http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/november/01/costarica11110107.htm

http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/october/28/costarica11102808.htm

An Organic, Ocean-View Community for Healthy Living

San Ramón, Costa Rica

This quaint 8-lot ocean-view residential development is five minutes from the center of San Ramón and offers tranquil living at a reasonable cost with all services, shopping, and social activities, just a short distance away.

The concept—health, wellness, a better way of life

Consider this simple fact: our diets have changed radically within the last 50 to 60 years with great and often very harmful effects to our health.  These dietary changes represent as great a threat to public health as smoking.  Too much fat, sugar or salt in our diets can be or are linked directly to heart disease, cancer, obesity and stroke.  It is a fact that six out of ten cases of death in the U.S. have been linked to the food we eat.  By the year 2012, 75% of American will be considered overweight with some 30% considered obese.  With both willpower and the proper team in place to assist you, Organic Views can be a place to start or recommit to a healthy and prosperous lifestyle.

Eating healthy organic food and living in a place free of chemicals is proven to help improve one’s general health, increase energy, and in many cases, lead to a longer life.  This is the concept for Organic Views: a place where people can live in harmony in a beautiful place without the harmful effects of chemicals in their foods or on their land.  And, by working with the first farmer in Costa Rica to receive organic certification by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who will keep the land chemical-free and maintain the organic coffee and produce in the development, this will ensure you will enjoy your home and lifestyle for many years to come.

Environmental Principles

The following environmental principles have been implemented at Organic Views:

Protection of the land:  This project has been developed in a way that minimizes the environmental impact on the land including disturbing as few plants and trees as possible, utilizing the existing terrain to maximum benefit, and not impacting natural waterways.  In addition, chemicals will not be used in any aspect of the project’s development or to maintain common areas and flowers/plants.

Low density:  This project has only eight lots while it was possible to have had as many as 15 or more lots.  By only having a few lots, most with over an acre of land, the community that blends with the traditions of the area and the natural environment.

Efficient and environmentally responsible building:  The project’s home construction contractor is dedicated to doing everything possible to build homes in an environmentally responsible and efficient manner.  This includes using the natural grade of the land in order to not disturb plants and wildlife, making efficient use of building materials and considering alternative construction products that are made from all-natural material and that are more energy efficient.

Living in San Ramón

San Ramón’s best-kept secret is its awe-inspiring views in some areas that are like no other in the Central Valley.  Because of the town’s high altitude and westward-facing position towards the Pacific Coast, a number of very close-in suburbs offer views that encompass a huge swath of coastline, all the way south to Jacó and north to Puntarenas and beyond.  Of course, with a direct view of the ocean, sunsets are stunning and the lights of several coastal cities come alive at dusk, particularly the port town of Puntarenas.

The expat population generally lives in communities surrounding San Ramón, primarily to its north and west, with a few more city-oriented people preferring downtown. The vast majority of foreign retirees are purchasing land and building homes in an area called Magallanes that offers mountain, valley or ocean views—and all three in many cases—while only a five-minute drive to the center of town, mainly because not many resale homes built to American standards are available.  This area is quickly becoming the “place to be” in San Ramón where expats are now building higher quality homes.  And, because San Ramón is still largely undiscovered by foreigners—there are perhaps under 200 full-time retirees—real estate with “million dollar California” views is still available at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. or Europe.

About Organic Views

Organic Views is located just five minutes from downtown San Ramón in the Magallanes area.  At about 3000 feet above sea level, the area offers warm days (averaging 78 degrees year round) and cool nights (low 60s).  Heat or air conditioning is not required.

Three of the eight lots have been sold.  One home has been constructed with a retired American couple already living in the development.  A second American couple will begin construction of their home in November, 2011.  Five lots remain, four of which have ocean views and range from 1.25 to 4 acres.  One lot is .5 acres and has valley views only.

The remaining home sites range from $35,000 to $78,000 and average only $9 per square meter with some lots in the $4-$6 per square meter range for 3-5 acres of land.

