Atenas, Costa Rica

Capital City

Atenas sits at 698 meters elevation in Costa Rica's Central Valley, surrounded by coffee farms and mountains. The town's weekly farmer's market is where expats stock up on fresh produce—get there early Friday before the best avocados sell out.

North American retirees dominate the expat scene here, drawn by the stable climate and proximity to San Jose's airport. But don't expect walkability—you'll need a car for grocery runs to larger stores in Alajuela. Four gated communities (Roca Verde, Vista Atenas, etc.) cater to foreigners wanting security and pool access.