By Isabelle Jones of GoDutch Realty

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!