Atenas
Central Valley, Costa Rica
Atenas has been a favorite with foreign residents for decades, thanks to its year-round climate, a friendly central park and a Tico character that has held up through all the attention. The airport is less than 45 minutes away and the Pacific about 90. It's hilly and spread out, so most people need a car to get around.
Location
Hover over the map to explore
Get the full Atenas guide
Members get the in-depth local guide, plus tools and a vetted provider network. Start with our quick quiz to see if Atenas fits your life.
Build My Custom Action Plan5 Minutes · 11 Questions · Free Instant Results
Join 1000+ people who have mapped their move.
Similar towns
- Central Valley
Ciudad Colón
Ciudad Colón is a quieter, more affordable town on the western edge of the valley, home to the University for Peace. It's about 15 minutes from Santa Ana and Escazú, so the malls and hospitals are easy to reach, and then you come home to a small-town pace. The roads out here do get busy at rush hour.
- Central Valley
Curridabat
Curridabat, or Curri to locals, is San José's east-side alternative to Escazú. It's educated and full of good restaurants, right next to the university district, and homes often cost less than comparable places on the west side. It's convenient to downtown and Tres Ríos, but traffic on the main roads can be heavy.
- Central Valley
Belén
Belén is a practical, well-run suburb between the airport and Escazú. It's home to tech companies and international schools, and to foreign residents who care more about an easy commute than a famous address. It's flat and warm, with good parks and services. It won't feel exotic, and for a lot of people that's the point.
Explore more towns in Central Valley.