Central America is a swath of culturally diverse countries, people, and cities. Located between the Caribbean and the Pacific, this tract of land connects North America and South America. At the tip of the swath, right at the top of South America, is a small country known for its famous canal and dictators. This country is Panama and it might just be for you. In 2005, ‘International Living’ magazine voted this Central American country as one of the best places to retire. Unless you decide to experience what it has to offer, you will want to know why it was rated that way.

As one of three most industrialized nations in Central America, Panama is considered at country that offers tourists and visitors everything. It is seeing a time of growth both economically and technologically, and the most stable government the country has ever seen is in office. There are plenty of commercial investment opportunities located all over the country as well as educational chances in its many archaeological sites. The culture is a diverse mixture from around the world as well as native, and the weather is absolutely beautiful. It also has one of the highest rated medical care and prescription service in Central America, a plus for those who need constant care.

Panama, with it’s mixtures of cities and countryside, has a low, yet stable, cost of living. Someone on a retirement salary could obtain a beautiful place to live, pay only a portion of the amount they used to on their utilities, and, believe it or not, probably hire a maid. Shopping is a breeze with the way an American dollar can stretch and just about everything from fashion clothing to handmade native items can be purchased in one of the many shopping districts and open-air malls in the country.

If you enjoy the luxury of living in a city, but have been afraid to because of crime, fear no more. Panama City, the capital of Panama, has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Like every other city, it also offers the most modern conveniences, shopping, business, condos and apartments, and reliable medical facilities. And that’s not even counting the night life or its two Carnivals. The second largest Carnival celebration in the world, everything comes to a grinding halt in order to enjoy the festivities. The city of Las Tablas also has a large celebration including a royal court and bacchanal feast.

Beautiful weather is always a plus when you’re looking to retire someplace warm. Averaging around eighty degrees Fahrenheit all year round, cooler elevations can be found in the mountains and hurricanes and earthquakes are unheard of. It has the most coast line of any other Latin American country, and boasts white sand beaches and clear waters for just about any water activity you enjoy. If you prefer wildlife to water, there are fourteen national parks and ten wildlife refuges to explore.

If you’re looking for a warm place to retire on a fixed income, and the idea of living someplace exotic appeals to you, take a trip to Panama and see exactly what it has to offer you.

Ramon Roux is General Manager for CB Richard Ellis a Panama real estate leading company. Find more information about Real Estate in Panama here.