Is Atenas, Costa Rica a good place to retire?
Are you looking for a retirement destination that combines the serenity of lush landscapes, a welcoming expat community, and the ideal climate? Look no further than Atenas, Costa Rica, a hidden treasure that has become the center of many people’s retirement dreams. RE/MAX Best Climate is here to help you find the perfect property to retire in Atenas, Costa Rica.
Atenas: A Temperate Paradise
Atenas, nestled among sugar cane and coffee plantations, offers a year-round temperate environment that has earned it the distinction of Costa Rica’s “sweet spot.” The Caldera Highway’s completion has further added to the city’s allure, making it more accessible to both inhabitants and retirees. The highway connects Atenas to Ciudad Colón, south of Alajuela, and continues to Puerto Caldera on the Central Pacific Coast, cutting travel time significantly.
Even before the Caldera Highway, Atenas was a two-hour journey from several beaches, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a perfect balance of mountain tranquility and coastal beauty.
Historic Charm and Modern Conveniences
Atenas is steeped in history, as it is located on the old historic oxcart track that originally served as the principal transit route for coffee to ports on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides in the 1800s. Today, the operating oxcarts serve as a reminder of the town’s history, although well-maintained concrete roads have long replaced the old track.
Residents can reach Escazú, a trendy suburb noted for its shopping, good restaurants, and healthcare services, about 30 minutes from Atenas. Hospital CIMA is located in Escazú, one of the country’s most prestigious healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the proximity to the country’s primary international airport (SJO) in nearby Alajuela means that homeowners and their guests can travel easily. Having easy access to these facilities while also having a retreat makes it easy to retire in Atenas Costa Rica.
The Ideal Retirement Climate
Atenas is located at a lovely, mosquito-free elevation of 2,280 to 4,000 feet, with maximum temperatures in the low-to-mid-80s F and minimum temperatures rarely falling below 65 F. Most residences do not require heating or air conditioning due to the mild environment. The seasons are similar to the rest of the country, with the driest months occurring from mid-November to mid-May and varied quantities of precipitation occurring in the other months.
The weather, combined with the altitude and volcanic soil, creates a great environment for coffee growth, lending the region a touch of agricultural charm.
An Expanding Expat Community
With an estimated 2,500 full- or part-time residents, the bulk of whom are seniors, Atenas has a strong expat community. However, there is a noteworthy increase in the number of young families selecting Atenas as their home. With this growth comes an increased demand for educational facilities, which Atenas meets with public elementary and high schools, as well as private bilingual Spanish-English schools such as Green Valley School, San Rafael Bilingual High School, and Colina Azul School.
Your Perfect Retirement Awaits in Atenas, Costa Rica
RE/MAX Best Climate, the top real estate office in Atenas, is dedicated to assisting retirees and families in finding their dream homes in this Costa Rican paradise. Our expert agents are ready to guide you through the process of retiring in Atenas, Costa Rica. Whether you’re looking for a cozy mountain refuge or a tropical escape, we have the team to guide you every step of the way.
Discover Atenas’ unrivaled beauty, comfort, and community—your retirement paradise awaits with RE/MAX Best Climate. Contact us right away to begin your journey to the ideal Costa Rican retreat.