The Cheapest Places to Retire by the Beach

When it comes to living in retirement on the cheap we all know the concept is almost completely subjective - that is to say one persons cheap could be completely different than another. Lifestyle factors are the first consideration. For some living in the cold is no big deal. Some retirees may even have problems dealing with heat and exposure to the sun and therefor really want and need to live some where cool and cloudy or at least shady. On the other hand many people and in all likelihood the majority of people would say living by water and specifically near a beach would be wonderful. So, is it possible? Can one find a cheap place to retire by the beach? I think so! Let's have a look at -

The Most Affordable Places for Retirement by the Beach

Choosing the cheapest places to retire is not a task that should be taken lightly. Retiring abroad is the dream of many people who have lived and worked in the same places their whole lives and want to experience something different in their twilight years. In some cases people want to return to a place that they have visited on vacation before, in others they are looking for an adventure. It is always best to conduct serious research into any country before visiting, let alone moving there permanently. For the few who actually get to do it, choosing the right place usually involves selecting based on a list of criteria including personal taste, cost of living, quality of the healthcare available and familiarity with the culture.

Panama is One of the Best Places to Live After Retirement

Panama is one of the more popular places for retirement outside of the USA for several good reasons. The first is the potential for it to be a tax haven for those who meet certain qualifications. Another is the fact that the country has a relatively high standard of living while also being an affordable place to live. Panama also uses the US dollar as its national currency, making things a lot simpler for new residents as they will not have a new currency or new exchange rates to figure out. To make it all even more appealing, Panama has always had strong ties with the US and there is a large community of ex-pat retirees in place there already. Those retiring to Panama can choose between the bustling metropolitan life of Panama City or, for a more rural setting, they may want to venture into the the hills and forests of the county. For many, the selling point is the abundance of beaches and the relaxed atmosphere of the beach towns.

Mexico Has Some of the Best Beaches in the World

Good old Mexico has gotten a bad rap recently due to drug cartel squabbles, but the fact is that those occur mostly in border towns and therefore ex-pats elsewhere in the country should be relatively safe. Apart from being next-door to the USA, Mexico has good food, a plentiful supply of beaches and in the big cities it is possible to find a good standard of living and reasonable healthcare. This is to say nothing of the fact that there are thousands of ex-pats living there already, therefore newcomers will have a community ready and waiting for them to join in.

France Has an Excellent Healthcare System

France is well known as a tourist destination. French food, wine, and art are all of a high enough quality that people travel from all corners of the world to partake of them. The French beaches of Canne and St Tropez are also among the more glamorous and well-known Europe. In fact, it could be said that no one can truly consider themselves a world traveler without experiencing a trip to France. Well, France is no longer just for backpacking college kids and the average summer tourist. It is widely considered to be one of the more appealing places in which to retire. Apart from the culture and countryside, France is one of the all-round best places to live in the world and offers a number of benefits including relatively affordable home ownership some of the very best health care available anywhere.

Cheap, Safe, and Friendly: The World's Top Retirement Havens

There are places, the world over, where people are friendly, crime is almost non-existent, health care is excellent, and prices for everything from homes to groceries and doctors' visits could make you think it's 1953 again.


Places where it is possible to reduce your retirement cost of living, perhaps dramatically...while increasing the quality of your life.


We have prepared a series of five Country Retirement Reports that contain complete details on retirement opportunities in some of the world's top retirement havens right now.

Go here now to learn more

Is the idea of moving abroad for a cheap place to live in retirement just not your cup of tea? If you're goal is to live in retirement in the U.S. there are plenty of cheap places to live and many are on the beach. Check out the post below for a free report on the cheapest places to retire in the U.S. and a review of the new comprehensive directory by the Rich Habits Institute.

What Are the Best US States to Live In?

The best places to live in the United States is a highly subjective topic. It seems everyone has a different opinion, and the answer generally depends on what the individual is looking for. Not only that but when we do try and find objective data it changes so rapidly that the best state in 2010 could easily slip out of the top ten in a matter of a year do to the instability of the US economy these days. Based on a purely economic data, North Dakota and Nebraska appear to top the list. With unemployment rates well below the national average, it seems jobs are in great supply in these two states, leading to the affordability that comes with living in a prosperous place. These aren’t the only great places to live, however. Read on, as we outline the best US states by region.

The Best States to Live in the Northeast

Virginia and Maine are the forerunners in this category. Both of these states hold places in the top 20 list of highest wage earning states and have relatively low unemployment rates when compared to the national average. There is an abundance of beauty there, as well as history, culture and plenty of activities. Virginia is a consistent presence on the “Best Places to Raise Children” list, while Maine is a usual suspect on the “Most Relaxing Places to Live” register.

The Best States to Live in the Northwest

No list of great places to live would be complete without mentioning Oregon and Washington. The natural beauty of the rugged Pacific coastline coupled with the excitement of Portland and Seattle can make for a delicate combination of outdoor activity and big-city living. Portland, often voted one of the “Top 5 Places to Live” has plenty of entertainment, while Oregon as a whole is a leader in “green living.” Washington is typically a wealthy state, regularly falling within the top 10 on the list of “Richest States.”

