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I understand you can live pretty well with an income of $1,500 a month. What about living near the beach, mountains. From what I can gather from the Internet, it's a wonderful place to living cheaply, not a lot of crime, and very good medical. Lots of outdoorsy things to do.
There are bugs everywhere on earth, I don't think it will be like a horror movie.
I have heard many good things about Panama, although I'd probably avoid Panama City. There is a Panama forum online, I'd search that for some additional info!
Thanks, Texas. I was hoping someone would comment who lives in Panama. I wasn't thinking of living in Panama City, but a small town maybe in the mountains, but not far from the beach.
I live in Boquete which is in the highlands of Chiriqui and have lived in Western Panama for 6 years this New Year's Eve. I'm very happy here, the cost of living is low and they're in the process of making the airport in the provincial capital of David (about 35-40 minutes down the hill) international. Make it much easier for people to travel to and from North America. The Pacific is about a 1 hour mas o menos drive from Boquete or hop a plane and it's 30 minutes to the Caribbean. Lower temps in the Caribbean but higher humidity and more bugs; the Pacific side is much hotter. I personally like living in a cooler climate, but there's something for everyone.
Oh and not a lot of bugs think Colorado in the spring except Boquete is known as the land of eternal spring so you have flowers, birds etc. year round. No need for heat or a/c and think my electric bill ran around $6 last month albiet I don't live in a large house and turn off lights as I leave a room.
I live in an all Panamanian neighborhood, always have, and have never had any problems at all. In fact I'm the white member of the family lol as everyone in my neighborhood is related. One night (though I don't recommend this as it was stupid), I left my keys in my door overnight - not one person took advantage of my stupidity.
Feel free to DM me if you have more questions as I don't always see posts about Panama. All I know is that there is no where else I'd rather live. Do keep in mind though that Panama is not little North America - there is a strong US influence with the canal; however, we have a rich culture and history. I'm answering this from my house on my high speed internet with satellite TV on in the background, so we have the amenities here that you're used to in the States. If you check out my blogs, you'll see a good article about Boquete recently published by AARP's magazine.
Oh and when I moved here I knew maybe 5 words of Spanish. The locals are very helpful especially when someone is trying to learn the language. The only thing they want is what everyone wants - to be treated with respect. Do that and you'll feel right at home.
Exactly, if you're afraid of bugs, don't go to NYC! If the cockroaches don't get you, the bed bugs will.
I lived in NYC for a few years, and saw almost none. It's an enormous city with tons of skyscrapers and everything else. Not exactly a big bug hangout....just in the stereotypes.
Thank you so much Joy and Kristopher! Very good information. I'm not thinking of a move this year, but possibly in the future. I think I would love to live in Panama. I would be renting a small apartment. I would definitely come for a visit before making a decision. I really appreciate your information.
Thank you so much Joy and Kristopher! Very good information. I'm not thinking of a move this year, but possibly in the future. I think I would love to live in Panama. I would be renting a small apartment. I would definitely come for a visit before making a decision. I really appreciate your information.
You're welcome and I think you're very smart to rent before you buy. That way you can make sure not only Panama, but what part of the country would be right for you. Take care, Joy
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think Colorado in the spring except Boquete is known as the land of eternal spring so you have flowers, birds etc. year round. No need for heat or a/c and think my electric bill ran around $6 last month albiet I don't live in a large house and turn off lights as I leave a room.