Key aspects of Organic Views include:

1. Conversion of an existing chemically-induced coffee farm into an organic coffee and produce farm.
2. A local farmer, who is an expert in organic farming, manages the entire community on behalf of the residents.
3. Maintenance of roads, organic coffee and numerous plants and flowers, will be provided free of charge.
4. The farmer and his staff will maintain all common areas and continue to produce and sell coffee nationally and abroad in order to support their families.
5. All of the infrastructure, including roads, water and electricity are available.
6. A water well, built by the development’s owners, provides water to all homeowners however testing of the well determined it can provide water to over 400 homes. Therefore, the well is being donated to the local aqueduct authority to provide additional water to local residents.
7. Electricity lines from the entrance to the community will be installed underground by each owner in order to avoid unsightly electricity posts.

Home Construction in Organic Views

Buying a home site in Organic Views is an easy and straight-forward process. However, many clients often find the home building process to be perplexing, particularly building a home in a foreign country.   This section is designed to answer questions clients may have about building a home in Organic Views:

• Am I contracting with the lot owners to build my home?  No.  Your contact for home construction will be directly with the builder you select, though the project owners can provide recommendations for well-known and respected builders who are working in the San Ramon area.  You and the builder will discuss and agree to all contract terms prior to construction.  Therefore, any issues that may arise will be resolved between you and the builder, according to the provisions of the contract.  It is unwise to begin construction—even architectural renderings—without having a contract first.
• What types of homes are built in Organic Views?  Most contractors build custom homes designed to your specifications.  Whether Mediterranean/Spanish, modern, or other styles, a builder’s goal is turn your vision into reality.  In Organic Views there are not stringent home-building requirements except that all homes will have red roofs and earth-tone colors on exterior walls.  These standards were put in place to allow residents to build homes to their specifications but to provide continuity in the community.  This also helps to maintain the appearance of the overall development and to ensure the development remains a good investment, particularly for residents who decide to sell their homes in the future.  There is no time limit on when a lot owner must build a home.
• What does it cost to build a home?  The final cost of your home will depend generally on two factors: how large your home is, and what type of finishes you select.   Typically, you can expect to pay roughly between $50 per square foot and $65 per square foot which will include permitting, architect’s work, construction, and the installation of most finishes such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances, flooring, kitchen/bathroom fixtures and associated plumbing, and lighting fixtures.  Your builder will advise you on the type of finishes possible based on your budget.   In addition, it is important to do as much thinking and research about the type of home you want, the layout, size and of number of rooms, whether you want a guest house, garage/car port, pool, or other structures, prior to signing a contract.  Re-work during the construction process not only can lengthen the time to complete your home but also will likely increase the cost as more material may needed, walls torn down, etc.
• How do I pay for my home?
  Generally, construction services are paid for in cash, including an initial deposit and then periodic payments as your home construction progresses.  The schedule for payments will be determined between you and your builder.  Payment is usually made by wire transfer to the builder.  It is important to allocate funds ahead of time so construction of your home is not delayed.
• How long will it take to build my home?
  It normally takes between six and nine months to build your home.  A number of factors could lengthen the time to build your home including the extent to which pre-work is necessary (such as lot preparation), the size of your home, weather, and the availability of the materials you select.   After discussing your specifications with your builder, he will give you a more specific time estimate.
• What if I am not living in Costa Rica at the time construction begins?
  It is preferable to be in the country during the construction process in order to inspect the work on a regular basis.  However, this is often not possible for many people.  Therefore, the builder should provide frequent updates on the progress of your construction and send you photographs as certain milestones during construction are met (i.e., foundation is laid, roof is put on).  If at all possible, it is helpful for you to visit at least a few times during the home construction process, particularly to pick out tiles, cabinets, appliances, and other fixtures.
• I’m interested in eco-friendly design and building.  Is this possible in Organic Views? Yes.  May builders are capable of building eco-friendly homes.  Your builder will discuss those environmental factors that are important to you and build your home to your specifications.  He can include items such as solar heating, energy efficient plumbing fixtures, and other items that make your home energy efficient while reducing your home’s environmental impact.  It is important to know, however, that these environmental and energy benefits may increase the cost of your home.

