Thread: Is it worth living in Panama?

I found my bookmarks.

Most of the really cool looking properties are in Penonome. What is that area like? Are places like this for real?

88 HA with Numerous Stunning Waterfalls, Creeks and Spring from which River is Born - Panama Realtor

Yes it's for real, and that price is a bit high, imho. Keep in mind there are no houses on that property, and it's in the boonies -- at least 30 minutes from stores, restaurants, bars, hospitals, etc. And that pretty pool might dry up half the year.

You cannot realistically shop for Panama property online; you can only get pretty pictures and bloated prices. This is especially true for a place like Penonomé. I was shopping for property there a few months ago, and a) there are no real estate agents in town, and b) the agents in PC were worthless. But, driving around every street in town, I found a dozen "se vende" signs.

A couple of examples: A small house on 1200 square meter lot with dozens of fruit trees, about 3 minutes from town, for $30K. (But, the house would need $15-20K to bring it up to US standards.) Another was a large 3-bdrm house on 260,000 square meter (26 hectare) piece of land, with beautiful mountain views and just 5 minutes from town, for $120K. That house needed maybe $5K in repairs. And those are both asking prices; sale price would likely be less. But the only way to find those properties was to drive around and see the signs.

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PS: Also note that that property you found is ROP, not titled. Avoid those like the plague. Do not buy anything in Panama until the title has been proven and registered.

thanks Exilio. I was just using that property as an example. There appears to be many properties like that in that area. I would most definately drive around and explore. That is how I found my place in Florida.

Are those natural pools safe to swim in? It seems like Paradise to me.

How far is it to Panama City? And how far to an airport?

Swimming: You never know until you have the water tested. E.g., even if it's up in the mountains, runoff from a nearby cattle farm could make it risky.

Distance: Penonomé to PC is 2 hours' drive. For now, that's the nearest airport. There are plans for a regional airport in Penonomé, but no timeline yet.

Exilio:

Do you know where to have water tested in PC?.

I just bought a piece of land (50 hectare) and there are two small rivers and one big one that I would like to have tested.

I don't know any first-hand, but if you look in the phone book yellow pages under "Aguas Tratamientos," you'll find dozens.

Yes, it is worth living in Panama. And one of the important reasons behind living in Panama is the coastal area. It is beautiful and charming full of life.

I agree about living near the beach, but if you've never seen Bocas del Torro, you must do it before you decide to live anywhere else.

I visited Panama twice and I loved both the country and its people. It has a very sophisticated infrastructure specially in PC but at the same time it's laid back and friendly.
I'm thinking of buying an apartment in PC as an investment and for living there , but I don't know if it's the right time to buy in PC righ now(probably in El Cangrejo). I think it would be wise to wait 6-12 months ,because prices went up too fast in the last few years and looks like a bubble ready to burst .
I would appreciate others' opinions about this subject.Also is it wiser to buy a new construction or an older remodeled apartment which is cheaper.

I started to look into Panama about 3 years ago, to my surprised I found that there is just about anything that we are used to in the US here.
there is many different places and prices of live styles here, it just depend where and what type you are used to or want to start a new one.
one of the main and first thing you have to get it thru your head is that is not the same place and they do things different here( it will be better for you to accept that. I know have the knowlaged on just about anything nedded to make it smother than how it went for me.

Originally Posted by panamaking

I agree about living near the beach, but if you've never seen Bocas del Torro, you must do it before you decide to live anywhere else.

What it boils down to is this - "different strokes for different folks." Some people - like yourself - prefer beachfront and other more serene settings, while others - like myself - prefer the energy of the big city.

Originally Posted by Panamax

What it boils down to is this - "different strokes for different folks." Some people - like yourself - prefer beachfront and other more serene settings, while others - like myself - prefer the energy of the big city.

... by "energy" I will assume you are refering to the kind of heat that radiates from a well cut mini-skirt and a cotton tank-top. I could be happy with a beach-front bungalo if it were located walking distance from a couple of popular beach-side cantinas.

