Harold and Lillian had a good life together. After raising their family in New York City and living a busy lifestyle, they were ready to settle down and retire. They had worked hard to reach this point and were still relatively young in their mid-sixties. As such, they wanted to retire early enough to have time to play hard. That meant they needed to find a place to retire that was conducive to their still active lifestyle. Could Costa del Este Panama be their answer?
This post will take you through their journey discovering Costa del Este, Panama, and other communities.
Exploring Communities Like Costa del Este Panama
Never a couple that subscribed to conventional ideas, their outside-the-box thinking led them to the idea of retiring in Panama. Even though they would miss their three children and six grandchildren, they knew they would have opportunities to see them.
Panama was attractive to them because of the tropical weather. Year-round sunshine and warmth would be a welcome change from 40 years of New York winters. Also, Panama’s currency is the U.S. dollar, so they wouldn’t have to worry about exchange rates. Panama’s economy, while one of the largest in Latin America, was still much smaller than the U.S., so the dollar stretched much further in Panama. Finally, with no income tax in Panama for retired expats, they can spend all their money on their needs. Their next step was to find a place in Panama that suited their needs.
Discovering Costa del Este Panama
Costa del Este, Panama, was the first neighborhood they explored. Located in the heart of Panama City, this vibrant community is a favorite among expats. Costa del Este was attractive to Harold and Lillian because younger people lived there. They believed being surrounded by youth would help them continue feeling young. Not only that, but Costa del Este had all of the city vibes they were used to. There was convenient shopping and entertainment nearby. The airport was a short drive away, and they were close to the beach.
Venturing Away from Panama City
Harold and Lillian still had more research to do. Having lived in the city their whole adult lives, they wanted to see Panama’s alternatives. Panama has miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Coronado tempted Harold and Lillian. They only needed to drive about an hour from Panama City. When they arrived, they discovered a 50-mile stretch of stunning beaches with gated communities. They were also impressed by the golf courses, restaurants, shops, and bars. Plenty of European and American expats were there to make them feel comfortable. And the weather was like paradise.
Beaches, Beaches and More Beaches
On the Caribbean side, they discovered the city of Chitre, which is becoming more popular among expats looking for a place to retire. It’s on the Azuero Peninsula, near Caribbean beaches, and maintains much of its native culture to add to its charm.
Beautiful Inland Mountains Near Costa del Este Panama
Harold and Lillian also discovered that Panama is more than beaches. In the inland mountains, they found Boquete. It is 3900 feet above sea level and has a cool mountain climate with lush vegetation. Coffee is grown there, and it’s a beautiful option for those looking for Panama’s version of relaxed, country living.
In the valley below Boquete is Volcán, which offers rainforest living in the crater of an extinct volcano. Volcán is a small town with a roughly 10-block city center filled with restaurants, shops, and even health clinics. If small-town living fits your vibe, then Volcán is a place to consider.
Ultimately, Harold and Lillian decided that they were still city people, so Costa del Este, Panama, was the place for them. However, their exploration of Panama opened their eyes to the adventures they could have while retiring there. As centrally located as Costa del Este is, experiencing all these other places would be easy and fun.
Does Living in Costa del Este Panama Sound Interesting?
If you’re considering a relocation, why not consider Panama? So many others have found exactly what they were looking for in this tropical paradise. If we can help make your dreams come true, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ve been working with expats for years. And we can help you, too. Expats who find a life in Panama find success and a magnificent lifestyle to go with it.