David, Boquete, Volcan Areas?

Question

I'm planning a trip to Panama in Feb. and would like to get as much info from people who actually live or have been to these areas. I plan on retiring there one day and my likes are the cooler climates, beaches within 20-30 mins.,outdoor activities,grocery and medical, and reasonable housing costs. I was originally going to look in the Altos Del Maria and El Valle areas but after more research it seems liike the Boquete areas are very nice too. Also, I don't care for the big city life, nice to go there for the day or weekend but wouldn't want to live there, I'm use to the country. Any info and links would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Dear friend, Panama is very nice. I'm from Panama and reside in Houston Texas. I go to Panama 1 to 3 x's a year. El Valle is my favorite of all. Volcan is nice but close Costa Rica border and the earth has lots of movement. El Valle is closer to the city for hospitals. If u need more info about Panama u can e mail me at diunvasco@ yahoo.

Answer 2

From my friends the life style in the Capital is much different then that in David, Boquete, Volcan Areas.  If you want a place that is calm,  cool and collected then you best choice is to visit the Panama City for yourself.  There is old saying:

"Seeing is worth believeing".

Answer 3

I would definitely pick David because it isn't near to the border of Costa Rica and the transportation is very inexpensive.

Answer 4

Join the Yahoo groups first. Given your criteria, Boquete is the best choice, David is hot and humid, although closest to the Pacific. Volcan is beautiful, but does not offer the ammentities you might find in the Boquete areas.

Boquete is the most expensive, it has already been overrun by developers and the expat community there is already established, for good or worse. Be advised that recent changes in Panamanian law is making it harder and harder for Americans to move or do business there. Thank Smirky Bush for that.

Answer 5

Near Altos del Maria there is a town called Campana, and another one called Chicá.

Check it out.

Those are really close to the beach, cool climate, beautifyl scenery and only an hour from the city.  I know you dont care for the city, but it is always good to get the car and go dine in a nice restaurant and return home.

Answer 6

It depends upon what you want to pay.  Almost everything in or near Boquete is pricey these days.  300k or 400k is mid range and it is rapidly being over built.  Parking and traffic is becoming nightmareish..  There aren't any beaches near David, Boquete or Volcan at all.  Anything worthwhile is an hour drive or more.  Volcan and Caisan have more space available but it is being discovered as we speak.  The cooler climates are in the hills, Volcan, Caisan, Cerro Punta.  Boquete is cool but has an almost constant wind coming down the valley.

Answer 7

"...my likes are the cooler climates, beaches within 20-30 mins.,outdoor activities,grocery and medical, and reasonable housing costs..."

sounds like Boquete is the right place for you

David is very hot and humid.

Volcan is ok but you would have better grocery stores at Boquete and for the medical part I'd say David is the only one who offers good hospitals.

If you want you can contact me for more information, pictures, etc.=)