Welcome to Osa Mountain Village
A Sustainable Resort Community
Live a
Life of Abundance
for Less than
You Ever Imagined!
Southern Pacific, Costa Rica
Where Paradise Gets Its Name
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1.) Are the core partners good people (References are always good)?
Osa Mountain Village is a transparent company. All of our neighbors are willing and happy to talk to new potential neighbors about their experience in their dealings with the core team at OMV.
2.) What is an intentional community?
Our intentional community is not just about making money...we have considered the jungle, the animals, food production, raising kids...we have put a lot of thought and planning into OMV because it is much more than a business to us. It is our home, where many of us will raise our children. We continue to grow and get better as new people join us and share their ideas. Osa Mountain Village will continue to evolve to be a model for the world to copy. It is a very thoughtful design.
3.) Will OMV be safe from roving bands of guerrillas with gold teeth?
Regarding security...OMV will be one of the safest communities around because of the limited access and topography. We are on a finger ridge 4 miles from the main highway with no random foot traffic. The closest house to OMV, Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4, that is not on our property is about 2 miles away.
4.) How remote (accessible) is OMV?
When you are within the OMV property, you feel like you are in paradise, completely secluded from the rest of the world. Yet, you are only 15 minutes away from two towns, banks, restaurants...etc.
5.) Should I worry about possible natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes or my ex-wife finding me?
We can post a lookout for the ex! We do have small earthquake tremors and we just had the biggest rain in 55 years. With that said, OMV suffered not a scratch!
6.) What aspects of permaculture does OMV expect to implement and how soon?
We actually started the process 2 years ago planting over 2,400 fruit trees and constructing swales for irrigation. We are also incorporating aquaponics, organic greenhouses, tilapia ponds, free range chicken, etc. We will have a wide variety of food produced on site.
7.) When do you expect to have OMV operating on its own hydroelectric power?
One of our recent buyers is a master electrician and says we are able to completely operate off grid. He hopes to move here full time next year and can start the process at that time. We will get the hydroelectric plant started for Phase 1 before he moves down.
8.) How does OMV handle sewage?
We have community bio-digestors...in some cases they produce methane gas that will be utilized throughout our on-site operations.
9.) From where does OMV get its water?
We have a natural spring that produces enough water for 720 homes...we only need enough for about 150 homes.
10.) How much annual rainfall at OMV?
We've heard different numbers but one that sticks out is 16 ft. per year. This is not like a drizzly Portland rain. Here, in the rainy season, it is usually sunny all morning and then it rains HARD for a couple hours and clears up again. It's amazing!
11.) What are the average weather conditions?
Because we are at 2,000 ft elevation, the climate is perfect. Mid 80's during the day and 60's at night, usually with a 5 to 10 mph breeze.
12.) What are the daylight hours in CR (12 hours of sunlight every day)?
It starts getting light a little before 5:00 am, is bright by 6:00 am and gets dark around 6:00 pm.
13.) Will I need a 4WD vehicle to live there?
Yes, it is a good idea to have 4wd in Costa Rica.
14.) Will my phone work in CR?
Most phones do work here, but it is much cheaper to buy into the local system. Nice 3G phones run about $150 and $35 per month.
15.) Can I expect USA construction standards in my home?
Absolutely! Our builder, Gary Morris, has over 30 years of experience...about 25 in California and the rest here.
16.) Will my appliances be normal sized or built for Lilliputians?
That is up to the buyer. Everything you need can be purchased here, although if you are making a lifetime move, it may save some money to have a big container shipped here like many of our buyers are doing.
17.) How close will I be to my neighbors?
This depends on the location and model you choose. Some locations are very private, while others have homes on all sides. Some of our villas have shared, double-insulated walls for soundproofing.
18.) What are my building/buying options, and how much will it cost?
We have a wide variety of options including custom homes built to the buyers' specs. Our 800+ sf, one bdrm villa is $139,000. . .2 bdrm loft, $189,000. . .2 bdrm stand alone, $229,000 and 3 bdrm, $279,000. You can also purchase a fractional ownership program for only $22,000 and later use this as a dollar-for-dollar credit on a villa or homesite! This is the best value in real estate because not only do you get a beautiful villa with granite counters, but you also share the community amenities and food.
19.) Is financing available?
Some home site buyers are getting financing for their home construction, but we do not offer developer financing.
20.) How much can I expect to pay for home insurance?
Most people don't have house insurance, but I've heard those who do pay around $500 per year.
21.) How much can I expect to pay in property taxes?
For everyone $100,000 of assessed value you will pay $250 per year. Taxes here are very low!
22.) What kinds of creepy house and yard pests should I be aware of?
We have very few mosquitos because we are in the mountains where all the water is always in movement. We don't have swamps or standing water. We live surrounded by jungle so there are some amazing species of bugs, but not so much the biting kind. Most locals who live in the area don't even have screens and it is no problem. We do have fire ants. . .we have all experienced their bite a few times. It's good to look where you are standing, which at times is hard when surrounded by so much beauty.
23.) Will my pets be safe?
Yes, we've had many dogs visiting the property and none have ever been hurt by the natural wildlife. We will make sure that goes both ways. We don't want dogs or cats hurting or chasing the wildlife.
24.) How far away is a veterinarian?
Many of the local folks are farmers...I am guessing that vets are abundant in this area.
25.) How far away is a doctor?
