LDS members in Csota Rica

We are a large family of eight and we are thinking of moving to Costa Rica. We want to move to safe place that is close to nature and a good fit for small children and people that like the outdoors and nature.

We would appreciate any advice from families with children, or individuals that have moved there from the US.

We are also interested in knowing how the cost-of-living compares to the US.

Mike, did you ever end up moving to Costa Rica? Do you have any advice to give an LDS family thinking to move there?

Raising a family is not cheap here. Good education is not inexpensive and home schooling is not considered 'legal'.

Suggest you read the Residency requirements and see if they are a fit for you.

Visit first before making a major decision.

COL is some areas are more expensive than in North America.

Thanks for the heads up! We will consider carefully before making major decisions.

We are self-employed and can live pretty much anywhere we can have access to good internet. We would not mind living out in a smaller more inexpensive community as long as it is safe. We do not want to compromise our own safety or the safety of our children. Is there a risk of someone getting kidnaped or something like that? How safe would it be for american looking kids to go to a regular school for example, or to be walking around as an American family?

If you live there, we would appreciate any information or personal experiences you could share. Thank you!

Access to acceptable Internet must be checked out carefully, as it varies greatly, across the country...and during the rainy season, electronics may have to be switched off due to electrical storms.
Your children won't likely be accepted into a public school until they are legal residents, or at least showing that you have applied for residency, and then the final decision is up the the individual school. Placing students that have no Spanish language skills could be too difficult for the teachers as in the rural areas, most do not speak English nor can they take time to translate . 
You must provide proof that all  vaccinations are 'up to date' and many schools especially in the rural areas are considerably 'lacking' in many aspects. Unless they are in a private, accredited facility, their education won't be accredited if they return to the US for further education.

Kidnapping is not common, although a Canadian man was held for a month early this year and an American man is presently listed as 'missing'. Break ins and burglaries are common, as is petty theft. Location could be a factor...
Finding decent accommodation for 8, could be a problem, requiring multiple bathrooms, hot water and proper laundry facilities and could be expensive, even in the rural communities.
You will probably require multiple vehicles and they are expensive here.

If a dependent is over 18, they would not be covered under you residency application, unless in university in Costa Rica so they would have to apply as a Rentista, requiring a large financial deposit, (2 deposits of $60K,2 years  apart). Applications for the whole family could  cost you $25K+/-... and it usually takes a year or more.
Healthcare rates for the socialized medical system here, CAJA, for a non-pensionado, who is under 55 could be $450 a month. A young person over 18 would not be included your healthcare account, in unless in university in Costa Rica. Most expats choose to use private medical facilities, due to outdated facilities or long wait times for treatment, so either purchase additional insurance or 'pay as they go'.


Access to other LDS families may be difficult to find.

It is said that between 50-60% of expats, return to 'home' after 2 years.

Lots of think about...