Costa Rica Real Estate And Living

GOLFITO - This is the most important town in the far southern region of Costa Rica. It is named for a small gulf that emerges into the larger Dulce Gulf, west of Panama. Golfito has an attractive setting; lush, forested hills surround the deep bay and the outline of the Osa Peninsula can be seen in the distance. The town is stretched along one main road squeezed between the gulf and surrounding thickly forested mountains.

Golfito was the commercial center of a major banana-growing region from 1938 to 1985. The United Fruit Company had its headquarters in Golfito for many years, but closed for various reasons in 1985. In response to the closing of the company complex, the Costa Rican government established the town as a duty-free port in 1990 in hopes of boosting the economy. While items are still taxed, visitors should note that taxes here are less than anywhere in the country. On just about any day of the week you will see locals from Jaco, Quepos, and the Los Suenos area or the Central Valley shopping for bargains. You can buy all major appliances, home electronics, coffee makers, toasters and such at significantly reduced prices. A couple of vendors sell clothing, and chineese 'persian' type throw rugs.

To buy at the reduced prices you must arrive the day before, buy your 'ticket' (get permission to buy at the 'impuestos libre' price) and stay in the area for 24 hours. If you find this inconvenient you can always negotiate with one of the many locals to buy thier 'ticket'. Negotiate hard and you should be able to buy a ready to go 'ticket' for less than the cost of a hotel room for the night. You also won't be limited to the government mandated maximum per person as you will be able to buy from two or three people their maximum and combine them. It can be lots of fun. The large, duty-free shopping complex is found in northern Golfito.

SPORTFISHING

There are a few fishing and boating marinas in Golfito, and foreign yachts and cruise ships can often be seen moored in the well-protected port. Several tour operators offer excursions to nearby national parks, and boating, sea kayaking, diving and sportfishing are popular activities in the area.

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

The Golfito area is not quite as popular as some other areas in Costa Rica and bargains abound here. If you have a local that you really trust (this can be very hard to find) it is best to have him/her inquire as the 'gringo' price can be much higher. Ocean view lots or farms are available here pretty cheaply. Ocean front property is still almost as expensive here as most other parts. The advantage of living this close is you can buy most of your household goods at the discounted prices and resell your daily rights to buy more to English only speakers looking to shop in the local tax free marketplace. There are realtors in the area that can help you locate properties you may be interested in. Remember that almost all properties are in Costa Rica unlisted and the realtors simply take a prospective buyer to see a particular peice of land or home and hope they choose to purchase through them. As the system is basically unregulated realtors can charge whatever price they want for land and keep the difference as a commission. So it's a 'buyer beware' system at best.