Once again, Costa Rica is the best country to retire and also ranked highly for a healthy, comfortable retirement, according to the 2016 Best Countries rankings and Annual Global Retirement Index.
Atenas, Costa Rica is not only a top place for international living, but also a popular vacation destination for its ideal location, halfway between the capital city of San José (near the San Jose/Juan Santamaría International Airport) and Pacific Coast beaches. For more information about Atenas, check out the Guide to Living in Atenas, Costa Rica from Pure Life Development of Atenas real estate agency.
Whether to retire or simply for a life change, if you’re in the market to buy real estate in Atenas, Costa Rica, you’ll find a variety of home options to choose from to fit your lifestyle, budget and needs.
Average Atenas Costa Rica home prices & what you get for your money
Currently, the most popular price range for homes in Atenas is between $400,000 and $500,000. For the past six years, 80% of the homes sold by realtors Pure Life Development of Atenas have been in that price range.
What you can expect:
2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with a separate 1-bedroom, or studio, guest house. Or a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home without a guest house.- Square footage range: 2,500 to 3,500 square feet of “under roof” construction, including covered terraces.
- Property lot size from 0.5 acres to a full one acre with nice views of mountains and valleys, or possibly some ocean views.
- Location in a gated community or on a mini-estate
- Nice finish work like hardwood cabinetry, artisan wood ceilings, high-grade ceramic or porcelain tile floors, granite countertops, porcelain bathroom finishes, double vanities in the master bath, walk-in shower and maybe a bathtub.
- Big terraces around the house
- Swimming pool
- Single to double car carport (no garages due to the humidity)
- Upgraded roofing such as tile roofs
- Basic landscaping including sod and a few shrubs
- ADD-ONS: Lighting and fans, and additional landscaping.
The second most popular price range for residential homes in Atenas, Costa Rica is $150,000 to $250,000.
What you can expect:
2 bedroom, 2 bath home, or a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. You can expect a duplex or townhome, as well as single family homes.- Square footage range: 1,000 to 1,800 square feet of “under roof” construction, including covered terraces.
- Property lot size from 1/4 acres to a half-acre. Views are not guaranteed, and you can expect your neighbors to be closer.
- Location in a residential neighborhood
- Nice finish work with tile floors, vaulted wood ceilings, simple wood cabinetry, entry-level granite or ceramic tile countertops, ceramic tile finishes in bathrooms, single vanities, shower but no tub.
- Small terrace
- A small swimming pool may be possible at the higher end of the price range.
- Single car carport
- Roofing of metallic aluminum sheeting
- Basic landscaping including sod and a few shrubs
- ADD-ONS: Lighting and fans, and additional landscaping.
The highest end of the residential housing spectrum in Atenas, Costa Rica is between $750,000 and $1 million dollars.
What you can expect:
4 to 6 bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, and a separate guest half-bath.- Square footage range: 3,500 to 6,000 square feet of “under roof” construction, including covered terraces.
- Guest house with 1 to 2 bedrooms and 1 to 2 baths, and high-end finishes just like the main house.
- Live-in caretaker quarters in the house, or on-site caretaker house
- Property lot size from 2 to 15 acres with spectacular views of mountains and valleys; possibly some ocean views. There could be interesting natural features such as waterfalls or a river.
- Location in a gated community or on a mini-estate
High-end finish work like hardwood cabinetry, artisan wood ceilings, high-grade ceramic, porcelain tile or marble floors, marble or granite countertops, unique features like stone sinks and marble finishes in the bathrooms, very high-end bathroom fixtures, double vanities in the master bath, walk-in shower and maybe a bathtub, his and her walk-in closets in the master bedroom, formal and informal sitting and dining areas.- Big terraces around the house and possibly ranchos with outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas.
Custom swimming pool with possible features like waterfalls or a Jacuzzi.- Double car carport
- Beautiful architecture and tile roofs or modern material roofs
- Elaborate landscaping and gardens
- Luxury upgrades like an extensive alarm and video camera system, sound system, high-end lighting and fans.
Unsure about where to buy a home in Costa Rica? Read our blog article on the five most important things to consider.
Licensed Atenas Costa Rica realtors Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez Porras with Pure Life Development of Atenas have been selling homes in Atenas, Costa Rica for the last 10+ years. Call or send an email so they can help you with your Atenas Costa Rica real estate needs.
Article by Shannon Farley
