Choose Atenas when you want to live away from the rat race

By Isabelle Jones for the Easy Times

You have spent countless hours searching the internet trying to find that ideal location for retirement, second home and/or investment.  You’ve narrowed your list and have decided Costa Rica is the country for you based upon its democracy, lack of military, lower taxes and a whole variety of reasons. It is now time to choose a specific town in Costa Rica that would suit your lifestyle.  Why select Atenas as your new setting?

Many ex-patriots have chosen to settle in Atenas, whether they’re retirees, young couples just starting out, or families with children.  My family and I are a good example.  We moved here over 7 years ago.  We chose Atenas for its natural beauty, central location, friendly Ticos, ideal climate and international community.  We also liked the fact that Atenas is a genuine Costa Rican town – it doesn’t seem like a suburb of the U.S. or the latest tourist hot spot.

Since the new Caldera Highway has opened, although it still feels like a charming small town, Atenas is only 25 minutes from the malls, theaters, hospitals, restaurants of Escazu and San Jose and 45 minutes from the Central Pacific Beaches of Punta Leona, Herradura and Jaco.  This has made a special place even more desirable cutting commute times in half!

As well as houses within the town itself, there are several beautifully designed developments in the nearby countryside with Costa Ricans, Europeans, Canadians and Americans providing an international flavor in a quaint atmosphere.  Nature lovers, bird watchers, walkers, joggers and bicyclists enjoy our clean air and laid-back lifestyle.   There are two gyms, a dance studio offering salsa dancing, pilates and yoga instruction just to name a few of the healthy activities established.  As a newcomer, you can find as much or as little as you want to do.  Foreigners are welcomed by all.  

We’ve had Hi-Speed wireless internet service in Atenas for the past couple of years.  It too has increased the ease of living and working here.  Due to this fact, we have seen younger couples and families relocating.  If you have an internet based position and can work anywhere, this is the place for you!  The International Airport is less than 30 minutes away making this a perfect spot for people who need quick access to the rest of the world – but who want to live away from the rat race.

Many buyers use their houses as vacation rental homes.  It is a booming market with some properties charging as much as $1,200 per week.  These are absentee owners who are still working but receive rental income and are able to vacation here until they’re ready to retire. An excellent investment choice!  Others rent their residences long-term until they’re financially ready to make the final move.  Either way, there are outstanding property managers who will oversee your investment.  They ensure it is maintained and cared for in your absence so your piece of paradise is waiting for you!

For a fairly rural municipality, you can find all of your necessities in Atenas.  There are 4 supermarkets, an organic store and a weekly feria or farmer’s market.  There are 3 bi-lingual private schools, an English-speaking doctor and ambulance service, an English-speaking veterinarian, parks, churches and restaurants.  Many of the local Costa Ricans speak English but even if they don’t, they will go out of their way to assist you in any way possible if you do your part of the trying.  It is one of the most beautiful attributes of our community, the warmth and friendliness of the people!

If you’d like additional information about real estate in Atenas, contact me.  I’m Isabelle Jones of GoDutch Realty in Atenas and one of the partners in the American European Real Estate Group. You can reach me at isabellejones@godutchrealty.com. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours – I promise.