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For the last ten years, Panama has continually been in the top five lists of recommended retirement locations. International Living magazine, the American Association of Retired People, Modern Maturity magazine, Retire and Invest Overseas, and a multitude of other newsletters and publications have praised the benefits of retiring to Panama.

So, why should YOU consider retiring to Panama? There are probably as many reasons as there are people considering it, but below I give you eight of my personal lifestyle reasons.

Number 1: It is only hours away from the U.S. mainland

Panama can be reached from both cities in the Eastern and the Western United States with relative ease. When I make by trips to Panama, I generally leave from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and within two and a half hours, I am landing in Tocumen Airport just outside of Panama City, Panama. I still have a living parent, children, and grandchildren in the U.S. and I like the fact that within a few hours, I can be with them in case of an emergency.

Number 2: The cost of living is relatively low

I say the cost of living is relatively low because you can live any lifestyle you want in Panama. If money is no object, you can live in a modern, three to four bedroom condominium in an elite area with all the amenities you could hope to have in the States. There are however many retirees who are not so fortunate and must live on a reduced income. There is a place in Panama for them too, especially in the interior (all the country outside of Panama City). Prices vary by location and by neighborhoods as they do elsewhere, but you can retire to Panama within the income which Panama requires you to have to stay in the country.

Number 3: Communication systems such as internet, cell phones, and satellite/cable TV are readily available.

There is a wider range of communication system possibilities in and around Panama City, but high speed internet, cell phones, satellite TV, and cable TV can readily be found in most parts of the county.

Number 4: The weather is perfect: beaches, mountains, and cities

Panama City can be hot and sultry and the air a little bit on the polluted side, but this is no different from any other major world city. As you get out into the countryside the weather gets cooler and more pleasant. Favorite retirement areas like El Valle de Anton and Chiriqui Province offer pleasant temperatures year round. If you like the beach, you can live on either the Pacific coastline or the Caribbean.

Number 5: You can choose a city or country lifestyle (and you can drink the water)

Approximately half of the Panamanian population lives in Panama City. The city is vibrant and exciting. You can choose to live in the older sections (like Casco Viejo), or in the newer sections near the downtown business sections. If the city doesn’t suit you, it is off to the interior. But you do have a choice.

Number 6: Affordable healthcare

The cost of medical care in Panama is considerably less than in the United States. A large portion of the doctors have been educated in the States and in the Panama City area, you will find some of the best medical facilities in the world. A number of these are associated with leading U.S. hospitals like Johns Hopkins and Miami Children’s Hospital.

Number 7: Panama has a stable government.

Due to the importance of the Panama Canal, the United States government has pledged to protect Panama’s sovereignty. The government is a constitutionally elected one and has no standing army. For those who still think of Panama in the same breath with Noriega, forget it. Those days no longer exist.

Number 8: You can retire young if you meet the income requirements.

You can retire as early as 19 years of age if you meet the retirement income requirements. You don’t have to wait until you are in your sixties to retire. So, for those with sufficient income, the benefits of retirement living in a tropical environment can be had in your prime productive years.

Panama is my number one choice among retirement destinations. Yours may be different, but you can not go wrong by checking Panama out.

Dr. Lamar Ross has a special interest in training individuals for expatriate living and providing information on unique travel destinations. He is an author, educator, photographer, internet entrepreneur, and international traveler. He has lived in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and India and has traveled extensively in 29 different countries. He speaks both English and Spanish fluently and has a basic ability in several other languages. For more information on expatriate living, check out the blog Expatriate Traveler Notes