USVI-On-Line

I love St. John and I am missing my happy place, even though I've only been there 2 x. DH wants to try Costa Rica. We are looking at retirement possibilities so need to go visit places. Unfortunately, I don't think we could ever afford St. John. Anyway, anyone out there been to both places? I know they will be different for many reasons, but does CR compare favorably?
On another note, my lucky son will be in St. John 3 weeks from tomorrow for his honeymoon. Maybe I could stow away in a suitcase? NOt!

There have been some threads on the Off Topic forum...

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... costa+rica

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... costa+rica

Hope these help....

I can't help you on CR, but just wanted to say congrats to your son....a 3 week honeymoon on the rock is awesome! Wish we could afford STJ too, we keep hoping we'll win the lottery!

From viewing some of the TRs of others, CR seems not to have the slow easy clear beaches of the Carribian, but looks to be far more affordable. I have noticed thought watching House Hunters that you have to have cash to purchace a house in CR. I have heard good things about Dominica too. We want to try Dominica and the Grenadines looks good too. That is if we can pull our selves away from STJ!

We're going to Tamarindo Costa Rica in July. My husband wants to try some place different as well...which I'm good with...we'll be back on STJ in 2013...that being said...in a word Costa Rica is CHEAP...I was shocked at the prices of villas, food, alochol, etc...Tamarindo has a young surfer vibe which is exactly what we want...I've heard from many people who have gone that its VERY laid back...

Did a week in CR a few years ago.

Flew in to San Jose, then did a rental to La Fortuna (and the amazing Arenal volcano), Tamarindo beach, Jaco beach, and back to San Jose.

With its natural beauty & diversity, I'd agree that CR is very appealing. But from what I understand, the government is slowly restricting the benefits that make CR so attractive to expats.

Between the two, I'd choose CR. (The surf break in Tamarindo is Endless Summer quality ... still wish I had taken lessons there.)

But I'd make any decision involving relocation outside of the US with eyes wide open.

Thanks all! Piscesgirl, I'll be anxious to hear from you. I've thought about Dominica . . . have to check that out! And I would definitely do at least a 6 month rental before making a decision of any kind. Just doing some legwork!So far, though, I think my one particular harbor is Coral Bay! SIGHHHHHH

We will fly in to Liberia which is about 50 minutes from Tamarindo. I'm pretty excited about going...I'm thinking we'll all do some surf lessons...might as well...theres a 'surf camp" on the beach called "Witches Rock"...so I may give it a shot while I'm still young enough...I think all of us on this forum WANT to retire on STJ...I know my family would...who knows what the future holds...nothing wrong with dreaming about it...

We have been to CR twice, while it is beautiful and the people are lovely. I would never retire there. First the poisonous snakes, we played golf and had to take a fore caddy to run ahead and spot our balls. They would not let guests go search for their balls or even into the rough. Our caddy ran out of the tall grass because of a snake, after that I told him do not look for my balls. I will just drop a ball if I cant keep it in the fairway. They also have sea snakes which are the most deadly, I was snorkeling outside of Liberia and came upon a sea snake, I have never swam so fast in my life for shore. Sharks don't bother me, snakes another story. Also I don't think the prices in CR are as good as they used to be, I really think they have come up a lot in 10 years. You have to be careful with Central American governments, they change laws like their underwear, but CR is the most stable

Everyone knows we are building a retirement home on St John. I have to say that land, condo and home prices have come down a lot since we got our great deal a year and a half ago. This article below is what peaked my interest in retiring to St John. I think it can be done very affordably and still be part of the USA.

http://www.stjohnsuntimes.com/alternative_housing

The Greathouses built an adorable cottage and are living the dream.
Les Otis and Pia of St John Propertie's were so patient with my husbands "get a deal" mentality. We worked over a year with them looking at houses condos and land, I wanted to build and hubby wanted to buy. Guess who won Although hubby has built a much larger home than we wanted, by St John standards we are building it way under what it would cost if using a contractor.

Good luck with your hunt for a retirement place and I second the reader that said rent for 6 months before buying in an unfamiliar place!

I have been to Costa Rica 3 times and am about to return to STJ for the 7th time. While Costa Rica is a wonderful place and I absolutely love it, it is like comparing oranges and apples. Each time I flew into Liberia (Pacific side) and never had an opportunity to visit the Caribbean side. It is a wonderful place and I hope to go back someday and perhaps retire there because of the affordability compared to STJ. The sand on the beach was black sand. Snorkeling cannot begin to compare to Virgin Islands. It was definetly a total different experience but well worth the trip. The first time we went the small air terminal at the Liberia airport had a thatch roof. It is a magical place to visit.