Our New Homeland: Atenas, Costa Rica

"Live the Life You Have Imagined"

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We have finally rounded the corner on some very important decisions - where will we live in Costa Rica.  It took time, research and countless conversations.  I wanted the ocean.  Roxi wanted the mountains.  We both wanted great climates.  We both wanted a small community feel.  We knew we should be near qaulity healthcare facilities, but would that mean we'd need to live in or at least closeby to the hub of healthcare in San Jose (capital of Costa Rica).  We thought, yes, initially, but in time we discovered that wasn't necessarily the case.

Where will our new home be, you might ask?  We are planning on moving to Atenas - a smaller community about 35 minutes west of San Jose (and the airport) AND about 45 minutes to the beach!!!  We loved everything we read and heard about Atenas.  Here's a little more info on our new homeland (or click the link "Atenas" above):

• Atenas is located in Central Valley in the province of Alajuela - population 5,000 (17,000 in outer suburbs) - it's about 2300 feet above sea level.
• National Geographic named Atenas the "best climate in the world" - notice, it is the world, not just Costa Rica!  Average temperatures range between 77 to 86 degrees.
• AARP selected Atenas as one of their "10 Best Destinations for Retirement" - it must be since we "R" them (retired) and moving there!  We hear about 150 other ex-pats have settled in this fine community, as well.
• You can have a view of mountains and a valley if you choose - in some places they say you can even see the ocean.
• Coffee plantations!!!  Need I say more!

Coffee Plantation Tour in Costa Rica (Roxi)

We thought we may end up in one of the communities surrounding San Jose, but when push came to shove, four of the communities we had identified (Santa Ana, Heredia, Escazu and Alujuela) just weren't calling our name.  We visited all four communities (plus San Jose) when we were there in August and although they were lovely communities in their own right, we were seeking something smaller, more localized, so that we could experience the local culture in a more meaningful way.  And, plus, we were looking to get away from the "rush, rush, rush" of these larger communities/cities.  And by living in a smaller community, it will allow us to own a car - we were not sure we would do this when we started this process, but owning a car does give us more independence and freedom to travel the country - although bus and taxi service is excellent.  Now, learning to drive here the way the locals do is another story!  That will be my job upon arrival.

We've elected to rent a furnished home in Atenas - we don't plan on ever purchasing a home in Costa Rica, although they say it isn't hard to do.  For now, renting is our preference and we're hoping to secure a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with, get this, a private pool.  Pinch us, this can soon be our reality!  We'll post pictures of our new place once we've settled in - sometime in June!

How will we learn Spanish - the native language?  Well, both Roxi and I specialize in butchering the English language and we are so excited to do the same with the Spanish language!  We both feel it is a priority to learn the language and originally we thought we'd do a full-immersion and go to school while living with a Costa Rican family.  On paper and in conversation that sounded good.  But when we made a decision to live in a smaller community, it made more sense to have our own place to begin with and just go to school to learn the language - we'll see how that works for us.  The Tico's (Costa Rican natives) absolutely love when you try to speak Spanish.  We'll see how much they love us once we start butchering their language! 

We are so excited for our new life and adventures!  Now, if we can just get thru our major moving sale, house closing, paperwork to establish residency in Costa Rica, making shipping arrangements on what limited stuff we are taking, then we can move forward to live the Pura Vida life (good life)!

The Sisters in Transition are Livin' The Dream!

Judy and Roxi
Email:  jteci@yahoo.com