Saturday, September 20, 2008

Panama City Beach Condos

You might have not considered Panama City beach condos in your search for a retirement destination or vacation home. If you are looking for a warm, sunny place for retirement or to purchase a condo in a vacation destination, Panama City in the Republic of Panama is definitely a viable destination to consider. I will definitely retire in Panama, if not earlier than my retirement age.

One of the most privileged countries in Latin America, offering political and economic stability unlike so many other countries in Latin America, it is an extraordinary option to consider. In recent years it has opened up to tourism and visitors have been flocking there by the tens of thousands as the new vacation spot for tourists seeking sun and relaxation.

One of the problems for people looking to retired in a country they have found on their travels and fallen in love with is that many of these countries have political instability, human rights issues and huge poverty which leads to crime. Panama, however, is governed by constitutional democracy, is not a militarized country and no power crazy dictator running things and a low crime rate. You don’t need to worry about some revolution rearing its ugly head while you are enjoying the sun and your retirement. Terrorism is not a problem here because Panama is very peaceful with no enemies.

Panama City offers much in the way of beautiful beaches sprawled along over 20 miles of coastline, abundant nature, national parks, rainforests to explore, airports, a thriving commerce and banking sector, shopping, a low crime rate and high quality of life, education and healthcare. Offering a solid infrastructure, competitive housing prices, high quality construction, Panama City should definitely be considered an option.

Why is Panama City a great place to retire or purchase property in? Well, if you want to retire somewhere in a hot sunny vacation destination in Latin America or the Caribbean, one of the first questions you are going to ask yourself when looking at countries is, how safe is this destination? What about safety and security? Panama City has, first of all, a very low crime rate. You can walk the streets at night without fear of being robbed or assaulted. Tourists are safer in Panama than in most other holiday destinations.

Another benefit to the purchase of a condo in Panama City is the unique location of the country. Its location is in a place where there are no hurricanes or earthquakes unlike other Latin American countries. It’s no fun having to leave town when hurricane seasons sets upon your retirement home.

The easy-going lifestyle is somewhat like the lifestyle of Miami. It is known as the “second Miami” because of the amenities of modern life that it supplies. Panama City is a sophisticated capital of commerce and industry. The city’s infrastructure is solid and strong designed like any large city in North America. The surrounding neighbourhoods are really charming. The suburbs are full of homes much like the style of homes in Miami. For someone looking for a Panama city beach condo there is a huge supply of apartments and condos with views of the sea.

Condos and apartments in Panama City are numerous and the construction is of high standards and quality. Not many other Latin American cities offer such standards of quality and construction. Many of these Panama City buildings were constructed by the architect George Moreno.

Panama City is also a great place to shop because of its low tariffs – the lowest in the Americas. Anything can be bought in Panama City, whether you are looking for cars, electronics, computers, clothes. Grocery stores are big like the big grocery chains in North America stocked with numerous American products. The cost of living is much cheaper here than in North America or Europe.

There is a high standard of education in Panama City. There are 12 universities in Panama and three American universities with branches in the city. You will also find many excellent bilingual schools and three international schools. Health care in Panama is also excellent with great hospitals and medical service.

Dining in Panama City is excellent and on par with the rest of the world. You will also find many American brand restaurants if you are longing for some junk food from “home”. There are branches of McDonalds, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, etc.

Consider the distance of a place you are thinking of retiring to. Panama City is not that far away from North America when you are concerned about relatives visiting you or you hopping on a flight to visit back home. Round trips are relatively cheap and the distance is short.

How popular has Panama City become? Many ex-citizens of Panama are now returning to their homeland probably because of a better quality of life in Panama. This should tell you something. Many Americans who had lived there in the Panama Canal Zone and returned to the U.S. have gone back to Panama to retire.

Another great reason to purchase a Panama City beach condo for retirement or a holiday home is that the prices are excellent and as a foreigner you are allowed to own property unlike many other foreign countries. Panama gives you exactly the same rights and protection as a citizen of Panama. And another reason is that the prices for property are excellent in Panama and have not changed since the mid 1990s. You can find real estate in Panama for incredible prices, a luxury two bedroom condo in Panama City overlooking the Pacific Ocean for $150,000. Luxury condos in Panama City start at $100,000 U.S. A beach front condo on the Island at Isla Colon, Bocas can be had for as low as $164,000.

And what about the people of Panama? This is also a fact to consider when purchasing a retirement home in a foreign country. As I have already mentioned the politics are stable, there is a high quality of life, the business sector is thriving and the people of Panama are friendly, easygoing and warm. The cost of living in Panama is much lower than North America or Europe. Your rights are protected by the Panamanian government as a property owner. There are so many good reasons to purchase a home or condo in Panama City or its surrounding areas.