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SYNDICATIONPosted: 01/26/2012 06:29 AM
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By Brooke Bishop, our Grecia - Naranjo specialist
The last couple of years have seen a surge in foreigners living in Grecia. From Europeans to Canadians to of course any ex-pats, Grecia is a very attractive place to retire and live in peace. With a great climate, views from many of the ridges and exceptional shopping and entertainment opportunities, it is no surprise that Grecia is the new hotspot to buy Costa Rica real estate.
Real estate prices in Grecia have remained steady throughout the economic turmoil that we have experienced around the world in the last couple of years. One reason for this is that the prices never really became overpriced as they have in other parts of the country. Even Costa Ricans can see the value in the land in this fertile area. Sugar cane, coffee, and great infrastructure make this area still extremely valuable to locals as well as investors.
The ease of access to the International airport, and San Jose (only 1 hour) makes this a very desirable area for professional Costa Ricans, farmers, and those retiring from San Jose to a more wholesome, safer environment.
For those of us who look for some of the creature comforts of our native lands, Grecia has a lot to offer. Boasting two malls, both with cinemas, we can enjoy the newest movies in English-- even 3-D movies! The newer mall located between Grecia and Sarchi has lots of great shopping, an impressive food court and activities every weekend that generally revolve around art and music. For food shopping in Grecia there are 4 large supermarkets where you can find nearly everything that you need.
The Grecia farmer's market or "feria" is one of the best in the Central Valley with lots of inexpensive fresh fruits and veggies. There is a farmer who sells goat cheese, goat milk, and even smoked cheese!
Night life is another reason that Grecia is such a popular place to live. There are lots of good restaurants in Grecia, including an Argentinean grill where you can get fresh Tuna steak, shrimp, chicken, or grilled steak with a glass of wine from Chile or Argentina. There are lots of great typical restaurants that you can get a lot of food for your money, and several sodas in the market that will amaze you at the price of food.
Coffee shops, Italian restaurants, and even chic cafes offer culinary surprises everywhere in Grecia, a rarity that is usually not found outside of the San Jose area. Live entertainment in Grecia is happening nearly every weekend either in the park or at various bars downtown. One of the more popular bars in Grecia features rock and roll at least once a month by local ex-pats sharing their musical talent.
There is no shortage of places to hike and take a picnic to in Grecia either. Bosque del Nino is located in San Isidro de Grecia and has lots of trails, including one to a waterfall, and one to the back of the Poas volcano. There is also a short easy 45 minute trail where you can see toucanets or brown jays. Los Chorros recreation park is a great place to see and swim in some waterfalls and Hacienda los Trapiches is also a nice Sunday get away with a restaurant, bar, picnic area, small trails, and you can watch them make sugar the old fashioned way!
Views, climate and low crime are probably what brought many foreigners to this town. Grecia has 5 ridges that lead to the top of the Poas volcano and all have spectacular million dollar views of San Jose and the Central Valley. With a climate likened to perpetual spring, we enjoy temperatures of around 75 degrees nearly every day. At higher elevations, night time temperatures can get down to mid 50's during December and January when the winds start and the whole country cools off. If you enjoy warmer weather, Grecia also has districts in the 900 meters of altitude that average around 83 degrees, with lows in the 60's at night. There is a climate for everyone in this area. Generally neighbors are professional Ticos or farmers who all keep an eye on what is happening in the area to keep crime down.
If you are thinking of retiring in Costa Rica, or having a vacation home in Costa Rica, you should definitely look at Grecias athis is a great area to move to and not give up the amenities that you are used to or the conveniences that you want.
For more information on Grecia, please see the following website, or feel free to contact me and check out these following links:
About the Grecia Forest Reserve
Brooke Bishop is our real estate expert for the coffee towns of Naranjo, Sarchi, and Grecia.Check out Brooke's real estate listings or contact Brooke for a showing.