The Best States to Live in the Central US

The central US is a big area comprised of many great states. Colorado is beautiful and mostly immune to much of the severe weather typical in the central US, while Iowa has low unemployment rates and great schools. Both states have a median income of approximately $50,000 a year. As noted in the beginning of this article, North Dakota and Nebraska are also wonderful places to live in this region.

The Best States to Live in the Southeast

Florida and North Carolina headline this category. Florida has been voted “Best Place to Retire” too many times to count. With a healthy housing market and many activities for seniors and families alike, Florida is an “everyone” state. North Carolina has a much lower tax liability than much of the nation, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and great schools, making this a wonderful place to raise children. Cary, North Carolina was voted the “Safest Place to Live” in the southeast.

The Best States to Live in the Southwest

Arizona and New Mexico are great choices in this region. The dry desert heat of these states makes them some of the healthiest places to live, while the history and culture of the region brings in many creative-minded people. New Mexico is a great place for artists, while Arizona’s housing market, cleanliness and relative safety bring in many families with children.




The best places to live will depend largely on what an individual likes or dislikes, as well as where they are in their lives. A family with children and a single retiree would most certainly disagree on this topic. The United States is so vast and diverse and filled with so many wonderful places to live that coming to an unequivocal and unanimous conclusion would be nearly impossible. It's just another example of why Freedom is the most cherished value of living in the US, everyone is welcome to choose their own “Best Place to Live.”




Editors note: This article is just an overview of what we have found to be acknowledged consistently year after year as the best states to live in. Over the coming weeks we will explore each region in great detail to give you a flavor of why and ow these states gain this recognition. As always we encourage you to leave your comments below - please share with us what you agree with and what you disagree with. Tell us what you believe represent the best states to live in and why.

Tax-Free Retirement Made Easy 

You don't want to organize your new life overseas around tax code...but sometimes the two agendas can converge. 

We've identified three countries that roll out the welcome mat, not only offering significant benefits for foreign residents, including seriously appealing tax advantages, but also making it easy for you to become a foreign resident in the first place. 

That is, it can be possible to relocate to the Shangri-la of your fondest daydreams...while, at the same time, reducing your tax burden, maybe to zero. 

It depends largely on how and from where your income is derived... 

And the key is arranging legal foreign residency. 

Here's the good news: While not every country welcomes foreign retirees or expats, we've identified three countries that roll out the welcome mat, not only offering significant benefits for foreign residents, including seriously appealing tax advantages, but also making it easy for you to become a foreign resident in the first place. 

Go Here Now To Learn More

The Best State to Live in the Central US

The central United States encompasses a broad area, making it difficult to determine the best states to live in. Several places in this region deserve a spot on the list for one reason or another. From Colorado to Texas and Indiana to Nebraska, many states were in contention for the top honor, but when it came down to the wire, Iowa as the best central state was the clear winner. With a good economy, strong job market and some of the nation’s best schools, Iowa can accurately be named one of the best places to live in the United States.

Best City to Live in Iowa

Ames, Iowa is a community of approximately 60,000 people, and its residents contend that it is one of the best cities to live in Iowa. Located 30 miles from Des Moines, Ames is the home to the Iowa State University of Science and Technology, a major employer within the community. Perhaps this is the reason that the unemployment rate in Ames is only 4.3%, less than half of the national average. Median family income is upwards of $77,000 and the median home price is $175,000. Job growth is up nearly 16% since 2000 and school test scores in Ames are an average of 22.5% higher than state scores. Nearly 16% of the city’s residents bike or walk to work, which may account for the city’s 99% air quality rating. Ames has 36 parks and plenty of recreational activities, making this an amazing place to raise a family.

Cheapest Place to Live in Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa was named on Kiplinger’s “50 Smart Places to Live”, coming in at number 10. The sixth largest city in the state, Iowa City has a population of nearly 67,000 while still maintaining a small-town feel. Home to the University of Iowa, median family income here is $57,568. Home prices start in the low $100,000 range, making ownership easily affordable. Utilities in Iowa City are 20% less than the national average, while costs for groceries, housing and healthcare also fall below national expenditures. The unemployment rate here is 3.6%, nearly two-thirds less than the national percentage, and job growth stands at 1.06% and climbing.

Best Place to Retire in Iowa

When searching for the best places to retire, Ankeny, Iowa pops up time and time again. Over the past five years, the 55 and older population in this city has soared with an 87.3% increase in the amount of seniors living in the area. Median household income for those 55 or older is $58,000, while the median home price in the area is $164,500. Ankeny has an approximate population of 38,000 with senior citizens accounting for nearly 15% of that number. Its close proximity to Des Moines means that the arts, culture and entertainment of Iowa’s biggest city are only minutes away. Ankeny offers the quiet life many retirees desire while still remaining close to the convenience of a large city.