A new 88,000 sf hospital was recently opened only a few miles from the entrance of OMV.
26.) How far away are the police and fire departments?
I have never heard of a fire around here, so I don't know. The police are in Palmar Norte and Cortez which are about 15 minutes.
27.) How far away is the nearest liquor store?
We will have a store that will allow you to purchase alcohol on site.
28.) What about schools for my kids? (FYI: I’ve never seen Little House on the Prairie.)
We will have a school on site. We have many educators in our community. In addition, we will hire a local certified teacher...our students will be way ahead of the norm.
29.) How fast will my internet connection be?
One of our residents, Jian G is a technical wiz and will be setting us up with the best internet system that I am aware of in the country.
30.) Is satellite TV and internet service reliable?
Yes, we have Sky TV with many more channels then you will need.
31.) How many people do you expect to have living at OMV full time?
To our surprise and joy, we've found that most of our buyers want to live at OMV full time. I expect the number to be around 100 families.
32.) How difficult is it for a US citizen to obtain residency in Costa Rica and how much will it cost?
It depends on the size of your family. The actually cost of getting residency is about $1,500 to $2,100.
33.) How much does it cost to move from the US to CR?
Estimates to move a 1 bedroom house from California to Costa Rica are between $2,000 to $6,000. There are many variables.
34.) Can you refer me to someone who can help me emigrate?
Yes, for a while, we have been working with Kevin McNamee at www.greatsunriseenterprisescostarica.com.
35.) Will I be bored at OMV?
Only boring people will be bored at OMV. With our community events, bars, restaurants, pools, jungle trails, horse back tours...etc., there will be plenty of things to do. You will be tired at the end of the day!
36.) How far away is a nice beach town where I can find shops, food and a swimming beach?
The most beautiful beaches in the area are about 25 minutes from OMV.
37.) If I wanted to spend the day shopping for goods and food, then grab dinner and go to a movie, how far would I have to drive?
We will have movie shown at OMV at least once a week...the closest movie theatre is about a 90-minute drive.
38.) How far do I have to drive to get a fine cigar?
Cuban and Nicaraguan Cigars are available everywhere in Costa Rica.
39.) How do I set up my own business at OMV?
Depending on the business... it is a pretty easy process. We will help. Initially, please contact Duane Overturf at duane@osamountainadventures.com.
40.) How much would I pay OMV to operate my own business on site?
It depends whether or not you use our land. If you do, you can either pay a fixed amount like the canopy tour does or you can pay a percentage of the profits. It benefits everyone in our network that your business succeeds. We will assist in marketing and driving incredible amounts of clients your way!
41.) When the temperature drops to the 60's at night, I usually just turn my heat on. How can the house stay warm without a heating system?
I don't know anyone in the entire country living below 4,000 feet who has a heater...the weather is perfect here, especially where we are at (2,000 ft. elevation).
42.) Are the walls, ceilings and floors insulated? What type of insulation, and what is the R factor? What kind of foundation is under the house?
The insulation we've installed is more addressing the heat in the middle of the day, and is also used for soundproofing.
43.) What are the walls made out of?
We are using natural rock 90 cms. up on the outside wall. After that, stucco is used.
44.) What kind of roof is used?
The roof is metal...lasts a long time with no maintenance at all!
45.) Do you utilize 2 X 4 construction?
We have a steel base with steel and wood framing.
46.) Is the community "off the grid" or will the local power company be providing electricity? How much power goes to each house?
We have normal 110/220 power. One of our buyers (Jerry Wald from the Yukon) is a master electrician and will be helping us get off grid completely using hydro power.
47.) Please explain to us the situation with the drinking water. I read that it comes from a river, but my aunt thinks she saw where it is recycled waste water. Which is it?
Actually, we have a natural spring on the property that produces enough water for 720 homes. We only need a fraction of that for our community. More than enough healthy, natural spring water for all of us!
48.) What does the association fee include ($150/month)?
In Phase 1, this includes exterior maintenance, common-area maintenance, water, food production, security and taxes. You get to eat what we produce on site for free!
49.) How is the land and house legally owned? How much are the taxes?
If you purchase a home site, it is legally owner in your name just like in the USA. The taxes are .25% of the assessed value per year. This is only $250.00 per year per $100,000 of assessed value...Very Low! if you purchase a villa in Phase 1, you become an owner in the company that owns all of Phase 1's property and assets. Taxes are paid by the company.
50.) Is Osa Mountain Village owned by a land trust?
Is it tax exempt or will the home and property owners be paying taxes on it? The home and property owners will not be paying taxes on the land. The total tax burden is only about $5,000 per year, which will be taken out of the rental profits and association dues.
51.) Is there a septic tank for each house, or a community sewage and wastewater system?
We will be using community biodigestors which in some cases create methane gas for supplying our community kitchen with power.
52.) What kind of shoes should I wear when visiting the Osa Mountain Village?
Anything but sandals! Tennis shoes, hiking boots. . .something durable and comfortable.
53.) I will be renting a vehicle while visiting Costa Rica. What type of car do you recommend I rent?
You will need a 4-wheel-drive to get from the main highway to Osa Mountain Village.
54.) Do the car rental companies also provide cell phones for rent as well?
Some do, some don't. Check with the provider to see if they have any available for you.
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54 Questions and Answers which we trust
you will find most interesting. . .
(A special thanks to Mitch and Charlene Geller for their
assistance in creating many of the questions below)
