When North Americans look for inexpensive places in order to retire Costa Rica is usually the first country that comes to mind and Atenas is one of the first towns in Costa Rica that they consider That s because this tiny town of 5 000 people has one of the best climates in the world it is a steady 70 degrees there year round and during the rainy season it usually only rains in the afternoons Homes for sale in Atenas Costa Rica are quite popular because most of them can have a mountain view if desired Atenas is nestled in the foothills about an hour s drive west of San Jos in the country s Central Valley
No matter where you are a town that is centrally located between beautiful mountains and lovely beaches is always ideal Of course Atenas is closer to the mountains than the beaches but the western coast of Costa Rica with that warm blue Pacific Ocean is only an hour s drive to the west San Jos Costa Rica s capital city is only about an hour s drive to the east Atenas homes are purchased by Ticos native Costa Ricans or by foreigners all who come here for la pura vida It s one thing to go on a shopping spree once a month to the big city of San Jos quite another to live in that hustle and bustle year round Atenas is a happy alternative much more laid back and relaxed