increase in orders especially for the holiday season. You'll see me next April, where I plan on spending a month there :) @@CostaRicaMatt

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Hah, I'm unsurprised to hear folks are demanding more of your cheesecakes. Congrats on the surge in demand; it's well deserved!

[@guillermoceballos59]

Hola soy consultor creativo de youtube, si necesitas diseño y seo para tu canal avisame y charlamos. Slds

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Tiene alguna referencia o CV?

[@guillermoceballos59]

@@CostaRicaMatt si por supuesto..tenes un email de contacto?

[@Noonelson]

Key takeaways; Don't be a schmuk, and learn Spanish

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Well put! Thanks for watching in commenting; I appreciate it.

[@Kroma1986]

Just need a pool, beach, beer, and ATV. All problems solved 😂

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Trust me, that’s not a requirement or my family would be in Indiana!

[@CostaRicaMatt]

Couldn’t agree more; thanks for watching and commenting!!