Buy properties, houses, lots in the best weather of the world. The best place to retire in Costa Rica

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Continuing from the International Airport Juan Santamaría westwards on the highway to the beach will take you to Atenas, Grecia and La Garita. Since these towns are only 10 minutes or 20 minutes away from the airport and Alajuela, this area is poised for development in the very near future. It is a great area for foreign residents who want to purchase real estate in Costa Rica, because it is close to the beach. If you would like to go on short trips to the beach, you are only 40 minute drive from the Central Pacific beaches. Even if you are heading to Guanacaste, you have a great head start as opposed to the people who choose to live in Santa Ana or Escazú.

La Garita - Atenas

Atenas has a population of around 5,000 in the town and a total of 18,000 people if you include the surrounding suburbs. It is located on the Central Valley's western edge at 700 - 800 meters altitude. (or 2,400 ft.) It is known for its exceptional climate throughout the world!

This town is the hub of a prosperous agricultural area. There is a weekly farmer's market filled with fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs - a true country experience!
Atenas is a quaint village which is clean, safe and surrounded by scenic mountains. It has many amenities for a smaller town such as a community health center, pharmacies, doctors, dentists, a tennis court, a fitness center, swimming pools, parks, banks, shops, bed and breakfasts and restaurants. There are 3 private affordable bilingual schools.

The center of town has its white immaculate church and its picturesque park lined with palm trees. It is the perfect place for anyone who loves nature, an ideal climate and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Its location is ideal since it is only 20 km.(12 miles) from the International Airport, 35 km.(21 miles) from San Jose and 50 km.(30 miles) from the gorgeous Central Pacific beaches. Therefore, you have the best of both worlds, far away from the congestion of San Jose, yet close enough that you can enjoy malls, restaurants, nightclubs, movies in Alajuela or Escazú.



Atenas is open to foreigners and the social inequalities are very few. Already approximately 300 North Americans and Europeans have chosen to live in this area and moreover, many Ticos from San Jose have a country estate (quinta) in the surrounding hills. Due to the growth, there are now several new gated developments which will further enhance this beautiful community!


Since it is still more affordable than many other areas in Costa Rica, you can find homes on larger parcels of land with wonderful views, perfect for the retiree and/or family. As the Costa Ricans say, "Pura Vida" or the pure life is found here!

Since so many baby boomers and early retirees are moving to Costa Rica, GoDutch Realty was the first real estate company to start promoting Atenas as one of the best retirement locations. As 4 years ago there were no secure communities in Atenas, now the retiree who wants to travel the world can purchase a home that he can safely pull the front door shut and leave. Controlled accessed communities like Roca Verde, Villa Pica Flores and others to come in the near future are the solution to those boomers who like to travel a lot.

Grecia and San Ramon

These towns lie 1 hour west of downtown San José (on off peak traffic conditions). Real estate in this area is typically agricultural land, with coffee, sugar cane and fruits being the main crops. San Ramon is at a higher altitude and is strong in dairy products. This rural culture really shows through in the friendly nature of the people and the general cleanliness of the towns. This is a really great area to buy real estate if you would like to be close to the Central Pacific beaches and not miss out on the activities you can enjoy in the Central Valley. The road up through Naranjo features some really spectacular views of San José and Alajuela. These towns are ideal if you would like to own a hobby farm in Costa Rica, if you want the opportunity to mix with local neighbors, or if you would like to build a private estate.

Howard and Isabelle Jones

Isabelle and Howard Jones fell in love with Costa Rica and Atenas in particular when they first visited the country in 1991. They fulfilled their dream/goal by moving to beautiful Atenas in January, 2003 from Colorado, U.S.A.

When they looked to buy property they quickly found that a full service professional realtor for the Atenas area was really the only thing missing to make their move easier. After searching for the right way for over a year, they decided to become the GoDutch Realty franchisee for the Atenas area, since that would give them the opportunity to master the difficulties of real estate in this beautiful country. Howard & Isabelle have over 15 years of property/casualty insurance and computer sales. They speak English, Polish and are diligently studying Spanish. Of course they are supported by the other GoDutch Realty offices for anything they (or their clients) might need.
Isabelle and Howard expect to go the extra mile for all of those who plan to make Atenas and surrounding areas their new home.

Atenas La Garita Grecia real estate: Homes, Businesses & Estates

Howard & Isabelle Jones,
Telephone (506) 2446-4204 or mobile 8838-4683,
Email isabellejones@godutchrealty.com