The Pros And Cons Of 3 Of Panama’s Top Expat Havens

Don’t be fooled.

Panama may be small in size but it offers a world of options when it comes to lifestyle.

Today, let’s look at three of Panama’s most popular havens and explore the pros and cons of each…

Coronado

Coronado is part of an area known as the City Beaches Area. While the spots on this coast, developed two or three or more decades ago, can sometimes be described as “basic” when it comes to amenities and infrastructure, the newer developments are increasingly high-end.

Coronado is among the more popular destinations for retirees who want a change from the fast-paced city life to a more laidback lifestyle.

It has steadily grown and now has first-world amenities at affordable prices. Plus, it’s only about two hours away from Panama City making it super accessible.

If you’re looking for a beach-resort lifestyle and plenty to do, Coronado is the place for you.

Pros Of Life In Coronado

Relaxed lifestyle.
There are clinics, pharmacies, malls, and major grocery stores.
Close to the beach.
You can choose to live in an apartment or a house.
It’s only about two hours away from Panama City.
There’s a large expat community so mix-and-mingle activities are common.

Cons Of Life In Coronado

It’s an expat hub—depending on the lifestyle you want, this can be a pro or con.
Property prices are higher than in neighboring beach areas.
You’ll want a car.
It’s a popular getaway spot so can be noisy during weekends and holidays.
You’ll want to learn some basic Spanish.

Bocas Del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a province with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, vast water sports, and a laidback lifestyle.

It’s home to a large expat community and English is widely spoken. This is one of the few places where you could get by with little to no Spanish.

If you’re looking to retire someplace with a bohemian Bob Marley type of ambience, where everyone kind of minds their own business and wanders around wearing shorts and flip flops wherever they go, then Bocas del Toro is for you.

Pros To Life In Bocas Del Toro

Very relaxed lifestyle.
People tend to mind their own business.
Loads of English is spoken and there’s a large expat community.
An abundance of entertainment options.
You don’t need a car.
The ocean is your backyard.

Cons To Life In Bocas Del Toro

It’s a party destination so can be loud at times
You can’t drink the tap water.
No major grocery stores.
No hospitals.

Boquete

Boquete, located in Chiriquí, is considered by many to be Panama’s premier expat haven.

This is where you’ll find many retirees have decided to settle. When walking in town, you’ll hear a lot more English than anywhere else in Panama (except perhaps Bocas del Toro).

Expats choose Boquete because of its almost perfect sweater weather, not having to learn Spanish, large expat community, and the many outdoor activities available.

In fact, this is a place where almost every traveler passing through Panama makes a stop. Hiking and coffee tours are the two most popular activities here.

Pros Of Life In Boquete

Perfect sweater weather.
English is widely spoken.
Large, well-established expat community.
It’s a hiker’s paradise.
Small town ambience.
There are English-speaking doctors who have their own clinics.
There’s a fresh produce market and lots of restaurants and grocery stores.

Cons Of Life In Boquete

Real estate prices and the cost of living is increasing due to its popularity.
No hospitals. You’d have to drive down to David (about 45 minutes by car).
No bike lanes and no decent sidewalks.

So, where in Panama is best for you?

The answer depends on what lifestyle you’re looking for and what your non-negotiables are.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to retirement destinations. You must head out to different places yourself and get a feel for what life could be like there. You may find that the place you thought would be ideal for you is not. You may also find that the last place you thought would suit your needs does.

The best way to figure that out is to come and see Panama for yourself.

Sincerely,
The Editors Of Live And Invest Overseas