The Panama Shortlist—Top 6 Places To Consider Today
Last week, as we opened registration for our 2019 Live and Invest in Panama Conference, I mentioned that your lifestyle options in this little country—about the size of South Carolina—are diverse.
Today, I’d like to hone in on the best spots in Panama to consider today… as recommended to attendees at our recent Retire Overseas Conference by our friends and colleagues Peg Fairbairn and April Hess.
Though Peg and April have now made their home out on the Azuero Peninsula, they spent a lot of time on the road exploring Panama in search of their ideal home and have lived in a number of their top selections. They know their stuff—and they always give the full story.
(Note: If you were lucky enough to join us in Las Vegas, or you ordered a pre-release copy of our Live and Invest Overseas Home Conference Kit, we’ll be sending you details to access the recordings soon, so you can [re]listen to their talk in full.)
For now, in no particular order, here are the places that make our Panama shortlist:
1. City Beaches
At a glance: A stretch of 20 beach communities from Chame to Buenaventura, which sit within 60 to 90 minutes of Panama City.
What’s to like: No shortage of amenities; lots of opportunity for expat company; can live within reach of the cool mountains (30 minutes from Coronado).
Challenges: Higher prices because of expat population; traffic congestion at weekends with visitors from Panama City.
Monthly budget: US$2,240
2. Santa Fe
At a glance: A mountain town about an hour north of Santiago (Santiago is the third largest city in Panama).
What’s to like: Cheap, off-grid living; cooler temperatures; can walk to waterfalls and swimming holes.
Challenges: Limited amenities (no banks or gas stations, for example) mean regular trips to Santiago.
Monthly budget: US$1,245
3. Panama City
At a glance: The most modern of Central American capital cities… the Hub of the Americas.
What’s to like: Endless opportunities for entertainment and shopping; large outdoor parks; not necessary to own a car (walk, take the Metro or a taxi).
Challenges: Heat and humidity; higher utility bills because of air conditioning; highest prices in the country.
Monthly budget: US$2,215
4. Las Tablas
At a glance: Four hours from Panama City, a beach town on the east side of the Azuero Peninsula.
What’s to like: Small town with a big town feel; has all amenities (and Chitré is 30 minutes away for even more choice).
Challenges: Holiday celebrations can be crazy (think bonfires in the streets and fireworks at all hours); Las Tablas is home to Panama’s biggest annual carnavalcelebrations.
Monthly budget: From US$600 (living in a basic Panamanian-style home).
5. Pedasí
At a glance: Charming beach town on the most developed part of Azuero with stunning beaches.
What’s to like: Large expat community; access to Spanish school; fun place to live with lots of restaurants.
Challenges: Pricier because of expat community.
Monthly budget: US$1,241
Photo by Alex licensed under CC by 2.0
6. El Valle de Antón
At a glance: 75 minutes from Panama City, this mountain town is 600 meters above sea level.
What’s to like: Cooler temperature year-round; lots of opportunities for getting out in nature (El Valle sits in the crater of a volcano); has all the amenities of a big town.
Challenges: Expect 2,000 visitors in town on weekends/holidays; need a car.
Budget: US$1,590
That’s just a quick intro to the top six spots. But these are not your only options in Panama…
At our Retire Overseas Conference, there’s not enough time to explore any one place in great detail. Now, our Panama team is looking forward to once again bringing this nation under the spotlight at our 2019 Live and Invest in Panama Conference, Feb. 20–22.
Each of the expats we’ve lined up for this year’s event is excited to share his (or her) story with you and to help you discover the possibilities. Our days will be action-packed, full of all the information you need to decide whether Panama is for you… and, if so, the help you’ll need to move forward with your Panama plan.
It all starts here on the ground in Panama City’s Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino, Feb. 20–22, 2019.
I hope you can join us here next February.
Valentine Fouché
