Atenas is the small Central Valley town that many retirees fall in love with. It sits on the western edge of the valley in the province of Alajuela, about 25 km by road from Juan Santamaría International Airport, with Route 27 running past it to San José in one direction and the Pacific beaches in the other. Its town sign proudly says “El Mejor Clima del Mundo”, the best climate in the world, and its warm, sunny weather is the main reason people move here. Here is what living in Atenas is really like.
Looking at all your options? Read our complete guide to Costa Rica residency, with every category compared.
Why people choose Atenas
- The climate. Atenas is warm and sunny, with a dry season roughly from December to April and, in the rainy season, showers that usually come in the afternoon.
- A real small town. A central park, a church, a farmers’ market feel and neighbours who say hello, rather than malls and traffic.
- The airport is close. About 25 km by road, usually 30 to 40 minutes.
- The beach in about an hour. Route 27 takes you to the central Pacific, to Herradura and Jacó, in roughly an hour.
- Views. Homes in the hills look out over valleys, coffee farms and mountains.
About that “best climate in the world”
You will see the slogan everywhere in Atenas, from the town sign to the buses. It is a proud local tradition rather than a scientific ranking: the Tico Times traces it to a tourism campaign in the 1990s. The weather really is the town’s great strength, though. Because the land rises from about 300 metres above sea level in the lower areas to about 1,200 metres in San Isidro, you can choose a warmer home lower down or a cooler one higher up.
Atenas’s eight districts
The canton of Atenas has eight districts: Atenas (the town centre), Jesús, Mercedes, San Isidro, Concepción, San José, Santa Eulalia and Escobal. The town centre has the shops, banks, park and church; the other districts are quieter and more rural, many with views. Ask which district a property is in, and drive the road to it, because some hillside roads are steep and narrow.
Healthcare
Atenas has a public clinic in the town centre for everyday care. For hospital care, people go to the larger hospitals in the Central Valley; the private hospitals in Escazú and Santa Ana are roughly 40 minutes away along Route 27. As a legal resident you will also join the Caja (CCSS). Our guide to healthcare in Costa Rica for expats explains how public and private care work together.
Daily life and getting around
Atenas is a town where you can buy fruit and vegetables, have a coffee in the park and know the people you see every day. For bigger shopping, Escazú and Santa Ana are about 40 minutes away. A car makes life much easier, especially if you live outside the centre. Before you choose a home, drive the route to town and to Route 27 at different times of day.
Renting or buying a home in Atenas
Many people rent first for a few months to learn the town and its microclimates before they buy. You will find homes in the centre, houses with gardens in the surrounding districts and properties with big views up in the hills. Ask about water supply, internet at the exact address and the condition of the access road.
If you own a home in Atenas and want to sell, see GAP Real Estate’s page on how to sell your home in Atenas.
Moving to Atenas: residency
Atenas is especially popular with retirees, and the Pensionado category is the usual route: a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month. Rentista and Investor are the other common options. Our residency requirements guide explains each one. Comparing towns? See our guides to the best places to retire in Costa Rica, Costa Rica’s mountain towns, living in Grecia, living in Escazú and living in Santa Ana.
Frequently asked questions
Does Atenas really have the best climate in the world?
It is a local slogan from a 1990s tourism campaign, not a scientific ranking, but Atenas really is warm and sunny, with a clear dry season and mostly afternoon rain in the wet season.
How far is Atenas from the airport?
About 25 km by road to Juan Santamaría International Airport, usually 30 to 40 minutes.
Is there a hospital in Atenas?
Atenas has a public clinic for everyday care. The nearest private hospitals are in Escazú and Santa Ana, roughly 40 minutes away via Route 27.
How far is the beach from Atenas?
About an hour along Route 27 to Herradura and Jacó on the central Pacific coast.
Sources: Atenas canton and its eight districts (official canton data), local reporting on the climate slogan (Tico Times) and travel times from published route estimates, checked 15 October 2026. Travel times depend on traffic.
Thinking about moving to Atenas? CRIE is an immigration law firm in Costa Rica with over 20 years of experience. Talk to our immigration expert, Johanna: WhatsApp +506 8373 2085 or email info@crie.cr.