Originally Posted by rikjoh

... by "energy" I will assume you are refering to the kind of heat that radiates from a well cut mini-skirt and a cotton tank-top. I could be happy with a beach-front bungalo if it were located walking distance from a couple of popular beach-side cantinas.

The cuteness of your post is duely noted, but for the record - and for what it's worth - by "energy" I mean traffic, bustle and the urban environment.

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Originally Posted by HOSEM1

I visited Panama twice and I loved both the country and its people. It has a very sophisticated infrastructure specially in PC but at the same time it's laid back and friendly.
I'm thinking of buying an apartment in PC as an investment and for living there , but I don't know if it's the right time to buy in PC righ now(probably in El Cangrejo). I think it would be wise to wait 6-12 months ,because prices went up too fast in the last few years and looks like a bubble ready to burst .
I would appreciate others' opinions about this subject. Also is it wiser to buy a new construction or an older remodeled apartment which is cheaper.

In that case, get a load of this related video clip:

Boquete. Definitely Boquete. Year round 70 degrees. No humidity. Beaches within 45 minutes. Everything you could possibly want is right there.

Originally Posted by Remazz

Boquete. Definitely Boquete. Year round 70 degrees. No humidity. Beaches within 45 minutes. Everything you could possibly want is right there.

How's the nightlife in Boquete?

Originally Posted by Panamax

How's the nightlife in Boquete?

Hahaha, my thoughts exactly..

Probably OK if you're an older person (like a retiree), but it's pretty dull otherwise.

Hey Panama is a beautiful place to live in... as far as my opinions are concerned.. its very calm place and well suited for retired people Thanks

---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:40 AM ----------

Hey Panama is a very good place to live in.. its a calm and very beautiful place and well suited for retired people. thanks

Thanks for sharing this useful information. It's great.
this is interesting.. thanks so much for sharing!
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I strongly recommend the place Panama for living, as it has a great climate, good infrastructure, beautiful place and more importantly cost of living is less. Thanks.

Originally Posted by dsc

Hahaha, my thoughts exactly..

Probably OK if you're an older person (like a retiree), but it's pretty dull otherwise.

The 70s with no humidity immediately caught my eye. Here in Thailand the heat is relentless, and the humidity gives the 1-2 punch. It is awful most of the year.

I am just learning obviously, but most areas of Panama are hotter than Buquete, right? I would like to be near the seashore, or a river or somewhere near the water. Any locations recommended? I am retired and live on a modest pension so I am sure I can't consider the cost-no-object spots. Night life not at all important.

Thanks.

Hi!
I have been here permanently since Oct. 2005 and love it. I am in the mountains near El Valle. I am 15 minutes from the beaches and El Valle, yet only 1-1/2 hours from PC.

We live very modestly on my husband's social security only. The thing is we own our home and cars. My monthly bills (elec $70, Gas $15, Water $6, Internet $50, DirecTV $50) my car insurance runs about $170/year for liability and homeowners runs $400/year.

We don't have a/c and don't need it. In the evening it is in the low 70's and we don't have the humidity that the coastline gets.

Mary
www.whypanama.com

How long since you been in Sidney, IA? Really like your website. Live in Falls City, Nebraska and just started researching Panama...so far pretty much like what I see.

Thanks! I haven't been there since January. I have a daughter in Glenwood, plus lots of cousins still there.

Keep doing your research and don't hesitate to contact me via the website.

We love it here in PANAMA and wouldn't dream of moving back to the U.S.!

Mary
Why Panama El Valle Retirement Living Abroad

Originally Posted by photogirl

I found my bookmarks.

Most of the really cool looking properties are in Penonome. What is that area like? Are places like this for real?

