Why are so many foreigner retiring in Boquete, Chiriqui

Cattle ranches, orchid gardens, tropical forests famous with bird watchers, and coastal islands are all icons of this unique region. The beauty and diversity of this area rival anything in neighboring Costa Rica. Boquete and Volcan are small towns in the Chiriqui highlands of Panama are reknowned for their cooler climate, incredible flora and quiet peaceful atmosphere.
Boquete is Located at Only 30 minutes away from David, Panama's third largest City and just an hour away from beautiful Pacific beaches.Panama highlands is ideal for those interested in retiring abroad.
Please see below some of the reason why so many Foreingers are Retiriing Specificaly in Boquete:

•   Weather   Chiriqui's highlands have mild, cool weather that many Europeans and Americans have found to their liking. The climate reminds one of Switzerland during warmer months.
•   Location   Chiriqui is on Panama's border with Costa Rica and a quick drive or flight across the border. It is also the only area outside of Panama City with a flight to Bocas del Toro, so this is a one-two punch that is common with tourists and also an easy getaway for local residents in either direction. Because of the proximity to Costa Rica and ease of travel between two popular tourism destinations, this location is poised for growth. Because many parts of Chiriqui are a high altitude, some parts of the highlands have incredible ocean views.
•   Environment   Many retirees and investors are flocking to Chiriqui. As a result, there's a communal, fun feeling that only comes in these "town of transplants". Retirees find there are many folks willing to take them under their wing and help them learn the ropes of life abroad.
•   Tourism Chiriqui is to Panama what Monteverde and Arenal are to Costa Rica. Many tourists visiting Panama work their way to the Boquete area during their travels. The combination of tourism, foreign retirees and local investment make this region a safe bet for continued future growth.
•   There's no military. Following the dramatic end of General Noriega's regime in 1989, Panamanians decided they would never again fear that a military general would become a dictator. They closed down the military. The national police force is just that, a police force, and the territorial integrity of Panama is guaranteed by the United States. They don't need a military and they have the good sense to know it.
•   Americans and Europeans are welcome. I am struck by the fact that Americans and Europeans are not looked at with awe nor are they disliked. Another contribution of the Panama Canal has been the introduction of hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to Panama over the years, including tens of thousands of Americans assigned to support the Canal before its turn-over to Panama in 1999. Panamanians are perfectly comfortable with people from other nations. They've lived with them for decades and many of their "visitors" remained to become residents. 80% of the population is entirely or partially of European heritage, with the remainder made up of West Indians and native Americans. However, the population has inter-married to such an extent that it's really difficult to separate people into traditional ethnic or racial groups. Finally, the fact that 14% of the people are fully literate in English (and at least that many others are partially literate) can make life easier as well. However, Spanish language instruction is readily and inexpensively available.
•   The currency is the US dollar. There are two benefits to this. For Americans and others with dollars, there is no need for currency exchange or to worry about exchange rates. The Panamanian Constitution forbids the government from printing paper currency. Thus a second benefit is that, unlike most nations, the Panamanian government cannot just turn on the printing presses when it wants more money. Panamanians have to earn their currency from the world market through hard work and intelligence. There is none of the wild inflation that has plagued so many Latin American nations.
•   The cost of living in Panama is far less than in the US or Europe. How much you will save by living in Panama will be determined both by the amount you spend in your home nation and the lifestyle you choose in Panama. There's such a great variety among expatriates that it's impossible to tell you how much you'll save, but if you have any desire to spend less, you will find it far easier in Panama than in North America or Europe. Folks from high-cost urban areas express astonishment at how much cheaper it is to live comfortably in Panama. Those from low-cost rural areas will save less, but they all seem to have one thing in common: they live comfortably, cut their expenses, and save money. It's always been a reason to relocate to Panama and it remains a big one today.
HOW TO GET THERE: By air, car, or bus. You can fly Air Panama or Aeroperlas from Albrook Airport to the nearby city of David. Airfares are around $150 round trip. From David, you rent a car or take a 45 minute taxi ride to Boquete. It also is an easy 7 hour car trip from Panama City or you can take a bus ($15) from the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City

see the Chiriqui Real Estate listings

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