We are wanting to rent when we come to live in CR. We don't want to live in the crowded city, maybe about 1 hr away. We are looking for a general location in the central valley or in the mountain area. When I look on the internet at properties, there are so many names that are not on the maps. Could someone help with names, general directions etc. Nothing in the super high $ range, just comfortable.
Thanks for you time.

Belinda

I live in Atenas, which is just less than an hour from San Jose and 1/2 hour from the airport (WSW direction). It is very popular with North Americans. I believe the population is around 23,000. Grecia, Sarchi, Palmares and San Ramon are also very popular. They are all on the map. Palmares and San Ramon are a bit farther away to the north, but they probably offer more in the way of services and shopping so there's less need to go to San Jose or Alajuela. Do a search on the Internet for each of these for basic info.

Don't look for property until you look for an area (and climate) you'd like. Atenas is nice, but is hotter than for example Grecia, Alajuela, Cartago... If you like warm, also look at Google Earth for the lower elevations. If you like rural, warm, and open... try up toward Cuidada Quesada or Guanacaste. If you like cooler and remote, try the west edge of Arenal. There are plenty who will offer advice on the beach areas.

The point is, don't shop for your new home based upon Internet descriptions. You'll find pictures and prices but not whether the people, services, and climate will suit you..... Go visit the areas and narrow your choices.

Lastly, as virtually every experienced person on this board will attest, plan to rent for awhile. It is cheap and a great way to discover the area before you commit to the property and construction. Consider it a long-term vacation and exploration. Odds are if you decide you like the area you'll find property or existing construction that suits you.
CD

A good website for information on elevation, lat/long, and population estimates (w/in a stated number of kilometers of center, which can be misleading) is http://www.fallingrain.com/world/CS/index.html
You do have to know the province and city/town name to start, and there are many duplicated names, but you can still get useful information.
Julie