Panama Forum

Terrymcq
Joined 2017
Posts: 14

6 years ago

where to rent, then buy

6 years ago

My wife and I are planning to move permanently to central America and are looking at Panama, Belize, and Mexico. What I need to know (besides all the usual questions people are usually told to search previous threads) is where would I look for the best affordable housing where I might get by for a while only speaking English while learning Spanish with high speed internet for my work and good water supply at least for bathing/washing/watering the yard (I'm used to drinking store-bought water because of pesticides and herbicides in the central Indiana well water), maybe a couple acres up to five acres with house for sale. We probably will need to rent for a while to see if we truly can fit in the area but when ready to buy we won't be looking for anything costing more than maybe US$125,000. We aren't rich and will never be able to retire. We are self-employed which is why we can make the move as long as we have reliable internet as our work all comes in and goes out online and we won't be taking work from any citizens. Can anyone recommend realtors and/or rental agents to deal with or is it better to go it alone with input from other expats in the search for the right town or village with the necessary amenities including healthcare and shopping? Also, by chance can I look up online what I want to buy to see if the local store has it? Maybe that's hoping for too much but gotta ask. Thanks for any help.

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.