Iowa boasts a growing job market, low unemployment rate and relatively inexpensive cost of living across the board, making it the best place to live in the central United States. Whether you are looking for a new city to raise a family, a haven in which to retire or an inexpensive location to start a new business venture, Iowa has a place for you.

The Best State to Live in the Southeast

The southeast contains a number of candidates for the best places to live in the United States. From the retirement haven of Florida to the antebellum saga of the deep south, this region is steeped in tradition. Although nearly every state in the southeastern region has a city or town that deserves a place on our list for one reason or another, only one exemplifies every criteria. North Carolina contains all the necessary ingredients to be named one of the best states to live in the Southeast and perhaps even the country.

The Best City to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina has enjoyed the title of fastest growing state in the US every year since 2008, and no city has grown faster than Wake Forest. With a 118% population growth since 2000, Wake Forest is located just north of the state capital of Raleigh. Median family income is $60,408 and Wake Forest enjoys an unemployment rate of 7.4%, nearly two percentage points lower than the national average of 9.1%. The Wake Forest job market has experienced a recent upswing, and the Wake Forest Economic Development Team was formed in order to bring more jobs to the area. Schools are consistently rated as “excellent” and score an average of 20.25% higher than the state as a whole on both reading and math tests. With great schools, a good job market and a high median family income, Wake Forest is among the best cities to live in North Carolina.

Cheapest Place to Live in North Carolina

Statistically, big cities are more expensive than small towns. In North Carolina, however, the opposite appears to be true. Charlotte, North Carolina is both the biggest city and the cheapest place in the state to live. Overall, the cost of living in Charlotte is 7% less than the national average, while housing and utilities are 20% lower and 7% lower respectively. The median home price here is $169,493, while the median family income is nearly $60,000. Schools here are among the top in the country, with Charlotte elementary schools earning top NAEP honors in 2009. The low cost of living, great schools and many job opportunities combine to make Charlotte not only the cheapest place in North Carolina to live, but also one of the best.

Best Place to Retire in North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina, is a prime retirement destination for those who seek safety, security, and a beautiful place to call home. Voted “Safest City in the South” in 2005, Cary is located in the midst of the triangle created by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. 17.4% of Cary’s population is 55 or older. Median income is upwards of $71,000 and the median home price has held steady at $259,000 for the past three years. Two of the nation’s rated “best hospitals” lie within 30 miles of Cary and the average property tax bill stands at $2300. Cary also has a public transit system that offers door-to-door service for the elderly.

North Carolina is our clear winner for the southeast Best Place to Live competition. With a low unemployment rate, inexpensive cost of living and relatively low crime rate, North Carolina is a prime location for people of any age. Wake Forest, Charlotte and Cary are just three of the many great places to live in North Carolina.

The Best State to Live in the Southwest

The southwestern United States is a place of growing popularity. It is a land of turquoise-colored mystery; a world where the west is still somewhat wild. New Mexico is among the best states to live in the region. With its distinctive southwestern flair, relatively low cost of living and many outdoor activities, New Mexico earns our top spot as the best state to live in the Southwest, and may well be one of the best places to live in the United States.

Best City to Live in New Mexico

Although rather small and relatively unknown, Rio Rancho, New Mexico is one of the best cities to live in New Mexico. A suburb of Albuquerque, this city of 82,000 is a safe and secure place to raise a family. Although not immune to the foreclosures the rest of the country has seen over the past five years, Rio Rancho is a great place to find an amazing deal in the housing market. With a median family income of $66,000, jobs in Rio Rancho have grown nearly 70% in the past ten years. The median home price is $169,000 and the average property tax bill stands at $1400 per year. School test scores in reading are 22% above the New Mexico average, while scores in math are an astounding 41% higher. The Intel Corporation is the area’s biggest employer, although the retail and service industry round out the economy nicely. New construction, including a hospital and large office complex, promise to bring even more jobs to the area in the coming years. Rio Rancho is ever-changing and always growing, making it a wonderful place for families and singles alike.

Cheapest Place to Live in New Mexico

Here, Rio Rancho makes a repeat appearance on our list. Not content to be only the best city in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is also the cheapest. Housing here is 11% below the national average, while utilities are 10% cheaper. Overall, Rio Rancho falls a full 4% below the national cost of living average across the board. Healthcare is the only measured category in which Rio Rancho exceeds national expenditures, and even here it is only 1% over. As a comparison, New York City is 126% more expensive than Rio Rancho.

Best Place to Retire in New Mexico

Las Cruces, New Mexico has been voted “Best Place to Retire” in the state many times over. AARP listed it as a Top 5 in 2006, while Money Magazine has ranked it twice in two separate years. Las Cruces offers wonderful weather and plenty of senior living activities. With four golf courses and tons of nearby hiking and fishing, those 55 and older will not lack for recreation. New Mexico taxpayers are also afforded tax breaks from income sources that fall below $28,500. An average three bedroom house costs a mere $168,000, making Las Cruces easily affordable for those on a fixed income. Las Cruces is a wonderful place for seniors to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy all of the senior activities the city has to offer.

