| Ever dreamed of owning a foreign vacation | | | | (you're not the only one reading this |
| home, living or retiring in an exotic land? | | | | article).PANAMA: THE NEW FLORIDA?Inexpensive |
| You're not alone. An ever increasing number | | | | real estate, a low cost of living, |
| of Americans and Europeans are being lured | | | | breathtaking scenery and First-world perks |
| abroad by a lower cost of living and higher | | | | should put Panama at the top of your list if |
| quality of life. Some are returning to their | | | | you're considering living or retiring |
| ancestral countries or to places where they | | | | abroad.Home to Central America's most vibrant |
| once vacationed, worked or studied. Others | | | | and attractive capital (Panama City), Panama |
| are being enticed by generous retiree perks | | | | is slightly larger than the state of Florida. |
| and attractive tax incentives. Outside of | | | | Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific |
| reading about it, you probably have never | | | | Ocean, it is one of those places that can |
| given the notion any serious thought. These | | | | seduce you through its sheer natural beauty. |
| three beautiful and affordable slices of | | | | The seemingly endless stretches of |
| paradise could change your mind.NOVA SCOTIA: | | | | picturesque coastline, lush green valleys, |
| THE HIDDEN GEMNot all expatriate destinations | | | | near-perfect weather and friendly people make |
| are created equal. If you're on a budget, | | | | it one of the most livable places in the |
| tired of crowded beaches and packed | | | | world. If you like Florida and the Caribbean, |
| supermarkets, love seafood, and have a | | | | you'll love Panama.Outside of its scenic |
| 19th-century mindset, you may want to | | | | charms, Panama is one of the best places |
| consider Nova Scotia, the Canadian province | | | | anywhere for expatriate and retirees today, |
| which is becoming one of the most sought | | | | offering one of the world's best discount |
| after vacation home and retirement havens in | | | | programs for retirees. AARP rated Panama "the |
| North America.Nova Scotia is beautiful. With | | | | fourth best retirement place in the world." |
| some of the world's most beautiful scenery, | | | | When stacked up against traditional Latin |
| it boasts something for every taste: historic | | | | American retirement havens such as Mexico, |
| small towns, picture-perfect countryside, and | | | | Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, Panama |
| a bustling capital with attractive suburbs, | | | | has more amenities, lower costs, and less |
| not to mention 3,600 miles of enchanting | | | | crime, red tape and government |
| coastline dotted with charming fishing | | | | interference.In addition, Panama has put |
| villages, inexpensive lots to build on, and | | | | together an impressive list of incentives to |
| opportunities for outdoor recreation of | | | | attract newcomers, including:Expatriates who |
| virtually every type. Deeply steeped in | | | | buy or build a new home pay no property taxes |
| Scottish, Irish and Acadian (creole) | | | | for 20 years.No taxes on foreign-earned |
| heritage, the province feels like New England | | | | income (Social Security, pensions or business |
| 100 years ago, and the entire province's | | | | profits).Investments in the tourism industry |
| population is less than one million so the | | | | are exempt from import duties, construction |
| place is anything but crowded.But that's not | | | | materials and equipment costs, and income, |
| all. With government-funded healthcare, | | | | real estate and other taxes for a period of |
| comfortable spring and summer temperatures | | | | 20 years.The pensionado (retiree) programYou |
| (with milder and less snowy winters than many | | | | don't need to be retired to qualify for the |
| northern U.S. states) and real estate prices | | | | program (anyone over 18 may apply for |
| considerably lower than anything on the coast | | | | benefits). The only requirement is a |
| in the United States, Nova Scotia is well | | | | guaranteed income of $500 per month ($600 for |
| worth considering. The growing American and | | | | a couple). It must be a pension from a |
| European expat population obviously | | | | company or government agency (e.g. Social |
| agrees.For Sale: Your own slice of the | | | | Security, disability, military pay, etc.). |
| breathtaking coastline and tens of thousands | | | | After becoming a Panamanian resident |
| of acres of quaint countryside at | | | | "pensioner," you are immediately eligible for |
| unbelievably low prices. Live like a prince | | | | the most comprehensive program of expatriate |
| in a peaceful and private haven. Enjoy | | | | benefits in the world, including discounts on |
| universal healthcare, friendly people and | | | | everything from doctor's visits and mortgage |
| Cuban cigars (they're legal here). All this | | | | closing costs to restaurant meals and |
| in a pristine, under-developed storybook | | | | entertainment (movies, theaters, concerts, |
| setting. But hurry...the word is out now | | | | sporting events, etc.). |