88 HA with Numerous Stunning Waterfalls, Creeks and Spring from which River is Born - Panama Realtor

It looks like they lowered their price substantially. I contacted them about this property and the land will be sold titled, although it is currently ROP and in the final stages of titling. From what they say, the water is born on the adjacent land which is very close to the source and more than likely clean, although you still need to do a water test if you want to swim in it. It's a remote area with a nice paved road going to it up until the final 3km or so which is a bumpy ride in. I'm passing on it due to lack of funds, but others may find interest in it. Enjoy.

Hi!
The other thing you have to look at is they are saying that the road and electricity has been budgeted and approved. This is PANAMA. When things happen are another item altogether (LOL). Electricity is very expensive to have brought to your property if it is any distance more then 500 feet. Union Fenosa will provide the first 3 poles, then you have to purchase the other poles to bring the electricity to your property. Also you have to check out the cell phone service in these rural areas.

I have a friend that is in that area living, he has no electricity and is using gas powered appliances and has a gas generator for lights at night. He is a Jeramiah Johnson type guy and loves it out there. He also doesn't have any cell service in the area

Mary
www.whypanama.com

Originally Posted by whypanama

Hi!
The other thing you have to look at is they are saying that the road and electricity has been budgeted and approved. This is PANAMA. When things happen are another item altogether (LOL). Electricity is very expensive to have brought to your property if it is any distance more then 500 feet. Union Fenosa will provide the first 3 poles, then you have to purchase the other poles to bring the electricity to your property. Also you have to check out the cell phone service in these rural areas.

I have a friend that is in that area living, he has no electricity and is using gas powered appliances and has a gas generator for lights at night. He is a Jeramiah Johnson type guy and loves it out there. He also doesn't have any cell service in the area

Mary
www.whypanama.com

I'd personally do a simple solar setup and live off grid. I've looked into micro-hydro and if you have enough water drop you can setup a system for under $5K. I also would do satellite internet which can also be used for calling phones.

It would be so nice to have a get away property out in the boonies, but at the same time be within 30 minutes from all the action. Panama is great in that it is small enough such that you are relatively close to such diverse environments.

Ok the origininal post was started back in June of 2007 . Has much changed in your opinion of Panama ??
For me it has even become more attractive than before .

Yes I already own a home in Panama and use it only part time . That may change soon . I am watching the political scence in the US and liking it less every day . Seems like we are barely able to stay in front of Tax increases and crazy spending that our politions are doing . Its crazy !

That being said , I have seen a big improvement in my area of Panama . I think Panama finally has realized the importance of increasing its Tourist industry ASAP . Seems like PC is cleaner than 2 years ago , The airports has made huge improvements . Streets are better .Medical is excellent .ETC>ETC>ETC>

I always said I would someday live in Panama full time as I get older . My old bones like the humidity of Panama and hate the cold of Idaho .

I thought it would be a few more years before I maded the big jump ,but The cost of living in the US , Taxes, political unrest and very unfriendly people may push up my agenda to very soon .

The house is Quite large here and we think maybe we might want to do a little B&B on our island to help offset our pension. Not a full time deal but only for the nicest months of the year . More of a pick and choose senario with a very small guest list of past guest who want to come back and bring friends .

I still personally see Panama having an economic future. It did get speculated pretty hard but there is still real economy here.

Originally Posted by tarzan95959

The house is Quite large here and we think maybe we might want to do a little B&B on our island to help offset our pension. Not a full time deal but only for the nicest months of the year . More of a pick and choose senario with a very small guest list of past guest who want to come back and bring friends .

If you decide to do it, I'm sure it couldn't hurt to post pictures of the place here. It would be interesting to see.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

When it comes to living in Panama I would recommend NOT living in Panama City unless it is really your thing. You can live much cheaper outside Panama City and be safer. Less crime and less traffic accidents. Panama City is good if you are doing allot of international business.

Totally agree, I was living in Chitre for a month and a half but unfortunately where I was staying could not get a stable enough internet connection to properly conduct business, so I ended up back in the city.

The city costs a bit more but also a lot more fun