The southwest is an amazing place to live, and no state contained within it is more amazing than New Mexico. The affordability, school systems and economy continue to improve. New Mexico is the southwest's best place to live for people at any stage of their lives.

Best Cities: Retire in the USA

Much of our time on this blog has been dedicated to discussing the idea of moving or retiring abroad. It began with the question, Where should I live? and quickly expanded to include: where to retire and we've done a lot of searching for the cheapest places to live.

Staying in the USA

Now although I look at myself as a citizen of the world (I do believe that patriotism is an outdated - out moded concept that is preventing us from reaching greater potential, but that's a discussion for another day!) I get a lot of feedback from people who don't want to move - at least not to far. They're not interested in living abroad and find comfort and security staying in the good old USA. I appreciate and respect that. So lately, you may have noticed, I've been trying to provide a lot more information about staying in the USA - the best places to live, retire and some of the places to avoid - like the most miserable cities in America!

The Best Place to Retire

One common characteristic I find in people who are requesting information about best city to live in USA is that they tend to be older. They were born and raised in the America and the idea of moving abroad is total foreign to them - pardon the pun. I can't blame them! America is home. They been through good and bad here and this is the place they want to spend their retirement years. Traditionally Florida was the dream for a lot of these working folks. It was thought of as the best place to retire in all of America. But times have changed. Florida has seen some turbulent times - again pardon the pun - and many retirees have written it off the list. That said, I still plan on doing a little research and finding the best places to live in Florida.

Places to Retire

So Florida may be down, but not out. However, Florida is only one of the best retirement states. There are plenty more. I've spent quite some time gathering data and presenting you with lots and lots of lists. I've also found retirement places rated in different surveys and passed that on. But now it's your turn.

Earlier in February of this year I made a post about a review I read online. It was regarding a list by RandomForest.com titled,

The Best U.S. Cities For Retirees

1. Asheville, NC
2. Sarasota, FL
3. Prescott, AZ
4. Paris, TN
5. Austin, TX
6. Green Valley, AZ
7. Winston-Salem, NC
8. Beaufort, SC
9. San Diego, CA
10. Ft. Myers, FL

I would like to know what you thought - think about that list. Are those places you would consider retiring to? Are you surprised by the best cities to retire in the USA , which made it on the list? I would really like to know!

My idea was to create a survey here in the post so you could just rank order the cities but I couldn't figure out how to do that on Blogger! So, I opted for the next best thing - it's over there to your right on the sidebar. Now before you vote you may want to go back and review my post from February - just click on the heading for that list above, it will take you right there.

Cast your vote and if you don't see your Best US City in the list then leave me a comment below and I will add it!

Deadwood Best Place to Live

A few years ago we were living in Boquete, Panama - one of AARP's recommendations as the Best Place to Retire. Just one of the things about this wonderful community in the mountainous Chirqui Highlands town near the border of Costa Rica was the modern conveniences we enjoyed. Who would have thought this small Panamanian town 'in the middle of nowhere' would offer high speed internet, excellent cell service and Direct TV service? Yes, those things made life quite comfortable however, the Direct TV feed was for Latin America so even though we enjoyed a lot of english speaking prime time programs a number of them were dated and some we enjoyed back in America simply weren't available. As a result we developed a bit of a sharing system whereby friends and family would send us video tapes of the latest and greatest HBO releases and we would pass them around. One new show which arrived from our neighbours son in the U.S. was HBO's 'Deadwood'. Once a month we couldn't wait to get our fix of the four latest episodes.

That's the long introduction to my story about a headline which caught my eye,

Deadwood named Best Place to Live

Yes it seems the editors of American Cowboy Magazine have chosen Deadwood from across the west as one of the 20 Best Places to Live in the West. The top 20 places were chosen based on "their authentic cowboy culture and charm; respect for history and heritage; recreational leisure and outdoor activities and having a strong sense of community coupled with a free spirited rugged independence."

The director of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, George Milos says it's something people who live their have known all along. It seems the folk of Deadwood are quite proud of their small town hospitality. The town also boast a 'strong school system'.

Other western U.S. towns which made the list of Best Places to Live included:
Red Lodge, Montana
Chico, California
Flagstaff, Arizona and
Amarillo, Texas

Deadwood is located in South Dakota.

Source: The Daily Republic Mitchell, South Dakota

Best U.S. Cities for Retirees 2011

The Best Cities For Retirees in 2011 – When you're thinking about retirement you might just be like a lot of other retirees who are considering moving. It's not a simple task as there are a number of things you want to take into consideration. We've touched on this many times in this blog - no list will ever be complete enough for everyone. That's because each of us has different needs, wants and values when it comes to what we believe to be the Best Place to Retire. For some being surrounded by nature and awe inspiring vistas may be #1 for others find a vibrant city with plenty to see and do is the winner.

Often I write about countries and places from a bigger perspective but today I thought we would have a look at city living and specifically the Best Cities for Retirement in 2011.

Best Cities For Retirees

This idea hit me when I was reading my news feed this morning and saw an article and list on RandomForest.com which listed the Best Cities for Retirees in the United States. Along with the list was a great little article about the top things to consider when searching for the Best Place to Retire. The author made this comment which I loved. He said,

"Retirees aren't going some place to die, they're going some place to live!"

