My family and I relocated to Atenas in 2003 and have enjoyed the benefits of living in Atenas tremendously. We moved from Colorado, USA. We were not yet ready to retire and have been very happy since.
Many of our clients, when searching for the right place to live, ask me “why Atenas and not anywhere else?” My answer is that we fell in love with Atenas, that’s why. Let me tell you a bit about it. So you understand why I feel that way about the benefits of living in Atenas.
Atenas is not a city but it is still a small Costa Rican town that hundreds of ex-pats from the U.S., Canada, and Europe have chosen to call “home”. This is what makes living in Atenas so attractive. Climate, natural beauty, and location are just a few of those reasons. Daily, you see both Costa Ricans and foreigners walking, jogging, and biking throughout Atenas.
Food
There are some really good restaurants in Atenas. I’d like to make special mention of Balcon de Cafe, check out their menu. You can also eat great pizza in Atenas, seafood and other great food.
Farmer’s Market
Everyone waves and smiles at each other making this a truly wonderful place to relocate to. There is the weekly Farmer’s Market where you can find almost everything
- organic coffee
- freshly baked bread
- pies
- countless varieties of fruits
- vegetables
- cheeses
- flowers
Learn how you can cook those local products and try something new, which would be one of the most important benefits of living in Atenas.
Best weather in the world
Another one of the benefits of living in Atenas is the weather. Atenas is well known for having “the best weather in the world”, though some ask where that came from.
NASA seems to have once said this. But the fact is that we have year-round temperatures between 75º and 90ºF with nice and dry winds that keep us cool. Most homes in Atenas have only ceiling fans. I know only a handful of people who have A/C in their bedroom or office and never use it. Atenas also is one of those special locations in Costa Rica that has very little rainfall, so we’re high and dry most of the time. When it rains, the temperature doesn’t change. Everybody loves the weather in Atenas and it is probably the main reason for most ex-pats for living in Atenas.
Small town atmosphere
The small-town atmosphere is another one of the benefits of living in Atenas. Atenas is known for its rural appeal and friendly small-town atmosphere. Yet, if you’re interested there is plenty to do. Such as a bridge club, book club, women’s clubs, bible study, yoga classes, Zumba classes, Spanish classes and so much more.
There are also abundant volunteer opportunities with the local orphanage or teaching English to the locals. You can stay as active and involved as your heart desires. Since I have been living in Atenas, I have not been bored for one day, I think that is a huge benefit.
Location, location, location
The location is probably one of the most important benefits of living in Atenas. The new highway has made Escazu, Santa Ana and San Jose just a 30 minute drive away. This is where there are shopping malls, theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, golf courses, museums if you’re looking for more excitement, nightlife, and culture. Being so close to the city is a huge benefit.
In the other direction, the beautiful Central Pacific Beaches such as Hermosa Beach, Herradura Beach, Punta Leona (with Playa Blanca and Playa Manta), and Jaco Beach. They are all within an hour’s drive if you want to take off for a day at the beach or for a weekend. Even if you’re not so crazy about going to the beach often, this is a huge benefit.
Value
Last but not least is another one of the benefits of living in Atenas: value. Real estate in Atenas offers great value if you plan to buy a home in Costa Rica, the biggest benefit of all. Opposed to other cities and towns like Escazu and Santa Ana, most homes that are built-in Atenas are one-story ranch homes, many with incredible views.
If you are looking at living in Atenas when you retire in Costa Rica, you should definitely have a good look at Atenas as your new home, feel free to contact Marian at your convenience.
The Author
By Isabelle Jones, who was our Atenas real estate agent from 2008 until she retired in 2015. Since Isa’s retirement, Marian Veltman has taken over.
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