“Kathleen, I moved to Panama 12 years ago because I like gardening and wanted to live in a place where tropical gardening is possible year-round without worrying about frost. Florida is in the sub-tropics, meaning Hawaii is the only true tropical place to garden in the United States. Hawaii is way too expensive for me, so I moved to Panama.
“In the highlands of Chiriqui we have very rich black volcanic soil, and it is cool enough here to grow many temperate plants, yet it is frost-free.
“Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, especially among retirees, so I think you should mention gardening as a reason to move to Panama. If you move to a foreign country with an interesting hobby, it helps to keep you from becoming bored and dis-satisfied with your choice. Here in Panama, between Melos and Noveys, we have a very complete selection of gardening supplies available.
“In addition to gardening, birding is very popular in Panama, as there is an unusually large number of species of birds living here. Birding and gardening sort of go hand in hand…”
–Robert G., Panama
Continue Reading: How To Retire Overseas