I love that! It really helps one get focused on what will be most important for this next transition in life. So often we get caught up in worry about cost of living. Many retirees seem obsessed with finding the Cheapest Places to Live but there's so much more to life and living than money. Here are a few things which are top of the list to consider when looking at the Best Cities for Retirees -

#1 Safety – Everyone wants to feel safe especially at two key times in your life - when you have children and when you are getting older. No one wants to retire to a place where they are in fear or constantly on edge. That's a sure way to get to the next transition (death) even faster!

#2 Best Health Care – When we were in our youth we took risks under the assumption we would live forever. But let's face it even if you've taken good care of yourself there are still a number of little things that pop up as we get older. We need access to health care that is responsive, intelligent, and competent.

#3 Best Environment (Weather) – I currently live in the west and can’t imagine the idea of shovelling snow. My retirement property is in Panama and there's a good reason I chose that place. If you're looking to retire in a big city you want it to be in a place that's sunny and bright with a relatively low level of precipitation. Why? Because you want to stay active and have fun! What do you want to do when you're not working - go golfing, hiking, play tennis, swim? What hobbies do you and will you enjoy most?

#4 Friendships - With time on your hands the last thing you want to discover is that you've landed in 'snobs-ville'. You've worked your whole life and sometimes you probably had to put up with nasty people. Now that you're retired you can chose who you associate with and where you want to live. Being with like minded people who want to have fun and enjoy each others company is a high priority. The last place you want to find yourself is in one of the most miserable cities in America.

So, which U.S. cities rank highest on these criteria? Here are the top ten best cities to live in USA -

10 Best U.S. Cities For Retirees

1. Asheville, NC
2. Sarasota, FL
3. Prescott, AZ
4. Paris, TN
5. Austin, TX
6. Green Valley, AZ
7. Winston-Salem, NC
8. Beaufort, SC
9. San Diego, CA
10. Ft. Myers, FL

In a future discussion we'll have a look at the Best States to Live in both from the perspective of the retiree as well as the working person.

Coffee Growing Around Boquete Region In Panama

Guest Post By Tyler Ramos

Boquete, Panama is nestled into the slopes of the Baru Volcano and it is famous for producing some of the most delicious and rich coffees throughout the country and indeed throughout Central America. The coffee that is grown and harvested here has begun to garner attention from the international coffee loving community for its rich blends and luxurious aroma.

In the past the coffee grown in the country was over shadowed by coffee growing neighbors Colombia and Coast Rica. But in the past few years the Boquete region has shone brightly and won many international awards that has propelled it to the forefront of coffee production in the world. If you are a coffee lover, then you should make time in your Panamanian holiday to visit the region and see how the coffee is grown, harvested and processed.

The climate in the region is excellent for growing coffee, with just the right measure of sun, shade and humidity. The soil is volcanic and highly fertile, which helps to produce a particularly rich flavored coffee bean.

For visitors who are interested in experiencing some of the world's best coffee as fresh as possible, there are coffee tours that you can do to sample the local brews at the site where they are grown, harvested and roasted. The tours also teach you about the history of coffee growing in the region and you can see coffee mills that are more than a century old.

On the tours of the plantations you will learn all about different aspects of growing and harvesting the coffee as well as historical information specific to the region, organic growing practices, fair trade and secrets to brewing the best possible cup of coffee at home.

There are two different processing methods that are utilized in Boquete. The first is wet processing, which is done immediately after the coffee cherries have been picked by local workers from the trees. The cherries are washed in a machine, then pulped and then finally dried. When the cherry has been dried out, the bean is extracted - interestingly, only 20 per cent of what is pulled from the trees is coffee bean.

There is also dry processing, which is a more labor intensive process and tends to be more expensive as well to produce the coffee. In Boquete, this process is done by placing the beans on platforms in the sun to be dried out and the beans have to be turned every six hours so that they dry out evenly and retain the full flavor of the beans.

When the processing is done, then the beans are chosen according to their size and quality. They are grouped together and then undergo a process known as cupping, where they are stored for up to six months and continually judged for readiness. When they are ready, the coffee beans are packaged and 90 per cent is now exported out of Panama to the waiting lips of coffee lovers worldwide.

About the Author:

Locate wonderful deals for Boquete real estate by going online. There are many choices of Boquete locations that you can buy. Head online now and learn more.

National Parks In Panama Have Immense Variety

Guest post By Tyler Ramos

Tourists are often drawn to Panamabecause it offers travelers variety and adventure. Panama is surrounded by rainforests. Its forests boast thousands of plant and bird species, and an array of other animals. There are also numerous national parks in Panama.

The first national park to have boundaries in two countries is the Amistad, which is situated in Panama but also in Costa Rica. A tourist visiting Amistad can easily find accommodation and modes of travel, among other services. They are also invited to fish in a local river called Teribe.

