Considering a move to paradise?
by Nancy Brehm
The more I experience Panama and learn about the advantages of retiring there, the more real it becomes and the more objections melt away. Why am I waiting?
Let me introduce myself. I am a widow in my sixties, who is interested in making my husband's pension totally support me without my having to supplement my income by working. I am a psychologist and a personal coach, and although I love my work, it would be wonderful to not have the feeling that I needed to work --- that I could live on a pension and social security in the style that I love - elegance and safety.
My first introduction to Panama occurred two years ago. I must say I would describe myself as a very anxious traveler. I had read everything I could about Panama and safety. I had been to the travel department of my local hospital, and I was very prepared.
After I arrived, I found it was totally unnecessary. The water in Panama City is safer than most US cities. Only in the jungle areas does one need to act with prudence. However, these areas are exceptionally beautiful, especially if you are a bird watcher. The medical facilities are the best in Central America and in a severe emergency, if you prefer, you are only two hours from Miami and all of its extensive medical care.
I did not anticipate falling in love with Panama City. I cannot explain the magic of the city, but from the first time I saw its lights from the air, I felt totally at home. It was as if I were in a miniature Paris (a city I love but cannot possibly afford). The city looks out on the tranquil Panama Bay, and sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. From my hotel room I could see skyscrapers and water and sky - an unusual combination. I was totally not prepared for the sophistication of the city. The women looked as if they had stepped out of the boutiques of Parisian boulevards, but what I found intriguing, was also the contrast of many different ways of living from very rich to very poor, from total riches to many who have little luxuries --- a city of many colors.
The thought of actually retiring in Panama did not occur to me until I saw the site of a new residential real estate development called Villa Concordia, located in Las Cumbres, a beautiful lush green area located in the foothills of Panama City, about 15 minutes from the center of the city. I had seen the plans for the houses previously, but I cannot explain the experience of actually seeing the area where this development will occur in the spring of 2002. For $125,000 I can own a three-bedroom house plus maid's quarters in a suburb of Panama City, luxurious elegance for minimum expenditure. Having been introduced to both the developer and the architect of this housing development, I have been very impressed by the quality of their plans and the integrity of their product. (To obtain more information, log on to their website at www.villaconcordia-pma.com.)
But what other advantages are there to retiring in Panama? I could not believe all of the benefits I discovered if an American were to retire to PANAMA. To mention just a few:
1. One time importing of $10,000 of household goods for personal and domestic use.
2. Importation of a new automobile for personal use every two years.
3. Tax exemptions on deposits from abroad.
4. 25% discount on all air travel.
5. 25% discount on expenses occurred at all restaurants.
6. 15% discount on expenses occurred at hospitals and private clinics.
7. 50% discount on real estate commissions incurred when purchasing your personal residence.
8. 25% discount on electric bills, residential telephone bills, and water bills.
And, these are just a few.
But perhaps, it was my second visit to Panama this past New Year that has totally convinced me that Panama is a viable reality for me and owning one of the beautiful homes in Villa Concordia, a realizable dream. On seeing the lights of the city for a second time as the plane landed, I resolved to make Panama my home. There is a magic there that is not to be captured by words --- but one experiences the beauty of this land the moment you arrive and see high rise skyscrapers against a distant blue sky and an expanse of tranquil water.