Organic Views in San Ramón offers numerous benefits including very reasonable prices, stunning ocean-views, a short distance to the center of town and tranquil, organic environment.  Please contact us to schedule a viewing today—with only five lots remaining, these home sites won’t last long.

Additional details:

http://www.crcommunties.com/organicviews.html

Contact information:

Email: crcinformation@gmail.com

Phone: (506) 8350-7647 (CR)

Phone: (202) 361-3047 (USA)

http://www.escapeartist.com/OREQ26/Fresh_Look_At_Costa_Rica.html

http://www.crcommunities.com/OrganicViews.html

March 28 – 30
April 11 – 13
May 9 – 11
June 13 – 15
July 11 – 13
August 8 – 10
September 19 – 21
October – no tours
November 7 – 9
December 5 – 7

Pura Vida!

Look for our newest project, “Organic Heaven,” soon!  You won’t believe this project–it’s special.  Coming soon!

Escape From America Magazine

We’re all well aware of the term ‘having a bad hair day’ – after all most of us have suffered at least one of these in our lifetime, even you men out there reading this!  But as time takes its toll on our bodies and the stresses of life catch up with us, have you ever caught sight of yourself in the mirror and though ‘oh my goodness, I’m turning into my mother/father/great aunt Ethel?’  If you have, then you’ve experienced a bad age day!

None of us are immune to such an occurrence because sometimes the weight of the world we live in can really drag our energy levels down, and this can immediately be reflected in less than luminous skin, lifeless hair, tired eyes and deepening frown lines.  But who wants to look in the mirror and see an aged parent staring straight back at them?

Fortunately, for retirees who have managed to shake off a lot of their previous stresses by making the move to a paradise abroad, bad age days needn’t be a regular occurrence because turning back the years and keeping old age at bay begins with feeling young at heart.

Those of us who have made the bold move to live a better life in retirement, to go in search of a better climate, an improved lifestyle, a lower cost of living and a more laid back pace of life have taken the most important step on the road to a happy retirement…and in this report today I’m going to show you 10 ways that your new life abroad will help enhance your wellbeing.  In other words, here are 10 ways that your new life will keep you looking and feeling younger!

