Article written by Jisel Perilla

Contributing writer to Latinworld.com

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach town, a verdant mountain village, something traditional or completely modern, Panama is worth serious consideration if you’re planning to retire or relocate south of the border.

1. Panama City: A modern, cosmopolitan city vaguely resembling Miami, Panama City offers many of the same amenities and conveniences of any American city, but at a much lower cost.
Pros: Excellent hospitals and restaurants, great shopping, cultural and nightlife, no car necessary, attractive historic quarter, cheap taxis, typical “big city” feel.
Cons: Like any big city, can be dirty, noisy, chaotic. Terrifying, aggressive drivers, poor public transportation, very hot and humid. Higher cost of life than most other parts of Panama.
Who lives here: A multicultural city home to people of Chinese, Spanish, indigenous and African ancestry, Panama City is also home to growing American and Canadian communities and is definitely Central America’s most “international” city.

2. Boquete: This picturesque mountain town, known for its award winning coffee and outdoor opportunities, is quickly becoming home to one of Panama’s most closely knit expat communities.
Pros: Pleasant, spring-like weather all year long, large English-speaking population, great hiking opportunities, 9-hole golf course, very safe, good restaurants for a small town
Cons: Rains a lot, major hospital and grocery store one hour away in David, nearest beach several hours away. Limited nightlife.
Who lives here: Panamanians of humble means, Ngobe-Bugle Indians, a mostly elderly community of Americans and Canadians.

3. Bocas del Toro: This Caribbean outpost near the Costa Rican border is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, nightlife and surfing.
Pros: Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Panama, almost everyone speaks English, great bar and restaurant scene.
Cons: Rains more than other parts of Panama, several hours from major city, towns tend to be dirty, a bit run down. You’ll need to have or hire a boat to get to the best beaches. Higher cost of living than other parts of Panama, especially when it comes to real estate.
Who lives here: Large community of Ngobe-Bugle Indians, English-speaking African descendents, Canadians escaping cold winter months, middle-aged American business-owners.

4. Pacific Coast: Located only 30 minutes to two hours from Panama City, the Pacific Coast is known for its high rise-luxury condos, all-inclusive resorts and “country club” feel.
Pros: Rains less than other parts of Panama, proximity to Panama City, home to some of Panama’s most luxurious lodging, well-developed infrastructure, excellent surfing and golfing opportunities, large English-speaking population.
Cons: Sun can get uncomfortably strong here, less breeze than Caribbean side, beaches get crowded on weekends, strong riptides can make swimming difficult, inflated real estate prices.
Who lives here: Upscale Panamanians with weekend homes, Americans and Canadians, some year-round, others only during winter months. Many locals forced out due to higher property values.

5. Azuero Peninsula: The traditional, sleepy towns that dot the Azuero Peninsula are almost undiscovered and those looking to truly immerse themselves in Panamanian may want to consider the Azuero Peninsula.
Pros: Reasonable housing and property prices, sunnier than most parts of Panama, proximity to Pacific beaches, low cost of living, home to the most beautiful carnival celebrations in Panama.
Cons: Few English speakers, few high end restaurants, very limited nightlife
Who Lives Here: Mostly Panamanians of modest means.

Honorable Mention: El Valle de Anton is one of my favorite spots in Panama. Similar in climate and geography to Boquete and a long-time weekend getaway for urbanites looking for cooler weather, the Valle de Anton is just now starting to gain recognition as a worthy retirement and travel destination. Home prices are still low here and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. The Valle isn’t as modern or developed as Boquete, there’s still not much in the way of dining or nightlife and few people speak English, so it’s definitely not for everyone. However, because of its proximity to Panama City, its natural beauty and great climate, the Valle is definitely worth consideration.