:: Lost Coast Real Estate

Why Panama

Panama is quickly becoming one of the top retirement destinations in the world. One visit to this country will open your eyes to a new world of opportunity. Panama has long been overshadowed by countries such as Costa Rica and Mexico, but this is not the case any more. Modern Maturity Magazine (the magazine put out by AARP which has over 20 million subscribers) ranked Boquete, Panama as the fourth best retirement destination in the world. International Living Magazine has ranked Panama as the number one retirement destination in the world for six years in a row.

"I've been all over Central America in recent years, and Panama is what I wanted Costa Rica to be. It's the only place in Central America I'm interested in buying land.

For an eco-geek, leisure-loving, surfing and fishing nut, Panama has it all, and unspoiled. We snorkeled in places it is quite possible nobody had ever been--anyone, ever--and fished all day seeing no other boats, catching giant snapper at will between marlin fishing. Everywhere we went on the Lost Coast we were surrounded by the kind of wildlife and scenery that tends to feel like it's canned or preserved in a park everywhere else I've been.

Panama City is the only real city in Central America, with loads of good restaurants and nice hotels, and the countryside has roads you can actually drive on day or night. You aren't looking over your shoulder all the time, and the people are friendly and genuine, and because of the Canal and other factors, it lacks the grim poverty you see in most of Latin America. The people seem industrious and nice and not like they're figuring out what they can get from you.

I've never seen the kind of fish and bird life we saw there. Most of all, whether I was in the city or the wilderness, Panama just had a nicer, more comfortable vibe to it, a feel that is hard to describe, that was relaxing and pleasant and made it harder to leave than any place in Central America I've seen."

Skip Knowles, Editor of MillionAir Magazine quoted after traveling with Lost Coast Excursions (www.lostcoastexcursions.com)

So why has Panama become the new location for international residence to live? What is so great about this country?

Beautiful beaches and mountains: If you are looking for the perfect white sand beach with clear water, look no further. On both the Pacific and the Caribbean side, you will not be disappointed. It is not difficult to find a beautiful resort with all of the amenities you seek at an affordable price. For the adventurous explorer, you can jump aboard the Lost Coast Explorer (www.lostcoastexcursions.com) and tour through the prestigious Coiba National Park. This area has over 26 islands that have perfect untouched beaches, world class fishing, old growth jungle, and incredible snorkeling and diving. This area is so lush with marine and bird life that it has been nicknamed the "Second Galapagos Islands".

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Why Panama cont...

Friendly People: Panama has a population of 2.8 million people and near 52 percent of the population lives in urban areas such as Panama City and David. The country is under populated with large areas of farmland and jungle spanning throughout the country. Panamanians are pleased to see foreigners moving to their country. They enjoy meeting and learning from new people. They will most often help you in any way they can, and are not afraid to put aside their schedule to help you. The Panamanian people have a lot of pride and they keep their homes in immaculate condition. You will not see any garbage along the side of the road as you pass through the countryside here. Panamanians often speak two or three languages, have impeccable manners and dress nicely every day. They work hard and are family orientated. The predominant religion in Panama is Roman Catholic, but there is no prohibition against practice of any religion. Panamanians are very well educated. School attendance is compulsory between the ages of seven and fifteen or until six grades of primary school have been completed. The literacy rate in Panama is 90.8 percent. There are also over 15 universities available in Panama City for further education.

Infrastructure: The Panamanian Government had the good fortune of a steady income from the Panama Canal throughout the years. They used much of that money to put in quality infrastructures throughout their country. A large percentage of the money went into improving and paving roads, putting in high quality bridges, ensuring communities had adequate sewer and water systems and much more. The result is a country that has the best infrastructures in Central America. Panama also has Tocumen International Airport that offers over 54 flights to different locations throughout Central America, South America, and the United States. Direct flights to Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles are available out of Panama City. Albrook Airport in Panama City offers flights on smaller airlines to many towns throughout Panama. It is also very easy and affordable to charter a flight to one of the many small airstrips throughout the country. Panama also has international telephone, telex, fax, high speed internet and cell phone services throughout the country.

Affordability: As foreigners from the US and Europe seeks to maximize on their fixed retirement income, Panama is the perfect choice with its low cost quality goods, affordable real estate and high quality of life. It is possible to find a nice sized lot on the ocean for less the 40,000. It is possible to find an apartment in the city or small home for less than 150,000. A luxury home or condo will cost approximately $300,000. Utilities will cost you only 30% of what they cost in the United States. It is possible to buy a meal for two people for seven dollars. With the incentives offered to retirees by the government through the Pensionado Program, these goods are even more affordable for Panama's retirees. Hired labor is also very affordable. You can hire a fulltime maid for $300 per month.

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