1. A warm climate, like the one many retirees choose to live in, encourages the body to sweat out toxins, and naturally anyone living in a hot country finds themselves drinking more water.  Water is critically important to stop skin from drying out and to prevent the body from becoming dehydrated.  Dry skin is sad skin and a bad age day nightmare – so keep yourself topped up with water and avoid dehydration as a result.  Have a glass with your breakfast and before your meals, and don’t forget to take a glass to bed with you in case you get thirsty in the night.  By the way, if you drink a glass of water before meals this has the added benefit of making you feel fuller and ensuring you don’t over eat and add on extra weight through excess calorie intake!
2. Oily fish is often easily and affordably accessible if you’re living in a seaside paradise in retirement – and oily fish is high in Omega 3, one of the body’s essential fatty acids that helps keep your brain alert – and Omega 3 has also been shown to help prevent heart disease.  Clearly oily fish is therefore another essential element in fighting some of the effects of older age!  Make sure you indulge at least 2 or 3 times a week and enjoy oily fish as part of an overall healthier diet.
3. Buy in to the laid back lifestyle you’re living in and learn to rest!  Whether you take a daily siesta like the locals do, or you just take some time out in the day to meditate or put your feet up and enjoy a nice cool drink, make sure you have an enforced period of rest every day.  You need to de-stress and quite literally take the weight off your feet to aid circulation and to let your mind, body and spirit relax!
4. Leading on from this point, as we get older many of us experience disturbed sleep patterns – and did you know that a survey of older Americans done in 2003 showed that the healthier a respondent was, the more regular sleep pattern they enjoyed!  So, developing a healthy sleep pattern is important.  It’s just not true that the more we age the less sleep we need – however, it is true that some people can ‘survive’ on very little sleep!  But the keyword here is ‘survive’ – if you want to be healthy, you need to get a decent night’s sleep every night.  If your bedroom is too hot you will find it harder to sleep.  If you drink too much caffeine or alcohol in the afternoon and evening this can affect the quality of sleep you get.  You can ‘catch up’ on sleep, and power naps can refresh you – but ideally you need to do everything you can to ensure that every night you’re sleeping well.  Address any issues head on, and if this means you sleep in a separate bed alongside your spouse, (because sleeping apart can help some people get better rest), then so be it for the good of your health.
5. The sun ages and damages our skin – and yet it has beneficial effects for our general feeling of wellbeing.  So, we all need to learn to stay safe in the sun no matter what age we are, and thanks to Cancer Research UK there’s a very simple code to follow – the SMART code…Spend time in the shade when the sun is at its most intense between 11am and 3pm.  Make sure you never burn your skin.  Aim to always cover up with a hat, sunglasses and a t-shirt.  Remember to take extra care with your grandchildren and their delicate skin and Then use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
6. Don’t lose that loving feeling – don’t take your spouse or partner for granted because research has proven that the more active your positive thoughts are about your partner, the more loving your relationship will be.  In other words, you need to consistently and consciously appreciate each other and remember what it is about your partner that you love if you want to keep your love active and alive.  Living in a new nation is a challenge, and one you will be working through together – so use the experience to draw you closer and reinforce the loving bond between you.
7. Leading on from that, a study by the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland has shown that having regular sex can lead to you looking up to 10 years younger!  The survey showed that respondents who found time for sex at least three times a week had a more youthful complexion and were healthier.  In part this is because sex is a calorie burning exercise that pumps oxygen round the body and therefore boosts the circulation and the supply of nutrients to the skin, and in part for women at least, sex helps trigger the production of a particular human growth hormone that helps keep them looking younger!
8. If you prefer alternative forms of exercise, living in a warm country can make swimming one of the most desirable pursuits – and fortunately, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for older bodies.  It is a non-stress form of exercise that burns calories, builds strength, aids flexibility, stamina and even balance, and it works your heart and lungs, helping them stay healthy.
9. Before retirement how many of us were able to implement essential changes to our lives that we knew would make us feel better and perhaps live even longer, but which required concentration, dedication and that most precious of all commodities – time?  The honest answer is that few people have the time when they are working and meeting the monthly mortgage etc., to allocate any time to themselves.  But retirement is all about you now!  It is your time in life.  You have raised a family and/or put years of your life into a job and a profession, you have paid your taxes and saved your money, you have dedicated years of service to other things and other people.  And so now, the time that you have is your time.  And it’s time for you to implement the 4 key changes to your life that could extend your life by up to 14 years!  The 4 key changes are – stop smoking, cut your alcohol intake, develop consistently healthy eating habits and take up regular exercise.  Researchers at Cambridge University in England have shown that adopting these 4 goals and winning the healthy lifestyle battle can add up to 14 years to your life expectancy.
10. The final top tip for international retirees is that dog owners live longer!  In many nations in the world pet ownership is a luxury that families cannot afford – which is why in Central American nations, Mediterranean countries and across Asia for example, (all popular destinations for Western retirees seeking a better life), dogs and cats are stray animals roaming free and fending for themselves.  Many expatriates want to do their bit to support and improve the new community they live in, and one of the most popular ways adopted is taking in and taking on a stray and sorry for itself animal.  The good news is that according to research from Queens University in Ireland, dog ownership can encourage better health and a longer life.  So, my final tip for you if you want to avoid bad age days is take in a stray dog!  Not only will you be doing your bit for the local community and for the hound in question, but you will be doing your bit for the improvement of your health!  The research from Ireland proves that dog owners are healthier because they get more exercise and therefore have lower blood pressure and cholesterol.  What’s more, having a dog can lead to an increase in social interaction which is good for our mental wellbeing, and regularly stroking a dog and enjoying their loving and loyal company can reduce stress levels.