The Bastimentos is a collection of islands that constitute a marine park. It is unique in that protection is provided not only to the wildlife and beaches but also to the coral reef found off its coast, deep beneath blue waters.

The Baru Volcano is contained within the Baru preservation. The volcano is visited by numerous tourists who drive to its top with the hopes of seeing wildlife along the way. The volcano also boasts scenic views.

The Barro Colorado Monument is a smaller park and is made up of a mix of peninsulas and an island. Travelers can enjoy a guided day tour which culminates with a viewing of the Giant Tree.

Campana is known for its exciting wild animals, such as monkeys, pigs and a mix of birds. It is also home to a variety of reptiles including the Golden Frog. This frog, which is endangered, is considered a local treasure.

The Canas Wildlife Refuge has many differing turtle species. These turtles are known to entertain tourists when they come out at night. The refuge is also known for its hiking and water sports.

The main water supply for the Panama Canal is from the rivers of the Chagres National Park. The Chagres permits rafting in at least some of its rivers and has lakes where visitors engage in all kinds of water sports. It is also enjoyed by campers and bird watchers.

Coiba is further from bigger towns than other parks, and as a result has fewer accommodations. Despite this it still witnesses a fair share of yearly travelers who seek out its beaches, where reportedly turtles make their nests. In addition, in its ocean waters swim Marlins.

Darien is not only home to rainforest animals but also to indigenous tribes. Travelers can explore the jungles where it is not uncommon to meet indigenous people. Some visitors have even watched tribal dancing.

Iguana is known for the vast size of its iguana population. However, that is not all. There are other animals that live in Iguana, such as turtles. It is also famous as one of the places migrating whales stop at.

This has been a taste of what Panama offers in terms of national parks. They are all filled with an assortment of flora and fauna, and each with its own special offerings. Just to further illustrate the extent of diversity awaiting a potential visitor, there is even a park found just minutes from the downtown area of the capital city

About the Author:

When searching for a home in Panama, you might want to take a peak at panama condos. We have a great list of real estate in Panama that you will be happy with.

Retirees Find Altos Del Maria Panama Desirable And Budget Friendly

By Tyler Ramos

Scattered in the hills and valleys of Altos del Maria in Panama are home sites and homes for sale offering dream views of rushing waterfalls, lakes and oceans, and volcanic mountains in the distance. Much like Boquete Panama, you can hike along trails and take photos of sloths and monkeys and wonderful birds in the trees. You might even see a yellow frog.

Spread out on more than seven-thousand acres, the developers at Altos del Maria have thought of everything. The gated community offers security and urban services such as Internet and phone services, including cell phones, television via satellite, plus a heliport, golf courses, swimming pools. The developers have paved miles of road and made sure there is plenty of electricity and water. The roads facilitate the hour and half drive to and from Panama City. Closer by are tropical beaches when you want a change from the mountains, and the townships of Sora and Bejuco.

Most people think of the canal or a hat when they hear Panama. Panamanian locals have several versions of where the word Panama originated. Some say indigenous peoples named the land after a common tree. Others say the word means either many butterflies or many fish. All versions seem appropriate. The fact that the country holds vast expanses of unspoiled nature feels like a secret someone has been keeping.




A long and profitable relationship building the Panama Canal with the US has resulted in many Panamanians speaking English in addition to Spanish, their national language. Panamanians have a reputation of being friendly. US dollars exchange at a rate of one-to-one, and are acceptable, legal tinder in Panama. Reports indicate that the dollar goes further for retirees in Panama. A monthly income of twelve-hundred US dollars buys one a very nice lifestyle there.

Panama City has all the perks expected from a big city: good medical services, good restaurants, lots of things to see and do. The Panamanian economy remains stable in large part because of the Panama Canal. The US and Panama continue work together on a canal project referred to as the Third Set of Locks, to allow more ships through and maintain economic stability.

Worth mentioning is the pensionado program Panama offers retirees, which provides discounts on travel, entertainment, housing costs, and prescription medications. A pensionado application and visa are required for this program for non-citizens. However, it is possible to buy, build, and live in Panama without signing up for the pensionado program.

A map of Panama shows it to be a long, thin stretch of land. Panama City and Altos del Maria are found on the east and west sides, respectively, of the same narrow neck of land. Altos del Maria is at a much higher elevation, starting at 1,476 feet above sea level. The highest sites are at 3,608 feet. The high altitude keeps the temperatures at 75 degrees F year-round. Its possible to see the Pacific and Caribbean from some of the sites.

Whether you dream of building your own home or prefer to find a bungalow ready to move into, the developers at Altos del Maria can accommodate you. Big lot, small lot, high elevation or low, it is your choice.

About the Author:

Find fabulous prices on altos del maria real estate by looking online. There you can find many choices for altos del maria. Head online today and learn more.

Boquete Needs To Be Your Next Vacation Destination

By Tyler Ramos

In the Chiriqui Province in Panama, South America, the small town of Boquete Panama has been capturing the hearts of a great many tourists. Many parts of this town are causing a stir among people from all over the world. If you are ready to have an experience in a land that is beautiful and enchanting, you need to start making your travel plans.

