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We found a new place to live – expats will love it. Property is much cheaper than many other locations in the Central Valley.
Santiago de Puriscal (most Ticos call it Puriscal – but the locals call it Puris) is a small town of about 13,000 people, and businesses fulfill almost every need close to home. The moderate temperatures, fabulous views, and local amenities make this area a popular retirement and vacation destination. Mountain elevations of 3,600 ft put it above the mosquito zone, making outdoor living a true blessing. Temperatures range from a comfortable 75°-85° during the day and 60°-70° at night, ensuring relaxing, entertaining outdoors and restful, sound sleeping pleasure. These temperatures change only a few degrees, up or down, throughout the entire year.
Puriscal is located between the Pacific beaches to the west and San Jose to the northeast. Are you heading for sand and surfing or stores and shopping? Either option is available, not too far away.
Fresh air and nature
The mountain elevations ensure extraordinary views, be it sunrise, sunset, or anything during your day. Enjoy wildlife, valleys, greenery, and revitalizing fresh air with light breezes that relax and calm. Nature surrounds you with fruit trees, beautiful flowering shrubs, and trees lining the streets and properties. Sitting on your porch, you can enjoy toucans, parakeets, and other birds and listen to their chirping music—a bird watcher’s paradise.
All your needs
Your needs are fulfilled with an abundance of choice in Puriscal. Dentists, physicians, pharmacies, gyms, physiotherapists, beauty salons, hardware stores, fabric stores, restaurants, craft stores, etc. There are churches, a superb central park where celebrations occur throughout the year, great grocery stores, and a weekly farmers market for fresh produce. Many bakeries have fresh baked goods and special treats (and a great excuse to stop for a Costa Rican coffee break). Lunch with friends or a dinner out is not a problem as Puriscal has a wonderful selection of restaurants for your enjoyment.
Around the town are numerous smaller living communities that offer a variety of home styles and property choices. Each smaller community, all within a short drive to Puriscal, has selections of sodas (mom-and-pop restaurants), each with its homespun local cuisine and relaxing atmosphere. You will always find a wave returned and a smile rewarded in kind. The people are so friendly.
Food
The weekly Feria (farmers market) runs from mid-to-late afternoon on Friday and again early Saturday morning until noon. A covered market ensures shopping no matter the weather. The selection is fabulous. It’s an adventure every week. Fresh seafood and ceviche, world-famous chicharrones, fruit from the common to the mysterious, fresh eggs, and fresh produce are abundant. Of course, you will invariably meet up with neighbors and friends for a chat or a relaxing sit-down to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee. Venders also have tables offering local baking and crafts as well. The feria has ample free parking with assistants to help you park or assist with your purchases.
The new place to live is becoming increasingly popular with retirees who want to enjoy the best of both worlds. With shopping and amenities close by and the freedom of privacy and nature at home.
Other expats
Many social groups have regular get-togethers for lunches, book clubs, hiking, yoga, and dinners. The Puriscal Neighbors Facebook page lets you share your experiences, ask questions, and post gathering invitations. Puriscal has it all and welcomes all with open arms.
These are some of the neighborhoods where you’ll find other expats:
Puriscal, this new place to live, is so easy to call home. I already do! Feel free to check out my listings now.