In Conclusion…

There are many easy ways we can improve the quality of our lives and the health and wellbeing we enjoy.  In retirement when we have more time to dedicate to ourselves we should make it part of our everyday life to do that little something that will improve the way we feel.  It’s your life – so go on and enjoy living it!  Don’t let a bad age day catch up with you and leave you feeling low!  Having taken the positive and bold decision to retire overseas and see more of the world, why not also take the positive and bold decision to get the very most out of every single day.

About the author: Susan Beverley is a writer and editor for Escape From America Magazine and also writes for and maintains Expat Daily News – the expat news blog for EscapeArtist.com.  She traveled extensively before becoming an expat herself having found a place to call home in South America where she has lived since 2005.  She understands the concerns, needs and difficulties that expats face from first-hand experience and is dedicated to supporting and encouraging anyone who is looking for a new nation to call home.

Can I live comfortably on Social Security?

In much of Latin America, the answer is yes, especially for couples receiving two Social Security checks. Monthly costs in the region’s less expensive countries, such as Nicaragua and Belize, are typically about $1,500. A smart idea: rent a home before buying one—be sure you like where you live before making a major financial commitment.

In the more developed countries of Europe—and even the pricier parts of Latin America—you may need an additional source of income. You can find low-cost living in the regions we’ve reported on, especially in Spain and Portugal, but you’ll need a minimum of $2,000 a month for frugal comfort in Europe. Some expats insist they live on far less—or far more—but $2,000 is a reasonable figure for people of average means. Books and websites touting a new life abroad for $900 a month aren’t always realistic.

How good is the health care?

Better than you might think. In Latin America you’ll find good-to-excellent private, low-cost care in and around big cities. Mexico has a progressive health care policy, with clinics established in even the smallest villages and first-rate care in cities such as Guadalajara and Mexico City. Panama City has very good health care; in fact, many Americans fly from Miami to Panama City to get inexpensive medical treatment. Even in poor countries such as Nicaragua, competent private care is available in the capital city, Managua, at a fraction of the U.S. cost. Doctors’ visits in these countries can be $30 and drugs are inexpensive, many available without prescription.

In Europe, French medical care is considered the best in the world. You must be a legal resident to be eligible for nonemergency care. If you pay into France’s “social security” and pay French taxes, you get great care for the rest of your life. Italy, Spain, and Portugal also have excellent care and strong national systems. The chief complaint about nationalized health care everywhere is long waits for nonemergency treatment. Private care—common among expats everywhere—is prompt.

Some key things to know about health care abroad:

1) You can’t use Medicare. That can be a deal breaker for some. Expat organizations are lobbying for the use of Medicare in Mexico, though it’s not expected to happen anytime soon. A good percentage of expats in Mexico make regular “Medicare runs” back to the States, so bear that in mind when you choose a locale. (And keep up those Part B payments, folks!)

2) You can join most national health care systems. They’re subsidized and sophisticated in Europe, basic in Latin America. And while you can’t always find a U.S. insurance policy that covers you abroad, you can get reasonably priced international insurance that will cover you for serious problems. (BUPA, a European-based insurance company, is the most common.)

3) Many doctors speak English. They are generally available at private hospitals, and many of them have trained in the United States.

4) The hospitals are good. In Europe, they range from good to superb. In Latin America, as medical tourism increases and more retirees migrate from North America, hospital care is slowly improving. Costa Rica is a major destination for medical tourism, for example, and its hospitals are good. You can check with Joint Commission International, the hospital accreditation agency (www.jointcommissioninternational.org/) for hospitals abroad that meet high standards. (Mexico currently has eight.)

What will I owe in taxes?

Expats receive a $91,400 exemption from the IRS for all income earned while living abroad. Interest from your savings, dividends, pensions, or annuities are not exempt—it must be earned income.

Here’s the bad news: The United States is one of the few countries that taxes its citizens anywhere they live on their worldwide income. Fortunately, the U.S. government has agreements with many countries that prevent expats from paying income tax both to their adopted home and to the IRS. Yes, the only sure things for Americans are death and taxes.

What about foreign taxes?

Taxation abroad can be complex and subject to change. In general, property taxes are very low in Latin America, but capital gains taxes can be hefty. Property taxes in Europe are similar to those in the U.S.

