Boomers Set To Globalize Retirement

No previous U.S. generation has seen the world change faster and more dramatically than the 76 million Baby Boomers. If you’re one of them, you understand that for many there exists a feeling of being in a special place and time, of seeing and experiencing a myriad of transformations that imbued many with a residing sense of adventure.

That quest for adventure now is manifesting itself in the search for lifestyle options that will provide healthy returns and something different from your parents’ idea of retirement. For many Boomers, it may be a desire to seek new business opportunities paired with a lifestyle shift. Or it may be reinventing themselves in a way and place that keeps them active and involved.

Research indicates that Boomers will be the generation that globalizes retirement. With enhanced technology knocking down barriers to communications, people can stay in touch and work from virtually anywhere in the world. Zogby International already has coined “reverse migration” to describe the growing trend of movement from wealthier countries to emerging countries.

There are many Boomers who wish they had invested in Costa Rica 20 years ago when that country began its emergence. Those who did have seen condos that sold for $20,000 just 10 years ago now commanding prices exceeding $200,000. Beachfront lots that sold originally for under $100,000 now often sell for millions. Increases in value of more than 1,000 percent have not been uncommon, and now Panama is poised to offer investors another opportunity to reap handsome returns while enjoying a tropical way of life.

Panama’s staggering natural beauty is viewed by many as enough to justify investment.

Central America has only 0.1 percent of the world’s land mass — but 7 percent of its biodiversity. In terms of landmass, Central America — at 202,000 square miles — accounts for only 0.1 percent of the Earth’s surface. But as part of the Mesoamerican hotspot, the tiny subcontinent boasts 7 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Its southern countries (Costa Rica and Panama) are the most biodiverse, followed by the northern countries (Guatemala and Belize) and then the central countries (Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador). Central America is a land of contrasts — including high mountain ranges and populated valleys like ours here in Boquete.

Situated on the southernmost end of the isthmus connecting North America and South America, Panama plays its role of “middle ground” well: Home to many species that hail from each of its two larger continental neighbors — as well as many species found nowhere else in the world — Panama enjoys the most diverse wildlife of all Central American countries. Although it is slightly smaller than South Carolina, Panama has the largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere outside the Amazon Basin. Nearly 500 rivers traverse the country’s rugged landscape, including the Chagres, one of Panama’s widest waterways and the source of enormous hydroelectric power.

You can traverse the entire country in a day and be down at the beach within a hour and a half from the mountains.

and fishing in another hour!!

Along with these pristine natural features are other elements that always have attracted the curious and daring to visit and retire in Panama including temperate weather, a strong history and culture, scores of recreational and tourism opportunities, picturesque cities and towns, and, perhaps most enticing, a warm and welcoming population. In addition, the country also now features a robust and growing economy, stable government and one of the lowest crime rate in Latin America. With timing always a key to good investment, the facts demonstrate that Panama is ripe, particularly in terms of real estate. Interest in offshore real estate has been growing, with investment opportunities for small investors multiplying outside the United States. Just as Spain became an ideal location for Germans to have a second home that could be used for retirement, some believe that Mexico and Central and South America present a similar opportunity for Americans.

As Boomers look for overseas living, retirement and investment opportunities, worthy options are beginning to present themselves in Panama, where foreign investors are welcomed and protected.

Panama is a smart choice for retirees who want it all—in a country that really wants them. Not only does it feature attractive retirement destinations—sleek capital city, hot beach towns, cool mountain villages—but it also offers an unbeatable package of retiree benefits and discounts. Little wonder there has been a steady influx of expats in the past few years.

what to expect
here in BOQUETE

Well, it is  time to hit the send button as we are going out to show some tracts of land to a friend who is moving here from California

So, I end this  with my favorite theme about Boquete.

“Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high…There’s a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby. Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue. And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true. ” – E.Y. Harburg

There is indeed a land where rainbows often grace skies that are unencumbered by pollution, life is unhurried, and retirement dreams are fulfilled for many, in the Chiriqui highlands of Panama. Here’s the story…

Ex-pats, for those who are unfamiliar with the term, are those who leave one’s native country to live elsewhere. This unique breed may have a few motivational variations for permanently traversing beyond borders, but they tend to share a common character trait – a great sense of adventure in abandoning what is socially, culturally, and geographically familiar to pursue their dream of a healthier, happier, less hectic lifestyle. And, given the current economic state of affairs, perhaps they share the collective desire to avoid a possible catastrophe.

They seek a better quality of life married to a lower cost of living. They’re confident enough to start over in a new environment, making new friends. Ex-pats likely possess a libertarian streak, a do-it-yourself mentality that propels them to create their lives anew, whether it means transforming a piece of property into a model of green energy self-sufficiency, launching a new school for local kids, or opening a new café. And characteristically, they want to integrate into a community of similar-minded souls.

What gives a particular area the gravitational pull for ex-pats? It often starts with a warm climate and beautiful scenery surrounding a charming, affordable city or town. An abundance of fresh water sources, locally grown food and reliable hydro-electric power. Add a big welcome mat to foreigners from the local people, and a government actively enticing you to stay with such incentives as no property tax for the first 20 years, a generous program for newcomers to guarantee permanent residency, equal rights under the law, discounts for products and services across the board, plus excellent asset protection and maximum privacy from the banking institutions. Welcome to Boquete, Panama, and leave the door open. There’s more coming.