subject: Atenas Costa Rica Pure Life Development presents [print this page] The AARP (American Association of Retired People) a powerhouse lobbyist group and influential opinion maker in the United States recently voted Atenas Costa Rica one of the best places to retire in the world. That's right "The World." Having just returned from a family vacation in Atenas I am here to tell you why I agree.
First of all our hosts Dennis and Gerardo of Pure Life Development in Atenas were really helpful in making this vacation special. I live on the beach in Costa Rica in the flamingo Beach area and I have been trying to get my mother to fly (no easy task) here for a visit for years. While the journey from the beach to Atenas was only three hours we felt like we were entering a different world. Costa Rica possesses 5 distinct micro climates and is only the size of West Virginia. To put this in to perspective North America in its entirety has only 4 micro climates. So entering the cloud forest environment of Atenas was truly breathtaking and while mom had a little trouble with the winding mountainous roads that got us there, once we were ensconced in our mountain top home she never wanted to leave. I can only describe this house as a cross between a zen garden, tropical bungalow, and cloud forest tree house all rolled in to one. You really felt a part of the jungle as the house was essentially carved in to the mountain while leaving the natural landscape intact. The views of sweeping and unpopulated mountainscape were incredible and the wildlife was all around. Toucans showed up at 6 am every morning like clockwork and the Pochotes were almost as regular eating the fruits off the trees just off the patio. Incredible.
The AARP mentioned and elucidated on the following 4 categories
Cost of Living
Higher than other Central American countriesand the government has pulled back somewhat on its once-fabled retiree benefitsbut still affordable. Expats report living comfortably on $2,000 a month. Domestic and garden help: $2 to $3 per hour. Dinner for two: $30.
Housing Costs
Attractive houses can be found for $100,000; a three-bedroom, two-bath house in a gated community costs about $200,000 (prices much higher on Gold Coast). Rentals: Year-round rents can be as low as $500 per month or as much as $1,000 per month, depending on location and size.
Health Care
Excellent. Costa Rica is known for the quality of its health care. Many doctors and dentists have trained in the United States or Europe. The private hospitals Cima San Jos and Clinica Biblica in San Jos are accredited by the United States' Joint Commission (JCAHO). Residents can belong to inexpensive CAJA, the national health service, but private insurance is widely used.
Culture and Leisure
Abundant outdoor activities, from rain-forest hiking, zip-lining, scuba diving, and fishing to golf and bird-watching. Nightlife, theater, concerts, and museums in San Jos.
We would just like to say thank you to our hosts at Pure Life Development and would encourage anyone to visit this true paradise.
