Best Places In The World To Retire

The construction standards on Ambergris Caye are very high. I’m a developer and I can only speak for myself with 100% accuracy, but I know other contractors as well, and their construction standards are very high.
 
Ambergris Caye is in a hurricane prone area of the Caribbean so we try to build to standards that are going to withstand hurricane force weather. For example, for our development, Diamante, we’re using a system called Panel W that’s basically 4 to 6...

The construction standards on Ambergris Caye are very high. I’m a developer and I can only speak for myself with 100% accuracy, but I know other contractors as well, and their construction standards are very high.
 
Ambergris Caye is in a hurricane prone area of the Caribbean so we try to build to standards that are going to withstand hurricane force weather. For example, for our development, Diamante, we’re using a system called Panel W that’s basically 4 to 6 inch Styrofoam panels that have wire mesh on both sides. It’s Dade County approved and it’s supposed to be stronger than using regular cement blocks. You get the insulation properties as well. All our windows are hurricane resistant up to 150 mile an hour winds. Our roofs are poured concrete as well and we might put shingles on top of it just for decoration purposes, but if a hurricane comes our roof is not going to blow away because it’s not made out of wood, zinc, or something else light; it’s actually poured into the building. 
 
My development here, Diamante, is strictly condominiums. There are also one or two developments in town where you buy the land and build your own home in that development, although it’s not very popular. I know there are other places in the country of Belize that are doing that as well but the island (Ambergris Caye) has mostly condominiums.  

 

(Dining room view of ocean from Diamante Development under construction, Ambergris Caye, Belize, pictured.)

BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO RETIRE...PANAMA IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BEST!

 

Panama is not a place to come to die - Panama is a place to come and start living and enjoying life.  You work all your life, and now you deserve to start living it.  Panama offers an environment that stimulates you in so many ways, not only financially but also spiritually!

 

The high quality of living for a modest price available in Panama City was the subject...

BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO RETIRE...PANAMA IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BEST!

 

Panama is not a place to come to die - Panama is a place to come and start living and enjoying life.  You work all your life, and now you deserve to start living it.  Panama offers an environment that stimulates you in so many ways, not only financially but also spiritually!

 

The high quality of living for a modest price available in Panama City was the subject of a news report on CNN a couple of weeks ago.  Using the Economist Intelligence Unit's report, Panama was the "shining star".  Panama City is listed as the most affordable capital city in the Americas, with a "plethora of top-quality, luxury experiences for cut prices".  In the report, Panama`s "fastest growing economy in Latin America", and free 30-day travel insurance for tourists arriving at Tocumen International Airport were the main subjects.

 

Panama is fast becoming one of the world´s top retirement destinations and also a world class tourist location. With a US-style infrastructure, Panama offers an easy transition particularly for US retirees.

 

So why is Panama gaining in popularity among retirees, investors, and part-time expatriates?  Not only because of increased publicity. Panama has more amenities, lower costs and lower crime rates than many other traditional retirement locations.  In fact Panama´s advantages are unrivaled.  Apart from tax advantages and privacy advantages, consider the following:

Come to Panama to visit and you can see for yourself!  You will love it!

Having traveled to every country in Latin American I would certainly say that Panama is on or near the top of the list in terms of safety. (But take precautions anyway!)

 

There are a few tough neighborhoods that may be better avoided for the average tourist such as Chorrillo (completely), areas of Colon, and parts of Casco Viejo at night.  But these are places where one is unlikely to go as they are outside the typical.expat route. As a...

Having traveled to every country in Latin American I would certainly say that Panama is on or near the top of the list in terms of safety. (But take precautions anyway!)

 

There are a few tough neighborhoods that may be better avoided for the average tourist such as Chorrillo (completely), areas of Colon, and parts of Casco Viejo at night.  But these are places where one is unlikely to go as they are outside the typical.expat route. As a traveler, as in most places in the world, it is best not to make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry.

 

Try to fit in a bit and observe the locals. Even if you haven't learned Spanish yet it is a good idea to walk with a local newspaper- that way, locals (and potential thieves) see you as a local. This is a trick you can use anywhere in the world.

 

An interesting point about Panama City; this is one of the few places I have noticed where locals and police will often tell a tourist not to walk in certain areas. I have also seen policemen on bikes following tourists when they notice that they are near areas where there may be thieves.

 

As in many places in the world it isn't a good idea to take a taxi when there is another passenger present.

 

Be careful when leaving a bar after drinking as this is another situation that thieves look out for.

 

Also, do not be the flashy American. Remember that the minimum wage in Panama is $375 a month. It is never a good idea to show a large amount of cash in public or even when buying things at a store. What may be small change to you is not necessarily perceived that way by locals.

 

One simple thing that women especially should be careful of is leaving a handbag or laptop (or anything) unattended, when, for example, going to a bathroom in a restaurant or coffee shop. I have also talked to women who lost their bag even while sitting down at a table and leaving their bag out of sight (like on the floor).

 

I know that these kinds of things happen everywhere, and all in all, I still believe that Panama is safer than the majority of American cities.