Many Americans are unfamiliar with the VAT, or value-added tax. In Europe a 15 to 21 percent VAT is tacked on to nearly everything you buy, with the exception of such staples as food. Some Latin American countries have similar sales taxes, but they’re often ignored.

As for taxes on income and capital gains, consult a local tax attorney. Let’s say that again: Consult a local tax attorney. Don’t use the Internet—hucksters selling their services are common. Visit the country, talk to expats, and ask for a professional with experience in taxes. In France, for example, you enter a labyrinth of taxation, with higher taxes than Uncle Sam’s. Do your homework.

Do retirees get special senior benefits?

U.S. foreign residents of a certain age—it varies, but can be as low as 45—typically receive the same benefits as local seniors. In Europe, standard senior benefits are similar to those in the United States. (Europeans retire considerably earlier than Americans, though that is changing.) In Latin America, special benefits for foreign retirees—tax breaks and lower import duties on personal belongings, for example—can be generous, with Panama a prime example.

How do I collect my Social Security payments?

Many expats have their Social Security and pension checks deposited into their U.S. bank account and withdraw money at local ATMs (at the most favorable exchange rates) as needed. New federal regulations—part of an effort to track down drug and terrorist transactions—have made it difficult for U.S. expats to open an account abroad, and in some cases to keep their accounts open in the States. The inconvenience has led some expats to renounce their American citizenship, a drastic move.

What residency requirements should I expect?

Generally, the main requirement is proof of income. The government wants assurances that you won’t become a ward of the state, or take away a local job. Your income requirement varies from $600 a month per couple in low-cost countries to as much as $2,000 a month and more elsewhere in Latin America and Europe. You also have to prove you’re healthy and have no criminal record. Each country has its own hoops you’ll jump through to become a legal resident, so study the official government sites and take your leads from local expats. Many hire a local “facilitator” to walk them through the process.

Can I own land abroad?

The short answer is yes, though you’ll need a good lawyer to help cut through the red tape. One major exception is Mexico: Within 50 kilometers of a coast or 100 miles from a border, foreigners may not own land outright. Instead, coastal expats rely on bank trusts; the bank holds the title in trust for you. You have all the rights of a property owner, and can buy and sell the trusts. In other Latin American countries, some land is restricted (you can’t own an island in Panama, for example) and some property may have murky documentation. In Europe, ownership has its own red tape, but buying a house is comparatively straightforward. Building a house, however, is severely restricted in some European locales, such as Italy. Let’s say it once more: Consult a local attorney.

Are the crime rates high?

Europe has a lower crime rate than the United States does, but in much of Latin America, burglary and robberies are a problem for expats and prosperous locals. Violent crimes are rare in major tourist and expat locations, and though you may see gruesome shootouts between drug gangs on the news, the drug wars are largely limited to rougher urban neighborhoods and highly dangerous border cities. If you take the same commonsense precautions you would take in any American city, you can live a safe, low-stress life.

Will I have to learn a new language?

English is the world’s second language, so in the countries we’ve spotlighted in print and online, most people will understand you. But the farther you get from cities and expat enclaves, the more difficult it becomes if you only speak English. If you live in a gated community of Americans, you can probably get by without ever using the local language. But where’s the fun in that? Knowing at least the basics of a local language will enrich your life abroad immeasurably.

Can I get domestic and garden help?

In Latin America, yes. Service in these low-cost countries remains very reasonable: $15 per day for a maid or gardener is common. Domestic service in Europe is rare for the average expat.

Can I see American television and movies?

Europe gets American movies after the United States does, many dubbed. Latin America also gets U.S. movies after they open here, but illegal bootleg videos are frequently sold on the streets. As for TV, the U.S. networks are generally not available abroad, though specialty cable channels via satellite are everywhere. Figuring out how your satellite dish can pick up U.S. signals is a major expat sport.

Can I buy my favorite American foods?

Yes, many are available, but at a considerable markup. Best advice is to stick to local products and food. If you don’t like the local food, what on earth are you doing there?