returning after 25 years in Asia

[kalakoa]

A proper "bedroom community" includes local shopping for daily needs (groceries, gas).

I'm not sure what Puna is, exactly.

[terrandshar]

I remember how we DREADED the advancing coqui's. Now, I think most folks would agree that they are wonderful, and I love hearing them as I fall asleep at night. We're in the acres....

[csgray]

Is there decent internet in Mountain View? I mean the actual village, not the outlying areas.

Carol

[punathai]

Wow Mimosa, you're not painting a pretty picture of Puna and are popping my bubble. Another consideration is schooling for my 2 Thai teenagers 16 and 15 and I have heard that Puna is lacking in that dept as well, altho many Asian immigrant kids.
I had targeted Puna originally based on a few of my old friends there, I know the lay of the land and [a little] rain doesn't bother me, plus the cost of land there is much more affordable and we will be on a budget especially with relocation costs.

For anyone interested, I would be willing to exchange my unique property in the rice fields just outside Chiang Mai, Thailand for a house of equal value almost anywhere on the Big Isle.
The property consists of 3 houses, swimming pool and is completely private and fenced in and located in one of the quietest areas of Thailand. Here, you get roughly 5 times the value for your $ in housing, food, medical etc. If anyone would be interested, I've set up a website dedicated to the sale of it with lots of details and my contact number here. I do plan on a scouting trip back to the Big Isle in a couple of months and will be viewing properties while there. www.chiangmaiproperty.net
Check it out
BTW, Chiang Mai has been on the top 10 'best places to retire' in several publications. Hate to leave it, but I need to return for medical reasons and I would like to get my family US passports.

[csgray]

I teach at Connections Public Charter School in downtown Hilo and we have had quite a few kids come to us from Thailand over the years and do very well. Several were teenagers who had limited English when they came, but learned to speak very quickly, academic written English took a little longer. Last I knew all were in college now.

Carol

[shave_ice]

Have you considered Kau? Sure, it's more remote, but it's relatively close to Kailua. There are some nice houses in that area that are similar in cost to Puna area. The climate/geography is totally different, but it might fit some of your other criteria. You should check out bigislandlandcompany.com to get a feel of the real estate.

[Punaperson]

terrandshar: "I remember how we DREADED the advancing coqui's. Now, I think most folks would agree that they are wonderful, and I love hearing them as I fall asleep at night."

You are the very first person I've heard express that. Most people I know, ( granted they are old timers ), still see them as the invasive they are, that ruined quiet nights, and economically devastated many, many plant nurseries in Puna. Operating a plant nursery used to be an very viable way to make a living on a few acres. Start small, expand to sales to Kona and Kohala, maybe the other islands, and you could make a decent living. Now exporting plants, even to the other side of this island, is not feasible without expensive treatments to kill coqui eggs. There used to be a waiting list to sell at the Big Island Association of Nurseymen's plant sales. Now they can't even fill the space. If coqui are so 'wonderful', why does no one else want them ?

[BI-Curious]

Punathai, your Thai property is beautiful! That's a nice presentation you put together on the for sale site. I especially like the music!

[Midnight Rambler]

In all honesty, in looking at the list of things you're looking for - decent health care, decent schools, non-urban, no coqui, good internet, and not in the rain belt - I'm not sure there's anywhere in the state that fits all of those. Your best bet might be Waimea/Ahualoa, but if Hawi is too expensive...

[Mimosa]

Heard there was a earth quake up near Chaing mai and felt as far south as BKK.

I have friends in Tak .

Also in Pai .

Wiamea or Honaka'a might be better for you.
Puna is lacking in so many ways,each person MUST go Hilo for everything they need on your list of considerations.

CoKee's are annoying to say the least,but the chickens n ducks love them .

I love it when temp drops below 64 as they all become to cold to scream no peep no peep at 90 decibels each .