One of the things that this town is famous for is the coffee growing. People travel to here from all over the world to enjoy the coffee harvesting festivals each year. The native Indians dress colorfully and the excitement begins as they start picking the coffee cherries. It is truly something amazing to experience, especially if you are a regular coffee drinker.

Some of the flowers you will see in this town are going to have you snapping photos every time you turn around. This has been called by many the land of flowers. The number of well maintained flower beds will have you in awe of their beauty and fragrances. A lot of species of birds are present as well due to the flowers and the seclusion of the natural settings. Hummingbirds in particular are attracted to some of the flowers.

The Vulcan Baru area is a large part of Boquete. It is right at the Baru Volcano. You can hike these areas and tale your time in enjoying the environment. Make sure to take the tour that will allow you to reach the very top of the volcano as well. You can imagine the views you will have while on this hike. Many people have begun to travel to this little town for these very reasons.

Are you ready to start making your travel plans for Boquete? You can do so by visiting online to some of the fine accommodations available for you to reserve. Located nearly right in town, the Valle Primavera is one of the loveliest places you could stay to be able to enjoy the festivities going on. You might also want to check into the rustic accommodations of the Finca Larida as well.

Think about kayaking on some of the rivers flowing through the lush green woodlands. Maybe you would like to go horseback riding to be able to enjoy this kind of natural setting. You are going to have plenty of things to do while you are visiting Boquete. Check online trip advisors for more than you might believe going on in this little town.

Meal times are great times while on vacation as well, especially when you are visiting another country that serves different cuisine than you normally eat. This is a time for diversity and intense flavors. The restaurants in Boquete that can offer you some of the finest panama dishes ever. Be sure to try Casado with a cup of brewed coffee.

Make your vacation destination traveling plans for Boquete online. It is fast and easy plus you will save money in doing so. Be ready to go straight to your lodgings when you arrive to prepare for the greatest adventure you have ever been on.

About the Author:

Locate great deals on Boquete real estate by looking online. There you will find several deals in Boquete to consider buying. Head online now and learn more about this and other of Latin America's cheapest destinations.

Bradford - Best places to be a pensioner

The Telegraph and Argus reports that Bradford is the 3rd cheapest place to retire in the UK, according to a new survey.

Editors Update: Check out our November review of the latest Telegraph list of the Top Cheapest Places to Retire in the world.

Bradford was narrowly beat by Cardiff, which is the cheapest city to retire in, followed by Hull which came in 2nd place.

Yorkshire is also noted as the cheapest county to retire in, three of its cities in the top five cheapest places are found in Yorkshire. Sheffield is 4th followed by Leeds in 5th place.

The research was done by retirement income specialists at MGM Advantage. The report also reveals London to be the most expensive city in the UK requiring an annual income of almost £35,000 compared to the national average of £26,000.

Bradford 'best' places to be a pensioner

Editors Note: Looking for the Cheapest Places to retire in America? Check out our new series (November 2011) where we explore the great nation of America from Coast to Coast looking for the best places to live and the cheapest states. 

One of the Cheapest Places on Earth

Own a brand new beachfront condo for $75,000. Or a luxury apartment for $28,000. Employ full-time household help to cook and clean for $30 a week. Enjoy a gourmet meal for two, with wine and dessert, for $25.

Every cliché you've heard about living large on little…about settling into the lap of luxury on even a pensioner's budget…is true in this country.


Ecuador has my attention because it offers some of the cheapest property values in the world today. For example, you can buy a high end 1,000-square-foot condo on the beach for less than $100,000…or a comfortable mountain retreat for less than $50,000.

Last year, Ecuador topped International Living’s Retirement Index, which praised its quality of life and low cost of living.

In this country, you can live high in the mountains and enjoy year-round spring-like weather. Or you can choose from 1,390 miles of coastline and great beaches. And your dollar goes far. I know of retired couples who live comfortably on $700 per month. An excellent three-course lunch costs $2. Ecuador welcomes foreigners with open arms. Best of all are the property prices and holding costs, both of which are low.

France earns Top Spot as Best Place to Live

Yesterday I blogged about the Top Ten Places to Live in the world and in particular the #6 through #10 places. Today we get the second have of the Top Ten and the winner is...

International Living's Quality of Life Index puts France in the #1 spot now for the 5th year!

This is the 30th year IL Magazine has published its popular index. This year they say once again that the French know how to live life to the fullest while countries like England and America simply don't get it - they're overworked, over weight and out of touch with what 'Quality of Life' really means.

Australia was ranked 2nd place while Britain comes in as a big loser infact Britain was ranked below the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Uruguay!

So what are the key things that make France the Best Place to Live? Well IL says the French have everything from the beautiful French Riviera to fabulous skiing and to top it all off they have the best health care system in the world. Add in long luxurious lunches, top notch restaurants and some, if not THE, best wines in the world.

All while England suffers from poor climate, high crime rates, an obnoxiously high cost of living, traffic congestion and overcrowding.

