Atenas: one of the best places to retire abroad

Atenas was most recently highlighted in AARP magazine as one of the best places to retire abroad.

Of course, we chose Atenas and Costa Rica to live in for the various reasons stated in this article too, the ideal climate, the beautiful places to hike, run and walk, and its central location. Atenas has a thriving retirement and active community making it a wonderful place to live. 

If someone wants to be involved in various groups, there is a gardening club, women’s groups, book club, yoga, animal rescue groups just to name a few.  Yes, not only are there retirees living here but an increasing number of younger foreigners choosing to make Atenas their home.

Its highway accessibility to Escazu and San Jose makes it attractive too.  You can go shopping, dining, attend cultural events in 30 minutes or less.  Private hospitals are also about this distance . It’s an hour to the Central Pacific Beaches which is an easy day trip.  All-in-All, you can have the best of both worlds, close to the city or beach while living in a spectacular smaller town setting without the congestion or problems associated with city living.

Due to the desirability and popularity of Atenas, home and land prices have increased.  The one comment I would make about the AARP article which I found incorrect was the pricing.  There are no North American standard homes in the $100,000 price range in Atenas. 

In gated communities, a few at $250,000 with the majority at a higher rate.  Since financing is difficult and expensive to obtain, most home, land purchases were and are made with cash.  This is one of the reasons, we did not experience the dramatic real estate down-turn as in the U.S.  The more expensive homes, over $350,000 do spend more time on the market. 

In general, Atenas real estate has continued to move. There are no excessive mortgages. Some owners will finance but most will expect at least 50% down with a maximum of 10 year terms. These factors have contributed to our continued real estate success.

We who have chosen to relocate to Atenas were thrilled to read this AARP article reconfirming our choice.  Atenas and Costa Rica is an excellent location to retire, have a 2nd home, or to raise your family.  

Feel free to read the full article.

Isabelle Jones is our Atenas real estate specialist and she lives there with her husband Howard and son Taylor since 2003. Isabelle and Howard expect to go the extra mile for all of those who plan to make Atenas and adjoining areas their new home. If you plan to relocate or retire to Costa Rica, you should definitely contact her now.