Boquete, Panama
Population: 20,000
Weather: Temperatures in the 70s year-round; dry January-April
Getting there: No direct flights. Flights from L.A. to Panama City take 6¦1/2§ hours, then it’s a 30-minute flight to the town of David and a 30-mile drive to Boquete.
Healthcare: Small clinics in Boquete; Panama City has good facilities, including a Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospital.
What $250,000 will buy: Three-bed, two-bath house with volcano view, community pool, tennis courts
Pros
Hundreds of U.S. retirees provide an instant support network
All foreign income tax exempt
15-year property tax breaks
Big senior discounts on domestic air and bus fares and hotels
Economy based on the U.S. dollar makes financial transactions easy
Cons
Land title disputes common
30-day tourist visas can rush house-hunting
Finding specialized local medical care can be difficult
Water shortages in dry season
Resources
* Boquete Community Forums, online discussion groups: www.boquete.org
* Panama Insight, website with visa, real estate and travel info: www.panamainsight.com
* Panamanian Tourism Institute: www.visitpanama.com/eng/index.php
