Atenas Real Estate: Central Valley Houses and Land

The town sits at moderate elevation between the capital and the Pacific coast, and is known for coffee farms, markets and cooler nights than the lowlands. San José's international airport is under an hour away, and hospitals in the Central Valley add to its attraction for retirees. The rainy season brings heavy afternoon showers, and some roads are steep, so test access.

Nearby markets include Alajuela and Santa Ana, with Escazú and Curridabat on the capital side. Pacific options include Jaco and Puntarenas, roughly an hour or so away.

Foreigners generally have the same property rights as citizens, with special rules for the coastal maritime zone. Transfer costs, including transfer tax, notary and registry fees, are commonly several percent of the price. Do a registry search for liens and check water rights and road access, particularly for rural plots. Residency through investment exists at a threshold in the low six figures in US dollars, so confirm current terms. See our Costa Rica buying guide, financing guide and the Costa Rica overview.