Best Places To Retire

Panama is one of the best countries to retire in Latin American and the world.  Panama is a privileged country within Latin America. It is fast becoming a preferred location for a second or retirement home for North Americans.  It is quickly becoming one of the hottest real estate and retirement locations in the world. Many retirees are finding out about “the new Costa Rica”.There are dozens of reasons why Panama is growing with Americans and people all over the world looking to get a small piece of paradise.

Why is Panama one of the best places to live and retire?

For one, even nature has blessed Panama. Due to a unique geographical position, there are no natural disasters, no hurricanes or destructive earthquakes which plague its Central American neighbours.  It is in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica.  Residential environments drastically range from city, mountain, beach and island communities.Panama offers convenience, low cost and easy living, you can have a comfortable life cheaply. Panama’s cost of living ranks among the lowest in Central America – this is what makes it one of best places to retire cheap.

We would know that we have everything God needed to make paradise. Great farming, beaches, mountains, wildlife you wouldn’t believe…people so beautiful you could cry.  This could be the only reason why some people would want to call this place one of the best places to live in the world.

The number one country outside the United States for a second home-based on Panama’s outstanding safety, infrastructure, climate and beauty.

The Panamanian “Balboa” is actually the U.S. Dollar. Retirees love that they don't have to calculate conversions or learn a new currency.

Panama’s climate is as varied as any nation.  From hot, sunny lowlands to the dry, windy beaches all the way up to the cooler mountain climates of Chiriqui…there’s something for every retiree.

Panamanians are accustomed to foreigners.  The U.S. military had a major presence in Panama until the handover of the Canal and thus, the locals are quite accustomed to foreign ways and dealing with outsiders.The standard of life in Panama is high compared to other third world countries.  Thanks to the Canal, most products available anywhere can be found in Panama City and at real market prices.

The highways, phones, malls, hospitals and banks are all up to date with modern amenities.  Most foreigners are pleasantly surprised at how advanced Panama is, even in remote areas.

Panama is a country forged by various cultures and traditions that come together to create a unique complexity and exotic environment. The country’s ethnic diversity is reflected in the traditional products, such as woodcarvings, ceremonial masks and pottery, as well as in its architecture, cuisine and festivals.

Panama offers good-quality medical care and modern hospitals in its metropolitan areas. There is a great medical center with modern facilities in the city of David in the Chiriqui Province in the western region of Panama. Many Panamanian doctors are U.S.-trained, and the standards at the top hospitals compare favorably to those in the United States.

Private health insurance is available and much less expensive than insurance in the United States. Prices for prescription drugs are low as well, because manufacturers price them for the market. Plus, many drugs that require a prescription in the States are available over the counter in Panama.

Panama has the best incentive program in the world for foreign retirees or Pensionados.

Some of the benefits are importation of all your personal and household goods up to $10,000 tax free and the right to import a car every two years as well tax free.  These are just a few reasons why Panama is one of the best places to live and retire.  You'll have to decide for yourself and take a short trip there.

Spain is a very popular retirement destination because of the climate, breathtaking vistas and scrumptious cuisine. Her scenery is varied, her climate probably the best in Europe, with the possible exception of the Greek islands, there is a wide Anglo-American population which guarantees companionship if you cannot find it among the Spaniards, and the luxuries as well as the necessities of life are available.  Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in the southwest of Europe. Spain calls Portugal, Gibraltar, Andorra and France its neighbors.  Find out more about what makes Spain one of the best places to live and retire.

Living in Spain is also a pleasure with many everyday living expenses far lower than you would find in the UK. Eating out is a way of life, affordable and outdoors. There are tons of places to eat great food in Spain, and the diet is good for keeping the pounds off.

There are many other reasons to think of Spain as one of the best places to live. For example, the landscape is very beautiful. There is every modern amenity you may be interested in, but you will still find that around the next corner is a perfectly suitable location for tranquility. In terms of cost, when you retire in Spain, the cost of living is more affordable than in the United States, but higher than more rural countries. Compared to other European countries, Spain continues to be affordable.

With outstanding cultural heritage everywhere you look and people who want to welcome you into their homes, Spain has something to offer for just about everyone involved!

Spain is probably best known for bullfighting and flamenco dancing but it has also produced some world famous painters over the years. The most well known are obviously Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

Spain has also produced some world class composers and opera singers. World famous Spanish composers include Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla and Joaquín Rodrigo. Everyone’s heard of Placido Domingo – Spain’s most famous operatic performer. Then there’s José Carreras and Montserrat Caballé.

Spain has a public health system so health care is free or low cost if you pay social security (families and retirees are also included).

The Spanish National Health System has an extensive network of health centres and hospitals throughout the country which offer primary health care services (family/GP services, paediatrics and nursing, with midwives, physiotherapists and social workers).  The Spanish health system combines both public and private healthcare and within each separate state free or low cost health care is given to those who contribute to the Spanish Seguridad Social (social security).

Part time retirement to Spain is very popular, if you like the idea of snowbirding, this country is for you.  In 2004, there were 150,000 foreign residents over 65, including some 40,000 Britons.  However, because Spain is a very family orientated country there are few retirement homes as the elderly are looked after by their families.  Consequently, many Brits return to the UK if they are unable to look after themselves when they are elderly.  In Spain public pensions provide retirees with the equivalent of nearly 90 percent of the country's average wage.