'Living on the Caribbean Side of Panama' Retirement  

Living on the Caribbean Side of Panama

Retirement in Belize
Retirement, Panama

fvansan from pa - Tue Aug 19 16:37:57 2008

I've narrowed down my Latin America/South America options for potential retirement locations. I keep coming back to Panama. What I’m wondering is outside of Colon and Bocas del Toro why I don’t see more development on the Caribbean side of the country? I prefer the clear water and coral reefs of the Caribbean as opposed to the more active Pacific Ocean. Is it because there are fewer roads to assist in developing the Caribbean side? Perhaps few supportive services to sustain a population? Perhaps no electricity and telephone lines? Maybe all of these reasons, but then again why is that? If there are some reasons, I sure would be very interested in knowing why?

Thanks!

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Comment #1 Dar (167.80.246.204) - Tue Aug 19 16:59:13 2008

We have just bought in Boquete and we have been told by a lot of people that Colon is not a very good place to live due to the crime rate and it is probably the least liked area. Bocus is not bad but the homes and area are a little more expensive. Not a lot going on in Bocus. That is why we bought in Boquete, its just a 1.5 to 2 hours from Bocus. We too, love the caribbean life so at least we can go down for the day or a few days. They do have some drinking water issues and power issues at times. But we have been told it is a very nice place to live. I'm not sure how the medical is there. In Boquete area its great. Hope this helps a little

Comment #2 fvansan from pa - Tue Aug 19 18:29:14 2008

Thanks for the quick response. I'm still struck why there is so little development of the Caribbean side. What a gold mine waiting for discovery. With all the tourism throughout the Caribbean islands, why is the so little interest in this part of Panama? There just must be a good reason.

Comment #3 Dar (167.80.246.204) - Thu Aug 21 15:03:34 2008

It's my belief that it has to do with water availability. But I will find out for myself as we will be there the first week of Sept. (08) We are going down to Panama to oversee our building project (check things out) We are going to take a couple of days and drive to Bocus to check it out. I want to do some snorkeling and just relax. I guess they have some really nice places to stay. If you google Bocus real estate you will see that the prices are higher then most in Panama. awhhhhh the Caribbean life. We love the waters of the Caribbean, that is why we are going to settle in Boquete, we will be within a short distance to all we love. Plus Boquete is very affordable. I have been told that they need more roads to get to the Bocus area, not a lot of shopping and things like that. It will probably change before long as word gets out as it is still pretty remote

Comment #4 fvansan from pa - Thu Aug 21 18:52:23 2008

Maybe water is the reason, but in much of the Caribbean water is in short supply, which is why most salvage and filter rain water. I used Google Earth to look at the Caribbean side, although the pic was not very sharp, I couldn't see any roads in much of that side. Maybe the jungle hides dirt roads.

I would be extremely interested in your experience. I still have about 7 years until I can afford to retire. I also can't get myself to Panama until next year to explore around a bit. I was there briefly after the invasion, but Panama is a different country now.

I am interested in Bouquete too, but not as much as the Caribbean beach front area.

I would be interested in your experience with the rain and flooding issues that I have read about this time of the year, especially in the Bouquete area.

Feel free to keep in touch with me if your willing. I can provide an email address for that purpose.

BTW, how has your experience been in building a home? Did you buy in a complex or did you purchase land first and then contract for your home? I'm guessing that is both real exciting and anxiety provoking at the same time.

Thanks,

Frank

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