June 2009
Panama City, Panama

Our 2009 Best Value Pick
for Mountain Property near Panama City

The perfect location for gardeners, mountain lovers, birders, and more…

Dear Panama Insider,

As a teen, I would sometimes be invited to this alpine village by a wealthy aunt or friend. The days were for horseback riding or hikes along the area’s many trails. During the evening, you could find everyone lying around in hammocks, enjoying the cool weather. As it got darker, it was time for blankets and a roaring fire. There were never any loud parties or festivals; everyone was happy to sit around talking and eating in the golden glow of the dancing flames.

As the 1990s drew to a close, for some reason this area became un-trendy. Everyone I knew seemed to simply stop going. Members of Panama’s elite began buying property in other mountain communities near Panama City. It wasn’t long before my old hangout gained a reputation as something of a ghost town.

I didn’t think it would be experiencing a revitalization anytime soon, but I was wrong. Recently a friend brought me the good news: a trickle of expats was discovering and moving to the very same alpine village I loved as a teen. Today, some 70 expats live here full time. Though still very tranquil and private, this place is far from a ghost town.

As the expat community has been moving here slowly (and quietly), the reawakening of my favorite mountain location may just be Panama’s best-kept secret. We’re excited to reveal it to you Insiders in this month’s issue. Read on to find out more about life here and the bargain property we uncovered, from lots for less than $20,000 to dreamy Swiss-style homes for well under $150,000.

Also this month, we tell you a little about Panama’s outlook post-elections. Panama’s presidential elections took place just weeks ago, on May 3, 2009. Despite a growing trend of left-wing leadership in Latin America, center-left candidate Balbina Herrera lost spectacularly to conservative Ricardo Martinelli, who won with over 60% of the vote.

Who is the new President-Elect and what changes does he have in store for Panama? Contributor Robert E. Bauman JD, legal counsel for The Sovereign Society and editor of their Offshore A-Letter, gives us his take on the situation.

Thanks for reading, Panas.

Click the "current issue” button on the left to download your issue of Panama Insider.                                                     

Best regards,

Jessica Ramesch
Editor, Panama Insider
Panama@InternationalLiving.com

P.S. I hope to see you in August: Please join me in Panama this August 6-8 for the Live & Invest in Panama Seminar. Many of you have written to say you’ll be attending and the event is filling up much faster than we expected. If you've been wanting to visit Panama, don’t miss out on this opportunity. All of International Living's Panama experts will be here, ready to talk to you about all your Panama hopes and dreams. Find out why, and much more, right here. Remember, as a Panama Insider, you are entitled to a special discount.