Response from Nadine Hays Pisani

As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I was first inspired to expatriate by Nadine Hays Pisani's book, Happier than a Billionaire. 

Several months ago, I contacted Nadine directly about her experience, and she quickly and graciously replied! 

My Question: Can you offer any suggestions to make the move easier?  I'd like a nice place near the beach. It doesn't have to be big-- two bedrooms  is  fine; I prefer outdoor living. Thanks in advance for your help.

Nadine's Answer: Finding a place to live is easy. Once you are here, then you can look for a cheaper place. The deals are out there, but you have to be here on the ground to find them.  A lot of the families live in a place called Reserva Conchal which is this really nice private community/resort. It is pricey but it seems that's where are the families like to congregate. 
Plus it is super safe for the kids and they have access to lots of pools and amenities. It is also situated right on the beach.


Where I am living now, outside Tamarindo area, has a few private schools for kids. Here are some useful links: 

http://www.cdsgte.com/
http://www.lapazschool.org/
http://www.goldcoastlearningcenter.com/

This is a good place to start if you are concerned about where you kids will go to school. These kids get into some great universities in the states and end up knowing quite a few languages.
But where I live is about 10-20% more expensive than where I lived in Grecia so it is a trade off. But if you want to live near the beach, it gets more expensive.

Hope this helps, so much to think about but it's been so great for me so far. Can't even imagine where I would be if I didn't take the chance and move to Costa Rica. Probably still trying to fix that darn fax machine.

Now....a sunset in Tamarindo....can you feel the Pura Vida yet?
---
Nadine Hays Pisani

And she sent a photo of a gorgeous Costa Rican sunset! Thanks Nadine!