Here are the top of the top best places to live in the world:
#5 New Zealand
#4 Germany
#3 Switzerland
#2 Australia
and #1 France.

Technorati Tags: best places to live, quality of life index, international liing

Does Cheap Rent make it one of the Cheapest Places to Live?

Bob McPhail writes in the San Diego Reader about Cheap Rent in Tijuana.

“The loss of employment in the United States and the impossibility of paying rents over a thousand dollars a month has prompted many families to change their residence to Tijuana, where they can pay rents between 400 and 600 dollars,” reports the Tijuana daily El Mexicano.

Sounds a lot like many other Latin American destinations like Panama where Americans can find some of the Cheapest Places to Live.

Bob says that, "According to real estate agents, there has been an increase in emigrados (Mexican residents with legal permission to work in the U.S.) who have moved to Tijuana in search of a house.

By paying cheaper rent, the hope is that they can improve their financial situation. Even though Tijuana rents are high compared to the rest of Mexico, those who have lost their jobs can still afford to rent here with their unemployment insurance, said the report.

Meanwhile, the influx of emigrados is having a negative effect on Tijuana residents, who are also looking for less-expensive places to live during the economic crisis.

“They are trying to change to more economic housing whose rents are fixed between 250 and 300 dollars a month, but emigrados are renting many of these available homes,” according to El Mexicano. Real estate agents told the newspaper that when they show an emigrado a home that rents for 500 or 600 dollars a month, “for an emigrado, that’s cheap because over there on the other side you’re talking about thousands of dollars.”

Because of the effect of emigrados' on the housing market, real estate agents have adopted a new policy to protect themselves from the fluctuating value of the peso (currently about 13 pesos to the dollar): they are fixing prices in dollars instead of pesos in new rental contracts.

Source: San Diego Reader | Home Is Where Cheap Rent Is

Switzerland Boasts World's Best Wages but it's not the Cheapest Place to Live

Employees in Zurich and Geneva have the highest net wages in the world, a study by banking group UBS shows, while those in India's Mumbai take home the lowest.

The Swiss cities were also ranked among the top five most expensive in the world in the bank's 2009 "Price and Earnings" international study.

"With its extremely high gross wages and comparatively low tax rates, Switzerland is a very employee-friendly country," the Swiss bank said in a statement.

"No other cities allows workers to take home more income at the end of the month than Zurich and Geneva."

Oslo was this year's most expensive city, based on a standardised basket of 122 goods and services, followed by Zurich, Copenhagen, Geneva, Tokyo and New York.
When rents are also taken into account, however, New York rises to the top spot, the study said.
London, which was the second most expensive city in 2006, fell nearly 20 places following the pound's drop earlier this year.

The analysis involved more than 30,000 data points, collected by several independent observers in each city, in March and April, the bank said. All amounts were converted into a single currency before being compared.

The world's cheapest places to live were Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur, Manila in the Philippines, and India's Delhi and Mumbai.

Las Lajas, Chiriqui Panama, Time travel to the 1950's on a tropical beach

Las Lajas, Chiriqui Panama, Time travel to the 1950's on a tropical beach

Posted using ShareThis

Discover Panama on DVD

Thinking of Retiring to Panama? Here's an affordable way to discover what Living in Panama is all about before you buy the plane ticket!

Shot in gorgeous high definition (HD) video, Director Sasha Owen shows you how you can buy the home of your dreams in one of the world's most sophisticated and affordable countries: Panama. In this 60 minute video, they take you from the gleaming luxury high rises of Panama City to the laid back tropical island paradise of Bocas del Toro and introduce you to expats who are living the life they've always dreamed of, for far less than they would have paid in their home countries. They also take you to the beautiful mountain oasis of Boquete Panama, which has long been regarded as one of the world's best places to retire. Watch interviews with many expats, the people who've made Panama their new home and we follow one couple, Kay Owen and Larry Mattison, as they search for, and ultimately find, the luxury apartment of their dreams in Panama City. Also learn from interviews with attorneys, real estate agents, developers and other experts who give you the inside scoop about how to get the best property deals in the country. They explain the process and reveal the secrets for making a profitable and wise investment in a country that is truly a nexus of the world. Whether you're looking for a quiet country retreat or a cosmopolitan luxury penthouse in the sky, Home:World Panama shows you how you can retire or buy the affordable second home of your dreams in this spectacular country in Central America.

Customer Reviews

Beautiful presentation with very well balanced information, definitely neither hype or negative., September 12, 2007 By R Marrero (Tampa, Florida USA) - "Anyone interested in Panama, especially to relocate or to invest in property, should definitely consider get this DVD. It's non-bias approach, colorful scenery & up to the point information will help you get a better picture of what this country has to offer. It also provides with suggestions/do's & dont's on how to succeed there. Although not touristy oriented, it provides with some sightseeing of the main areas. At roughly one hour, it makes you "crave" for more. However it's well put together. Also it's in wide screen format, for awesome viewing on our flat screen TV. It's worth the money."

Panama Travel and Tourism

Panama YouTube Video

Blogged with the Flock Browser